The legal mechanism by which local governments regulate and control the use of land within their jurisdiction by dividing areas into districts or zones. Each zone has specific rules about what types of buildings and activities are permitted.
From Greek 'zone' meaning 'belt or girdle,' referring to distinct areas. Modern zoning emerged in early 1900s America, with New York City's 1916 Zoning Resolution being the first comprehensive system after skyscrapers began blocking light from streets.
Zoning is essentially the city playing SimCity with real neighborhoods! The fascinating thing is that zoning can actually increase property values by preventing your neighbor from opening a pig farm next door, but it can also perpetuate segregation and inequality.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.