What is Land Use? Zoning Definition

Land use refers to the purpose for which a piece of land is developed or occupied. It is one of the most fundamental concepts in zoning and planning, because nearly every zoning regulation is built around controlling what activities happen on which parcels. Common land use categories include residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, institutional, and open space.

Zoning ordinances regulate land use by dividing a municipality into districts and specifying which uses are allowed, conditionally allowed, or prohibited in each district. For instance, a residential land use designation typically permits houses and apartments but prohibits factories. This system is designed to prevent incompatible uses from being placed next to each other, such as a noisy industrial plant adjacent to a quiet neighborhood.

Land use planning goes beyond the current zoning map. A community's comprehensive plan or general plan establishes a long-term vision for how land should be used across the entire jurisdiction. The comprehensive plan may show areas designated for future growth, conservation, or redevelopment. Zoning ordinances are then adopted and updated to implement that vision. When the two documents are not in alignment, it can signal that rezoning or plan amendments are on the horizon.

Understanding land use designations is important for anyone buying property, starting a business, or planning a development project. You can typically find your property's current land use designation on the municipal zoning map and its future land use designation in the comprehensive plan. If your intended use does not match the designation, you may need to apply for a rezoning, variance, or conditional use permit.