What are “zoning laws”?

Zoning laws are a set of regulations established by local governments that dictate how land in specific areas can be used. These laws are essential for urban planning and help manage the development of residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural areas. They serve to promote health, safety, and general welfare by preventing incompatible uses of land, such as placing factories next to homes.

Local governments determine the zoning classifications for different areas, which can include designations for single-family residential, multi-family residential, commercial, and industrial use. Each of these classifications comes with its own set of rules, such as the types of buildings that can be constructed, the size of buildings, and the activities that can occur on the property.

The other options focus on different aspects of property management and regulation that are not related to the specific function of zoning laws. Property taxes are managed at the state level and involve the financial aspect of property ownership rather than land use. Guidelines for selling properties pertain to marketing and transaction procedures, and building codes set by federal agencies focus on the safety and standards of construction rather than land use management.