Zoning regulations vary by region, but can cover everything from how many parking spaces must accompany new residential developments to landscaping requirements for a development to which type of landscaping should be included in a design plan. They have the potential to have a dramatic impact on our lives.
Overly restrictive zoning laws can segregate housing, forcing low-income and minority communities closer to highways and sources of air pollution. To address these problems, cities can alter their zoning laws accordingly.
Residential
Residential zoning laws regulate what structures may be built in certain neighborhoods and the types of businesses allowed to operate there, helping municipalities keep commercial activities away from residential areas while assuring that properties are used according to their intended uses.
Residential zoning systems typically consist of 10 main districts, designated with letters and numbers that indicate building height and density restrictions. For instance, New York’s R4 zone permits single-family houses, two-family houses, as well as small multifamily residences (anything over two families is considered multifamily living arrangements).
Many cities and towns allow citizens to easily access zoning maps and ordinances either online or at local offices, and may offer the ability to request a zoning report before purchasing property.
Commercial
Zoning laws set limits on where commercial areas can be established within a municipality. This prevents residential properties from being flanked on either side by high-traffic commercial zones that generate heavy foot traffic, as well as safeguarding communities against potentially hazardous industrial activities.
Zoning laws provide support to various kinds of businesses – from small shops and retail establishments, through department stores and office buildings to large department stores and office blocks. They help manage factors like building height, yard sizes and floor area ratio (FAR).
Neighbourhood Commercial 2 zones allow small sites near less dense residential neighbourhoods to provide services for local residents. Their intensity is limited in order to promote local orientation and limit any negative impacts on residential areas.
Real estate investors should conduct thorough zoning law research before buying property to ensure their investment aligns with local regulations and attend public community meetings or zoning board hearings for updates on potential changes that might impact their property investments. Doing this allows investors to identify opportunities or potential limitations to their plans while simultaneously reducing risks while complying with all legal obligations.
Industrial
Industrial zoning regulations define the scope of activities that are permitted, while protecting communities by outlining how industrial activity will impact surrounding land. It is vital to understand how each locality implements these policies to ensure your business aligns with regulatory parameters and achieves maximum efficiencies.
Many jurisdictions divide industrial zones into heavy and light categories with an underlying logic in each. For instance, manufacturing heavy goods like cars would only be permissible in a heavy industry zone while storage facilities or boutique small manufacturers can operate in light industry zones.
Compliance is a cornerstone of industrial growth, catalyzing investments and supporting job creation. With emerging trends like e-commerce and smart manufacturing driving demand for distribution centers and last mile delivery services, it is crucial that local governments adjust their regulatory frameworks in support of industrial expansion.
Mixed-Use
Mixing uses in one walkable area fosters economic vitality, supports community services and cultivates a sense of place. From refurbishing existing buildings to creating brand new town centers, mixed-use projects bring commercial and residential opportunities into downtowns and other walkable areas.
Determine local priorities that encourage mixed-use development, such as improved business vitality or closer access to everyday destinations (grocery stores and parks). Make sure your vision for mixed-use development is reflected in ordinances, adopted plans and design guidelines.
Developers of mixed-use projects should be given financial and regulatory incentives to encourage development. This could include permit fee reductions, tax abatements and expedited development approval processes; density bonuses such as building height increases; floor area coverage bonuses or lot coverage bonuses can all help generate greater development in areas targeted for growth or redevelopment; additionally the blend of retail and office spaces fosters more stable tenant bases, helping decrease vacancy cycles and redevelopment costs as well as improve investor returns while mitigating NIMBY opposition.