Municipal laws will govern how you utilize the land where you live. Zoning regulations determine what kinds of structures can be constructed on it and where.

Residential, commercial and industrial properties all fall under various forms of zoning regulations that define what they can and cannot do, including density or height restrictions and aesthetic guidelines such as which colors you can paint your house.

Zoning exists to protect and promote the health, safety, prosperity and orderly development of communities. Zoning protects and promotes the values of homes, businesses, industry and agriculture; in addition to maintaining their respective neighborhoods’ character.

By keeping industries away from residential areas, this approach helps control their nuisance and protect people from being exposed to potentially hazardous gases and smoke. Furthermore, business/commercial areas can be situated far enough away that workers spend less time travelling between work and home.

As community needs and expectations change over time, these rules may shift accordingly. Changes are generally approved at public hearings or votes and approved by a majority of residents; however, homeowners who oppose an adverse change on their property can file for variance to request an exception from zoning laws for that property.