A zoning ordinance is the set of local laws that regulate how land within the town may be used and developed.
It establishes specific rules for:
- Property uses
- Building locations
- Lot sizes
- Setbacks
- Building heights
- Parking requirements
- Other land-use standards that guide orderly growth and protect the character, safety, and welfare of the community
It also outlines:
- What activities are allowed in each zoning district (residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use)
- The legal framework for reviewing development proposals, issuing permits, and enforcing compliance
