What does a zoning ordinance regulate?

A zoning ordinance is a key regulatory tool that municipalities use to control land use and development within their jurisdictions. It establishes guidelines that dictate how land can be utilized, such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or mixed-use. These regulations are designed to promote orderly growth, ensure compatibility of uses, protect the character of neighborhoods, and safeguard public health and safety.

The significance of zoning ordinances lies in their ability to impact the density of development, the types of buildings allowed, the size of lots, and the overall layout of a community. For instance, a zoning ordinance may specify that certain areas are designated for single-family homes while others are allowed for multi-family buildings or commercial establishments. This helps to prevent potential conflicts between land uses, such as locating noisy industrial sites next to quiet residential areas.

In contrast, the other options presented do not accurately reflect the main purpose of a zoning ordinance. They cover aspects such as property taxes, which are not influenced by zoning regulations, the commission rates for real estate brokers, which are determined by market practices rather than municipal regulations, and infrastructure services, which are typically managed through different types of governmental planning and policy frameworks. Thus, the regulation of land use and development is the primary focus of zoning ordinances.