Legal Definitions - land-use planning

Land-use planning is the process of carefully and intentionally developing real estate. This is done through methods such as zoning and environmental-impact studies. It is also known as urban planning.

• Creating a residential area in one part of a city and a commercial area in another part.
• Designating certain areas as parks or protected natural areas.
• Conducting studies to determine the potential impact of a new development on the environment and surrounding community.

These examples illustrate how land-use planning can help to organize and manage the use of land in a way that benefits the community. By separating residential and commercial areas, for example, it can reduce traffic and noise in residential areas. Protecting natural areas can help to preserve biodiversity and provide recreational opportunities for residents.