Legal Definitions - zoning ordinance

A zoning ordinance is a law created by a municipality that sets rules for how different areas of land can be used. For example, some parts of a city may be designated for industrial use, while others may be reserved for residential or commercial use only. The ordinance may also regulate building height or limit noise levels.

For instance, in the case of Pheasant Bridge Corp. v. Township of Warren, the New JerseySupreme Court upheld a zoning ordinance that restricted the height of buildings in a certain area. This meant that developers could not build structures that exceeded a certain height limit, which helped to preserve the character of the neighborhood.

Another example of a zoning ordinance might be a law that designates a certain area of a city as a park or green space. This would prevent developers from building on that land and would ensure that the area remains a public space for people to enjoy.