zoning

noun

zon·​ing ˈzō-niŋ 

: the act or process of partitioning a city, town, or borough into zones reserved for different purposes (such as residence or business)

also : the set of ordinances by which such zones are established and regulated

voted to change the town's zoning

zoning laws

Examples of zoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials reasoned that the property’s existing zoning, neighborhood commercial — allowing restaurants, banks, barber shops and similar businesses — better served the community. —Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025

The city has taken steps by updating its residential zoning code to allow for more diverse housing development, but more needs to be done. —Cristen Incitti, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025

In many cities, it’s strangled by restrictive zoning, historical preservation laws, lengthy permitting processes, and NIMBY opposition. —James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

The law also assists developers in overriding local laws, such as zoning codes and height and density maximums. —Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zoning

• boning
• cloning
• coning
• droning
• groaning
• honing
• loaning
• moaning
• owning
• phoning
• stoning
• toning

Legal Definition

zoning

noun

zon·​ing

: municipal or county regulation of land use effected through the creation and enforcement of zones under local law