What is the purpose of zoning laws in site planning?

Zoning laws play a crucial role in site planning by regulating land use and density within a specific area. These laws are established by local governments and are designed to promote organized growth, manage land efficiently, and ensure the development aligns with community goals. By categorizing land into zones—such as residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use—zoning laws determine what types of activities can occur in different areas and how intensively the land can be developed.

Through these regulations, zoning helps to maintain property values, protect environmental resources, and provide a framework for community planning. For example, a residential zone may limit the height and bulk of buildings to maintain a neighborhood's character, while a commercial zone might allow for higher densities to support business development. Overall, the primary purpose of zoning laws is to manage the interaction of various land uses and their associated impacts on the surrounding environment and community.