Anyone who has tried to build a home or invest in a remodeling or renovation project has likely encountered zoning laws, but a lot of people are unsure about what exactly zoning laws are and what their purpose is in the first place. Understanding more about zoning laws can make it much easier to navigate complicated zoning procedures to make sure your project is compliant.
The purpose of zoning
If you’re confused about zoning laws, you might not know where to start when it comes to learning more. The good news is that it doesn’t take much to understand the basics of zoning laws so you can ensure that you know how to make your project comply with the applicable regulations. Here are some of the basics of zoning laws to help you understand the concept better:
- Zoning laws regulate land use: The basic purpose of zoning laws is to regulate the use of land. Zoning laws were developed to prevent out-of-control development in urban areas. Zoning allows municipalities to control development and ensure a proper balance of different land uses in a given area. Some of the most common examples of zoning laws that balance land use are laws that prevent the construction of industrial facilities right next to parks, or laws that prohibit the construction of tall buildings in residential neighborhoods.
- Zoning ensures sustainable growth: Another important purpose of zoning is to encourage sustainable growth. When cities are allowed to grow without any restrictions, it can cause a lot of problems that prevent residents from enjoying the area and create an unpleasant living environment. Zoning laws are important tools that allow cities to actively manage growth and prevent some common issues that come up in the absence of regulation.
- Zoning protects neighboring uses: Landowners have to be aware of the needs of their neighbors to avoid causing any problems on adjacent plots. Unfortunately, not all landowners are aware of how their use of their properties affects those around them. Zoning laws prevent land uses that would be detrimental to neighboring plots.
Compliance with zoning
Zoning laws can be complicated, so a lot of property owners worry about how to make sure their projects are compliant. The best way for property owners to ensure their plans are compliant is to work with an experienced surveyor who understands zoning laws and can help compile the documentation that must be submitted to the zoning board for approval.
Land surveying services
At D.G. Smyth & Co., Inc., we know how complicated zoning laws can be, and that’s why our professionals are here to help our clients navigate the approval process with the best surveying services available in the area. No matter the scale or scope of your residential or commercial project, our team is here to make sure you have a smooth and straightforward experience. Find out more about everything we have to offer and get started with a consultation and quote by giving us a call today. We look forward to assisting you!