zoning

noun

zon·​ing ˈzō-niŋ How to pronounce zoning (audio)
: 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web On Thursday, the Baldwin County Planning Commission recommended changes to the zoning rules around Elberta and Lillian —at the request of members of the community. Margaret Kates | Mkates@al.com, al, 10 Mar. 2023 Schwarte said licensing the properties before establishing the zoning could make the operations hard to regulate. Myah Taylor, Dallas News, 9 Mar. 2023 Democrats raised concerns about issues such as prohibiting local rent controls and including industrial zoning as areas for mixed-use development. Jim Turner, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2023 Councilmembers voted to bring the zoning overlay before the full council anyway. Juliette Rihl, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2023 In the end, the Planning Commission recommended denying the zoning application. Michael Corkery, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2023 The current process requires property owners to secure a business license and an annual short-term rental dwelling license, as well as obtain conditional-use zoning approval. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 1 Mar. 2023 Commission Chairwoman Sarah Sparkman supported the request and said the land could already be developed under the current zoning. Stacy Ryburn, Arkansas Online, 28 Feb. 2023 DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that strips Disney of control over its special governing district and establishes a successor agency to handle zoning, fire service, infrastructure and utilities at the parks. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 27 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'zoning.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zoning was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near zoning

Cite this Entry

“Zoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zoning. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

Legal Definition

zoning

noun
zon·​ing
: municipal or county regulation of land use effected through the creation and enforcement of zones under local law

More from Merriam-Webster on zoning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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