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

From planning to zoning, to capital development and public safety, all levels of government have a stake and responsibility. —Lou Sandoval, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

Johnson said the business goes where the zoning allows but its goal is to work with the neighborhood as best as possible. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

The council typically approves zoning decisions by the MDC as packages without full hearings. —Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025

In late 2023, the City of South Miami Environmental Review & Preservation Board approved the church’s construction project plans, including building permits for applicable zoning, land use, and environmental regulations. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 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