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

Recently, Rabe’s group analyzed zoning codes in 28 Idaho communities. — Mark Dee june 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2026

Urban redevelopment zoning is aimed at flexibility while setting standards to guide future development and what can be built in underdeveloped areas. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026

For example, in the state of Florida the Live Local Act is new legislation that allows the state to override local zoning for qualifying affordable and workforce housing projects. — Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Restrictions on where facilities can be built and updates to zoning rules to give the city approval power over new developments. — Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

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