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

For example, data center developers sued Saline Township, Michigan, and Chatham County, North Carolina, seeking to overturn their local zoning decisions, to be able to proceed with data center construction. — Rachel Mural, Fortune, 21 June 2026

Ahead of a council vote next month, supporters say new zoning rules would protect communities, while opponents call them overly restrictive. — Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 20 June 2026

New York’s lack of space and strict zoning laws sharply limit the options, at least for now, but Asencio envisions new vertiports appearing on places like piers and the roofs of parking garages. — Anne Kadet, Curbed, 19 June 2026

Counties and cities control zoning, water permits, tax abatements, noise rules, emergency services and public hearings. — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 19 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