Permit Technician Practice Test 2025 – All-In-One Guide to Exam Success!

A zoning ordinance is a fundamental component of land use planning that regulates how land in a municipality can be used. The two essential parts of a zoning ordinance are a map and the text.

The map provides a visual representation of the various zoning districts within a community, delineating where different types of land uses are permitted, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural areas. This mapping is crucial for understanding spatial relationships and ensuring that land uses are compatible within a certain area.

The text outlines the specific regulations, standards, and guidelines that govern the use of land within those mapped areas. It includes definitions, permitted uses, property development standards, and any restrictions that may apply. This ensures that users can understand the framework within which they must operate and the guidelines they are expected to follow when developing or using property.

Together, the map and the text form a comprehensive zoning ordinance that balances the needs of growth, development, and the community’s overall vision while addressing potential conflicts between different land uses. The alternatives such as zoning variances, building permits, or enforcement measures are important elements of the zoning process but do not constitute the foundational parts of a zoning ordinance itself.