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Zoning Codes and What They Control

By James Kimmons, About.com

Zoning codes, laws or ordinances for a municipality control many facets of the use of the land, including what can be built upon it and how the structures can be used. Some things controlled include:

• Size of lots for subdivision
• Types of structures, as in residential, commercial, etc.
• Use of the land for agriculture, industrial or other uses
• External appearance or style of structures
• Density - or how many structures/units in a given area
• Setbacks - how far apart structures must be

Zoning codes are usually very strictly interpreted and enforced. However, they must remain flexible to allow for changing community profiles and uses.

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