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Zoning
SUSTAINABILITY & URBAN DESIGNbeginner
Definition
A legal mechanism that divides a city or municipality into zones, each with rules about what land uses are permitted and what buildings can be built — their height, bulk, setback, and use. Zoning became widespread in the 20th century but has been criticised for enforcing separation of uses and car dependency.
Example
New York City adopted the first comprehensive zoning resolution in the US in 1916, partly in response to the Equitable Building (1915) — a skyscraper that blocked light from adjacent streets, prompting rules on setbacks and height limits.