Zoning is a powerful tool that shapes the future of our towns, determining what can be built, where, and how.
However, many communities have begun to treat zoning maps as static documents, rather than living frameworks that can evolve with the community's needs.
Zoning was never meant to be static.
Originally introduced in the early 20th century, zoning aimed to bring order to rapidly industrializing cities, protecting health and safety by separating homes from hazardous areas.
Zoning has always been an adaptive tool, reflecting the problems and opportunities of its time, rather than a permanent verdict on land use.
Author's summary: Zoning rules must evolve with the community.