While property zoning is one of the most effective urban planning tools municipal governments have, these regulations can present significant hurdles for home builders and commercial developers contemplating new projects. Because local zoning rules dictate what type of structures can be built on a given property and what activities can take place there, they can derail a project before it begins, even if you’ve already purchased rights to the land. Here are a few ways property zoning impacts urban development.

3 Effects of Property Zoning on City Planning

1. Creating Activity Areas

The central function of property zoning is determining what types of development can occur in specific areas. This approach protects property values and the lifestyles of those who already live in a certain area, preventing things like industrial facilities from popping up in historic neighborhoods with a certain character. As a result, most cities have different areas designated for commercial, residential, and industrial use.

2. Encouraging Investment

Well-designed property zoning plans can create the ideal conditions for new investment since builders can depend on a certain amount of traffic and access to utilities. For instance, if you’re planning on building a new residential subdivision, the success of recent projects nearby means there’s a higher likelihood of success than if you took a gamble on a plot of land in a predominantly commercial area.

3. Inhibited Growth

Zoning laws, on the other hand, can also stunt growth and slow development, which is partly by design. To get a new project completed, builders and developers have to navigate a complex bureaucratic process, which may involve getting a property’s zoning designation changed. This adds to the costs of a project, making real estate a riskier proposition for some investors.

If you’re planning a new development project anywhere in the greater Cincinnati area, the property zoning specialists at Abercrombie & Associates will guide you through the process and help address any problems before they arise. For over 40 years, their team has been helping residential and commercial developers throughout the area achieve their goals, providing clients with unmatched expertise and an exacting attention to detail. Visit their website to learn more about their civil engineering and urban planning services, or call (513) 385-5757 to discuss your project with a member of their team.