What is the primary purpose of zoning laws?

Zoning laws primarily serve the purpose of regulating land use within a municipality. They establish specific regulations and guidelines that dictate how land can be utilized, which helps to ensure that different areas of a community are used in ways that are harmonious and beneficial to residents. By classifying areas into different zoning districts, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural, zoning laws help to manage urban growth, protect property values, and promote orderly development.

Moreover, these regulations can influence factors like building height, density, and the types of activities that can occur in a particular zone. The intent is to accommodate the diverse needs of a community while also providing safeguards against incompatible land uses. Thus, the primary function of zoning laws is indeed to regulate land use rather than to determine property taxes, assess property values, or directly promote economic development, although they can indirectly influence these aspects through structured land management.