What is the difference between zoning and land use law?

Zoning and land use law are both forms of regulation, but they serve different purposes. Zoning is an ordinance that divides a city or town into different sections or zones, and sets parameters for what types of activities are permitted in each area. For example, a zoning ordinance may designate a certain area for residential use, another area for industrial use, and so on. Land use law, on the other hand, is a broad term that covers a variety of laws related to how land is used, managed, and developed. It includes zoning, but also other regulations such as rules for building codes, environmental regulations, and historic preservation. In other words, zoning assigns a purpose to each area of a locality, while land use law determines how a particular area is used and regulated. In Hawaii, the counties are responsible for enacting land use law, which include ordinances on zoning, land subdivision, development, and environmental protection. County governments also have the authority to enact rules that prohibit certain activities, such as mining or timber harvesting, from taking place in certain areas.

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