What is the difference between zoning and land use law?

In North Carolina, zoning and land use law are two distinct categories of regulations that are used to create a safe, functional, and attractive environment for the people who live there. Zoning laws are regulations which divide land into different zones. Typically, these zones are for residential, commercial, industrial, educational, and recreational uses. Zoning regulations set forth the specific uses and limitations of each zone in order to achieve a variety of goals, such as promoting public health and safety, preserving existing neighborhoods, and discouraging nuisance activities. Land use law is a broader term that includes zoning laws, but also involves regulations regarding activities which take place on privately owned land. These activities could involve anything from construction of buildings and roads to mining and drilling. Land use laws also deal with environmental protection, such as protecting wetlands and endangered species, as well as protecting the public from potential harms associated with certain activities. In summary, zoning laws deal with land division and use of land, while land use law involves a much wider range of activities which may take place on the land. Zoning regulations create a framework for how land should be used and developed in order to achieve specific goals, while land use laws provide a set of regulations for activities which may take place on the land, such as construction and mining.

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What is the difference between zoning and land use law?

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