What is the difference between a conservation easement and a zoning ordinance?

A conservation easement and a zoning ordinance are two different forms of land use law in Virginia. A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a conservation group or organization to limit the future uses of their land in order to protect natural resources, scenery, and other public values. It is typically a perpetual agreement that binds future owners of the property, and it may limit certain activities, such as development or hunting, while allowing other activities, such as farming or recreational use. A zoning ordinance, on the other hand, is a law enacted by a local government that divides the municipality into different land use zones. These zones dictate how land can be used and what types of development can be allowed in each zone. The zoning ordinance also sets a number of requirements that must be followed for development and land use, such as minimum lot sizes and setbacks from the road or neighboring structures. The primary difference between a conservation easement and a zoning ordinance is that the conservation easement is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a conservation group, while a zoning ordinance is a law enacted by a local government. The conservation easement limits the use of the land in order to protect natural resources and public values, while the zoning ordinance dictates how the land can be used and sets certain development requirements.

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