How is a land use ordinance different from a zoning ordinance?

A land use ordinance and a zoning ordinance are two different types of municipal laws that regulate land use. Land use ordinances are generally broader in scope and regulate how land can be used in an entire municipality while zoning ordinances are more specific and regulate how land can be used in a specific area. Land use ordinances are often created to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare of an entire municipality. For example, a land use ordinance might regulate noise levels, require certain activities to be kept away from residential areas, or limit the number of businesses in an area. A zoning ordinance is more concerned with how land is divided into residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The ordinance will specify what types of buildings can be built in each area and what activities are permissible. It will also specify restrictions on the types of building materials that can be used and the size of the structures that can be built. In California, land use ordinances are created and enforced at the county level while each city can have its own zoning ordinance. Local governments also have the power to create and enforce their own land use ordinances as long as they are not in conflict with state laws.

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How is a land use ordinance different from a zoning ordinance?

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