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

A land use ordinance and a zoning ordinance both regulate how land can be used. However, a land use ordinance is more encompassing than a zoning ordinance. A land use ordinance is a local law or regulation that specifies how land can be used by its owners, the public, and/or businesses. This includes not only the type of land uses that are allowed, but also how the land can be used in terms of development, protection of natural resources, and preservation of historic sites. Land use ordinances usually regulate the size and type of buildings that are allowed, and may require environmental impact studies. A zoning ordinance is a part of a land use ordinance that specifies the geographic area within which certain types of land uses are allowed. It may cover things like the type of buildings that can be built, the location of parking spaces, the size of lots, the height of buildings, and the number of units in a building. In North Carolina, land use ordinances and zoning ordinances are both created and enforced by local governments. Developers must get approval from the local government before they can build or develop their property according to the land use ordinance and zoning ordinance.

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