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

A land use ordinance and a zoning ordinance are both tools used to manage land use in Virginia and other states. However, they are two different types of laws that serve different purposes. A land use ordinance can be used to regulate the use of land in a wide variety of ways. It can be used to set limits on land use for a specific purpose such as resource conservation, urban development, or public health and safety. It can also set limits on the number and type of buildings allowed on a certain parcel of land. Land use ordinances are often used to regulate the use of land for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. Zoning ordinances, on the other hand, are very specific regulations that determine how land can be used in a given area. Zoning ordinances typically specify what activities can take place on a given parcel of land and divide a region into residential, commercial, and industrial zones. These ordinances generally limit the types of structures and activities that can take place within those zones. In Virginia, land use ordinances and zoning ordinances are both used to ensure that land is used in a safe and responsible way that meets the needs of citizens and business owners. The primary difference between the two ordinances is that a land use ordinance can be used to manage land use in a more broad and general way than a zoning ordinance.

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