What is the difference between a restrictive covenant and a zoning ordinance?

A restrictive covenant is an agreement between two or more parties that restricts how a property can be used. It is usually included in a deed and it is legally binding. Zoning ordinances are laws that dictate how properties can be used in particular areas. These regulations are created by local governments to control the development and use of land in the area. Restrictive covenants are concerned with the use of a specific piece of land, whereas zoning ordinances may apply to an entire area. For example, a restrictive covenant might set forth certain restrictions on how a piece of land can be used, such as whether it can be used for residential development or commercial use. A zoning ordinance, on the other hand, could restrict how certain types of land can be used in an entire neighborhood, such as limiting the number of houses that can be built or determining the height of buildings that can be constructed in the area. Restrictive covenants are often much stricter than zoning ordinances because they apply to a smaller area and are enforced by the courts. Zoning ordinances, however, are more general and are usually enforced by local governments, such as a city council or county board. In Virginia, restrictive covenants have been held to be valid and enforceable under certain circumstances. Zoning ordinances are usually valid and enforceable as long as they are consistent with state and local laws.

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