Zoning Ordinances and Zoning Board of Appeals

Zoning ordinances are developed at the local level (city, town, or village) and consist of written regulations and laws that define how property in specific geographic areas can be used. Zoning ordinances specify whether zones can be used for residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes, and they may also regulate lot size, building setback, density, and the height of structures. Local zoning ordinances also often cover issues such as required off-street parking, signage, grounds maintenance, trash removal, historic districts, and more. As individual or neighborhood-based renewable energy systems are becoming more prevalent, many jurisdictions are adding ordinances regarding size and placement of these systems. Some land use regulations may, either intentionally or unintentionally, place restrictions on wind-power generation, the use and storage of propane, onsite power generation for combined heat and power or solar electric systems that sell electricity back to the utility company, and the use of electric heat. In addition, the local zoning ordinance will lay out required procedures for handling infractions, granting variances, and hearing appeals.