--- title: "Solved: What Is Zoning in Real Estate?" description: Zoning in real estate is when the local government sets rules and regulations for the way any given area or piece of property can be used. 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The request would have to be approved by the governing body who set the zone, and most likely, your neighbors. In order to raise livestock or wild animals without going through the extra channels, you would need to buy property in an area that has been designated as an agricultural zone. ### Understanding Zoning Classifications There are classifications within zoning classifications. For example, an area may be zoned as residential, but allow only single family homes. Another may be zoned residential but allow for townhouses and apartments as well. ![Word cloud for Zoning](https://blog.homesandland.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Post1892.jpg?width=600&name=Post1892.jpg) ### Why Zoning Is Necessary There are a number of reasons a government body zones property. Zoning is one way to control how particular land is used, allowing the government to ensure that communities are functional and safe. It wouldn't make sense to allow a strip club or liquor store to be built next to an elementary school, or a carpet store to be built in a residential neighborhood. Zoning helps lay a town out in a way that makes the most functional sense while preserving its aesthetics. While an argument could be made that many cities are not logical, zoning attempts to right that problem by grouping residences, commercial properties and agricultural land with other property of its own kind. Zoning may include restrictions such as the use of green space, the number of structures allowed in a particular area, the type of businesses allowed, and the height of buildings. Before making any property-related decisions, check with your local zoning office. Looking to buy or sell? Find a  [local realty expert ](https://www.homesandland.com/sitemap/agents)who can help or search our  [real estate listings](https://www.homesandland.com/).   Learn something new? Want to pass an idea to a friend? 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