A municipality’s land use regulations are visually represented through a cartographic document that delineates permissible activities within specific geographic areas. This document typically categorizes land into residential, commercial, industrial, and other zones, each with its own set of development standards. For instance, a designated residential zone might permit single-family homes, while an industrial zone could allow manufacturing facilities.
Such a document serves as a crucial tool for urban planning and development. It ensures orderly growth, prevents conflicting land uses, and protects property values. Historically, these representations evolved from simple hand-drawn sketches to sophisticated Geographic Information System (GIS)-based interactive platforms, reflecting the increasing complexity of urban environments and planning needs.