Home BuyingHomebuying Glossary
Zoning
Local rules that dictate how a piece of land or property can be used.
In plain English
Zoning laws, set by local governments, determine what's allowed on a property — residential, commercial, how many units, setback distances from the street, and more. They can restrict things like running a business from home or adding a second dwelling.
Why it matters
Checking zoning before buying matters if you're planning any future addition, rental unit, or business use — what's allowed can vary block by block.
Where you'll run into it
Guides and tools on TheBuyingPath that cover zoning in context.
Related terms
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