Definition

Noun: A zoning commission is an official public body or committee that is given the authority to oversee and regulate the division of land within a municipality or jurisdiction into specific zones. Its primary function is to supervise and enforce zoning ordinances, which dictate how land can be used—for example, for residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes—and what structures can be built there.

Usage

The term is used to refer to the specific administrative or regulatory group responsible for zoning matters. - It typically functions as a subject or object in a sentence. - It is often preceded by a definite article (the) or a possessive determiner (e.g., the city's, the town's).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To come before the zoning commission": To present a proposal or request for a formal decision by this body.
  • The architect will come before the zoning commission to request a variance for the building's height.
• "A ruling/decision by the zoning commission": Refers to the official outcome determined by this group.
  • The future of the historic district depends on a ruling by the zoning commission.

Variants and Related Words

• Zoning board: A very common synonym for .
• Planning commission: A related but often broader public body that deals with comprehensive urban planning, which typically includes zoning as one of its responsibilities.
• Zoning ordinance: The law or set of regulations that the commission enforces.
• Zoning variance: A special permission granted by the commission to deviate from the standard zoning rules.

Synonyms

• Zoning board
• Zoning authority
• Land use commission

Related Phrases

• "To apply to the zoning commission": To submit a formal request or application to this body.
  • They had to apply to the zoning commission for a change in land use.
• "Zoning commission hearing": A public meeting held by the commission to discuss and decide on zoning matters.
  • The zoning commission hearing on the new subdivision lasted for hours.

Noun

1. a commission delegated to supervise the zoning of areas for residential or commercial use