AN EXAMINATION OF ZONING AS A TECHNIQUE FOR LAND USE REGULATION

Abstract

Zoning is the premier tool in land use regulation, a technique commonly used to control permitted uses as well as the intensity of development. The concept of zoning appears simple: written rules define what uses go where, how buildings can be placed, and how big or tall they may be. These rules are then attached to specific pieces of ground identified on a map. Looking at these rules and maps, property owners can immediately find out what options they have for use of their land. The trouble is, zoning often does not work that way. For any planning tool to be valid, it should be constantly updated and improved to enable it to carry out its function effectively. It is, therefore, pertinent to examine if zoning, as practised here, is effective as a measure for the implementation of the provisions of the Master Plan; case studies using the Hotel zone were carried out for this purpose. Following findings of weaknesses in the current practice, performance zoning, a modification of current zoning, was introduced as a viable alternative to the present land use regulation system.