A Zoning Ordinance is a set of laws established by local governments to regulate land use and development within specific areas. These ordinances divide a municipality into different zones, such as residential, commercial, and industrial, each with its own rules about what can be built and how properties can be used. This helps ensure that land is used in a way that is safe, organized, and beneficial to the community. Zoning ordinances also address issues like building height, density, and setbacks from property lines. By doing so, they aim to protect the character of neighborhoods and promote orderly growth. Local governments often update these ordinances to reflect changing needs and priorities within the community.