What is meant by exclusionary zoning?

Harper Hall | 2018-06-13 04:30:05 | page views:1030
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Nathaniel Adams

Works at Intel, Lives in Hillsboro, OR
Exclusionary zoning refers to the practice where local governments use zoning regulations to limit or exclude specific types of land uses, often residential housing, within a community. This can be a controversial policy as it can have the effect of limiting affordable housing options, leading to socio-economic segregation and potentially exacerbating inequality.

Zoning is a tool used by local governments to control the use of land within their jurisdiction. Zoning ordinances categorize land into different zones based on the types of activities that are permitted, such as residential, commercial, or industrial. The purpose of zoning is to guide development in a way that is considered orderly and beneficial to the community.

However, when zoning is used in an exclusionary manner, it can lead to several negative outcomes:


1. Limited Housing Supply: By restricting the types of housing that can be built, exclusionary zoning can limit the overall supply of housing, particularly affordable housing.


2. Socio-economic Segregation: Exclusionary zoning can lead to a concentration of wealthier residents in certain areas, while lower-income residents are pushed to the outskirts or to less desirable areas.


3. Increased Housing Costs: With fewer options for affordable housing, the cost of housing can increase, making it more difficult for lower-income residents to find suitable housing.


4. Environmental Impact: By pushing development to the outskirts of communities, exclusionary zoning can contribute to urban sprawl, which can have negative environmental impacts such as increased pollution and loss of natural habitats.


5. Inequality: Exclusionary zoning can perpetuate and exacerbate socio-economic inequality by making it more difficult for lower-income individuals to live in areas with better access to jobs, education, and other opportunities.

The concept of exclusionary zoning gained prominence in the United States in the late 19th century, and it has been a topic of debate ever since. Critics argue that it is a form of social engineering that can unfairly limit opportunities for certain segments of the population. Proponents, on the other hand, may argue that it is a necessary tool for maintaining the character of a community or protecting property values.

Addressing exclusionary zoning requires a careful balance between the need for community control over development and the need to ensure that housing is accessible to all segments of society. This can involve policies such as inclusionary zoning, which requires a certain percentage of new housing developments to be affordable, or changes to zoning laws to allow for a greater variety of housing types.

It's important to note that while zoning is a powerful tool for shaping communities, it must be used in a way that is fair and equitable. Exclusionary zoning practices can have far-reaching consequences and should be carefully evaluated to ensure they are not contributing to social and economic disparities.

Olivia Morris

Studied at Harvard University, Lives in Boston. Passionate about environmental sustainability and currently working for a conservation organization.
Exclusionary zoning is the utilization of zoning ordinances to exclude certain types of land uses from a given community. This mechanism began gaining prominence in land-use regulations throughout the United States in the late 19th century.

Julian Turner

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Exclusionary zoning is the utilization of zoning ordinances to exclude certain types of land uses from a given community. This mechanism began gaining prominence in land-use regulations throughout the United States in the late 19th century.
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