Difference between restrictive zoning and performance zoning.

• A. Restrictive zoning prescribes specific land uses and densities; performance zoning regulates outcomes (such as height, setbacks, and environmental performance), allowing more flexibility if standards are met.
• B. Restrictive zoning regulates outcomes; performance zoning prescribes land uses.
• C. They are identical in effect.
• D. Neither affects land use planning.

Answer: (A)

The difference lies in where zoning controls development. Restrictive (prescriptive) zoning tells you exactly what land uses are allowed and how dense or tall buildings can be, with fixed standards for uses, lot sizes, setbacks, and similar rules. It controls development by prescribing inputs.

Performance zoning, on the other hand, regulates outcomes. It sets criteria for what a project must achieve—such as height or setback ranges, environmental performance, traffic impacts, and other measurable standards—and allows developers the flexibility to design the project in different ways as long as those performance targets are met. This focuses on results rather than dictating specific uses or forms, enabling more adaptable and innovative design that still aligns with community goals.

The other descriptions don’t fit because they reverse the relationship (outcomes versus uses) or claim no impact at all, and they don’t capture the move from prescribed inputs to outcome-based assessment.