Which statement best describes land-use zoning?

• A. A tax policy used to regulate development.
• B. A regulatory tool designating land uses.
• C. A building material used in construction.
• D. A plan for city budgeting.

Answer: (B)

Zoning is a local government regulatory tool that designates what land can be used for in different areas—such as residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural uses—often accompanied by rules on density, building height, setbacks, and other design standards. This system of mapped zones helps guide development, protect neighborhoods, and ensure that different land uses sit together in a orderly, compatible way. The statement that best describes land-use zoning is that it is a regulatory tool designating land uses.

The other options describe different city functions: a tax policy regulates development through financing and incentives, a building material is something used in construction, and a plan for city budgeting focuses on finances rather than regulating how land is used.