Zoning is a method of city or county planning that involves dividing geographic areas (zones) into specific categories with restrictions on their use and development. These categories can include industrial, commercial, agricultural, residential, parks, schools, and more. Zoning serves as a primary tool for local governments to shape the future development of a community, safeguard neighbourhoods, focus retail business and industry, manage traffic, and contribute to the improvement of both urban and small-town environments.