ABSTRACT
Codes regarding the construction of buildings developed by the local government. The objective of zoning codes is to promote the safety and welfare of the public. Topics covered in zoning codes include land use, setback, building codes, easements, parking restrictions, density, and building heights. Some include regulations for the esthetics of buildings. The earliest zoning ordinance on record in the USA was enacted in 1913 in New York City to regulate the height, size, and layout of buildings. In 1916, a more comprehensive ordinance was adopted to control the density and uses of land. In the USA zoning codes are developed by a town's council and enforced by the zoning officer, sheriff, or police officer. When necessary, they are interpreted by the judicial system, beginning with a Zoning Board of Appeals and then to the county, state, and federal court system.
