ABSTRACT
Zoning can be described as the legislative attempt to provide for orderly urban growth and to prevent incompatible land uses. It seeks to accomplish this by the designation of zoning categories. It quickly became popular as cities struggled with uncontrolled urban expansion and development. Land zoned for industrial and commercial purposes often became more valuable. Landowners sought to obtain zoning classifications that would enhance the value of their land. This principle, which came to be known as the "highest and best use," meant only the most economically valuable use of the land from the perspective of the owner. The so–called New Urbanism movement seeks to replace zoning with the creation of compact, walkable, mixed– use cities, similar to neighborhoods. Urbanism projects were planned or under construction in the United States, half of them in historic urban centers.
