ABSTRACT
In talking about the process of developing or’improving zoning regulations, it is necessary for a full understanding to go back to the beginning. We have noted that all counties, cities, towns, and villages (any local governments) are creatures of the state. Of equal importance is remembering that the ability to utilize the fundamental police power of government and enact a zoning ordinance must be passed on to municipal and county governments by the state. It follows, therefore, that the first step in this process is the passage of an act by the state legislature enabling municipalities under its jurisdiction to prepare and adopt zoning ordinances. This is referred to as the state’s zoning enabling act, and what it says is of utmost importance to the success and effectiveness of local zoning.
