A goal of zoning is for neighboring land uses to be compatible with one another. Residential uses, for example, generally are not compatible with industrial uses.

Zoning rules can also set building and other standards.  Examples include standards for building height, setbacks, parking areas, signage styles, and landscaping.  Zoning rules may also say how much of a kind of use can occur (for example, 18 residential units per acre).

Sometimes certain kinds of uses in a zone are allowed, but only with restrictions and government review.  The “conditional use permit” process is an example.