What is the division of a city or area into districts to regulate land use called?

Zoning is the process used by municipalities to divide a city or area into districts that regulate land use. This framework helps to designate specific areas for different uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments. The primary purpose of zoning is to achieve organized growth and prevent land use conflicts, ensuring that areas are developed consistently with the community's vision and goals.

Zoning regulations include restrictions on the type of buildings that can be constructed, their height, density, and the activities permitted within each zone. This structured approach aids in managing urban growth, protecting property values, and promoting public health and safety.

While land use planning and urban planning are broader concepts that encompass a range of considerations and strategies for the development and utilization of land and urban spaces, zoning specifically focuses on the regulatory aspect of land use within defined districts. Subdivision refers to the process of dividing a larger parcel of land into smaller lots for development or sale and is not primarily about regulating land use across broader areas.