India’s Zoning Legal Framework

WHAT ARE ZONING LAWS?

Zoning is a way for communities to separate the land by use or form. In zoning, authorities divide areas of land into different zones where different land use patterns are enforced. It is well knowledge that India’s zoning regulations limit effective patterns of land use. In simple terms, Zoning refers to the division of vast land banks for different purposes. In India, zoning regulations are developed by the local municipal governments or local authorities. These regulations control the usage of land and the building of structures. Different land use patterns are adopted in different zones. The government has many departments that handle land use planning.

ORIGIN OF ZONING:

Zoning districts have a long history that dates back to antiquity. The antecedent to defining and governing land based on use was the old walled city. The unpleasant activities, which were typically characterized by noise and smell, took place outside the city walls, where the poorest residents also resided. Unhygienic and hazardous operations, such as butchering, rubbish disposal, and brick-firing, took place in the area between the walls. Within the walls were civic and religious places, where the majority of people lived.

Beyond distinguishing between urban and non-urban land, most ancient cities further classified land types and uses

●     Lands Division is done:

-District

-Mandal

-Village

●     Kinds or classifications of land:

-Urban land

-Rural land

-Forest land

 -Sea-bed land

It can be used for residential, agricultural, or non-agriculture purposes. Based on these divisions, the zones are separated.

●     Types of zoning include:

1. Residential zones: A Residential Zone is an area specifically reserved for buildings designed solely for human Any portion used for other purposes, such as businesses, institutions, offices, and similar uses, is specifically excluded. Within this region, there are natural recreational areas.
2. Commercial zones: A commercial area is a real estate intended for use by for-profit businesses, such as office complexes, shopping malls, service stations, bars, and restaurants. It may be purchased outright by a developer for future projects or leased through a real estate
3. Industrial zones: Industrial zoning refers to land that permits the manufacturing of industrial products, factories, power plants, warehouses, and other uses that are important to that area’s economy. This includes spaces that create, store, or distribute products, or produce or refine energy or
4. Agricultural zones: It is a zone used for agricultural production, agriculture forest products, and plants planted in private land and a zone declared by the

ZONING LAWS IN INDIA:

There are different zoning laws in different cities. In the Indian Constitution, land is a subject under Concurrent zoning, and land-use rules in India are generally managed by a combination of both national and state-level laws. This means that both the federal and state governments will have the right to adopt land use and zoning rules within their respective domains. Here are some essential features of India’s legal framework for zoning:

*Constitutional Provisions

*Town and Country Planning Acts

*Development Authorities

*Master Plans

*Land Use Zoning

*Building Bylaws

*Environmental Regulations

*Land Acquisition Laws

*Judicial Precedents

Zoning specifies the kinds of operational and development uses of land that are permitted on a particular parcel. Municipalities tend to partition districts and neighborhoods according to a master plan. This could be done to save particular resources, reduce noise levels, reserve residential space for locals, and encourage economic growth.

The local municipal governments or local authorities in India draft the zoning regulations. These regulations control how land is used and how buildings are built. In various zones, various land use patterns are put into practice.

Functions related to land use planning are carried out by various government agencies.

Zoning regulations may also control the specifics of construction in a certain neighborhood. For instance, regardless of the kind of construction that is permitted, zoning can set a maximum height limit for structures in a particular region. Regardless of whether the structures otherwise adhere to the law, zoning could prohibit high-rise homes or offices on specific properties.

They are responsible for framing land use planning and development policies and guidelines. The authorities also create a land use plan, commonly known as a master plan or development plan. For instance, the draft Master Plan for Delhi (MPD) 2041 and the draft Land Use Plan for Delhi 2041 were created by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The MPD 2041 lays out the rules and regulations for the city’s future growth.

For example: zoning restrictions prohibit the construction of commercial structures in residential zones. In India, land use zoning is based on the Euclidean technique, which refers to classifications of land use by geographic location, such as residential or commercial.

The Rural Development Ministry came up with a draft National Land Utilization Policy that aimed at adopting policies for ensuring optimal land utilization based on suitable land-use planning and management in 2013.

WHY ARE THESE LAWS IMPORTANT?

The local authorities may go on to restrict the use of residential spaces for commercial usage to limit the commercial activities to a particular part of the city. These zones may create conflicts if the residents go on to raise a dispute on such designated usage.

Zoning limitations can regulate the number of floors that can be constructed in an area. The development of high-rise buildings may be not permitted in specific regions to safeguard the interests of neighboring inhabitants.

Zoning is done in an integrated way because urban areas are beginning to worry about a lack of available land resources. Therefore, any developments—including those allowed in primary residential—such as banks, stores, etc.—are permitted in a mixed residential zone. Additionally, zoning restrictions may outline a location’s maximum building height, the presence of green space, the density of structures, and the kinds of businesses that may be allowed to operate there.

CAN ZONING BE CHANGED?

The zoning can be changed in certain situations. Following are how one can apply for a change in zoning:

1. Application with the local authorities
2. Variances
3. Non-conforming Uses
4. Conditional Use Permits
5. Eminent domain

CONCLUSION:

Local and national governments can utilize zoning as a tool to promote economic growth and development. Zoning laws can protect and enhance the value of real estate, and prevent the incompatibility of different land uses. Most importantly, zoning laws can help accomplish the overall goals of a given community and stimulate economic growth.

Reference(s):

• https://www.proptiger.com/guide/post/term-of-the-week-zoning https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/towards-sustainable-land-management/93466
• https://housing.com/news/types-of-land-use-in-india/#Importance_of_zoning https://cleartax.in/g/terms/zoning
• https://housing.com/news/types-of-land-use-in-india/#Land_use_regulations_i n_India
• https://blog.ipleaders.in/need-know-zoning-rera/
• Maheshwara        Swamy, N. (2020). Land Laws Textbook, Asia Law House Publications