Zoning Ordinances / Zoning Maps for Flood Risk Management
The element of an ordered pair, which represents the parallel distance travelled to the vertical axis (y-axis) of a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, as opposed to the abscissa is refered to as a zoning ordinate. It is the second of the two terms (often labelled x and y, but not always), which define the location of a point in such a coordinate system [1]. For the reason of protecting public safety, building restrictions were put in place by cities, and by the early 1900s, several cities had specifically created zoning ordinances which addressed different types of land use. Within a zoning ordinance, the law usually distinguishes between high density residential and residential, light industrial and industrial, commercial, agricultural and other types of land use. The law provides such information as the amount of square footage which can be constructed within a specific zone, and what types of activities can take place in each zone. In a conventional residential district, zoning is usually designed to create low to medium density, which might include single family dwellings and duplexes. In contrast, commercial or high density residential might allow for many more units within the same space [2]. Entrepreneurs and business owners wanting to set up, expand, or relocate their business have to assess and consider these ordinances [3].
In most developed countries, local governments use zoning maps for land use planning. Based on mapped zones, the phrase is derived from the practice of designating permitted uses of land which divide one land use from another [4]. Zoning may be use-based (in terms of regulating what the land can be used for), or it may regulate a parameter such as building height, lot coverage, or a combination of these parameters. From ancient times in many cities, similar urban planning has ordered the use of various areas for particular purposes [4]. Zoning ordinances regulate land use within each area. Regulations apply largely to the exterior and location of structures, but they also apply to the way the property is used, such as for business or housing purposes.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordinatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordinate
[2] http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-zoning-ordinance.htmhttp://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-zoning-ordinance.htm
[3] http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Sm-Z/Zoning-Ordinances.htmlhttp://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Sm-Z/Zoning-Ordinances.html
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoninghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoning
