dividing an area into zones or sections reserved for different purposes such as residence and business and manufacturing etc
"The city council approved a new zoning plan that separated the residential neighborhoods from the industrial district."
Legislative action for the purpose of regulating the use of property and the construction of buildings within the area under the jurisdiction of the legislative body concerned.
"The city council approved new zoning to restrict industrial development in residential neighborhoods."
In plain English: Zoning is the rules that decide what kind of buildings can go where in a city to keep things organized and safe for everyone.
"The city council is holding a meeting to discuss new zoning laws for the downtown area."
Usage: Zoning refers to government rules that dictate how land in specific areas can be used, such as designating neighborhoods strictly for residential or commercial purposes. This term is often confused with "planning," but zoning specifically involves the legal enforcement of those usage restrictions rather than the broader process of creating a community layout.
present participle of zone
"The city is currently zoning the downtown area to allow more high-rise buildings."
In plain English: To zone is to focus your attention on something specific while ignoring everything else around you.
"The city is zoning this area for commercial use instead of residential housing."