Zoning in one paragraph
Zoning is the set of local rules that says what can be built on each piece of land and how: homes, shops, factories, farms, and how tall, how big and how far from the property line. Each parcel sits in a district (for example A for agricultural or M-1 for light industrial). The district's rules are written in the local zoning code.
Three kinds of requests you will see
- Rezoning (map amendment). A request to move specific land from one district to another, such as agricultural to industrial. It changes what is allowed on that land.
- Text amendment. A change to the code's wording, which can affect every parcel in a district at once, such as adding standards for a new kind of use.
- Conditional or special use. Some uses are allowed in a district only after a hearing and only with conditions. A board decides case by case.
Who decides
In Memphis and Shelby County, the Division of Planning and Development staff review applications, and the Land Use Control Board makes recommendations. The City Council or County Commission makes the final decision on most rezonings. In DeSoto County cities such as Olive Branch and Southaven, a planning commission usually reviews requests and the Mayor and Board of Aldermen decide.
What to look for in a case
- The file or case number. It is how staff and agendas refer to the request.
- The current district and the requested district.
- The acreage and the general location.
- The hearing dates, and whether an item was held, tabled, withdrawn, approved or denied.
An application is a request, not a decision. Many are changed, tabled or withdrawn before a vote.