Home and neighborhood
Who handles zoning and what can be built on a lot or next door?
Who handles it
Your city or county government handles zoning through its planning and zoning office and local planning and zoning boards.
- Not Federal
- State
- Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 1 sources
Why state and local government
States give local governments authority over planning and zoning. In almost every state, land use planning and land use laws are a function of local government.
What to do next
- Look up the lot on your local zoning map, then read the rules for that zone in the zoning ordinance.
- Call or visit your local planning or zoning office to confirm what is allowed.
- To speak up about a nearby project, watch for public hearings and comment at them.
In your state
Find your state’s official offices on our state pages.
What varies
Zoning is treated as a local power, so maps, rules and approval steps differ from one community to the next.
Learn the background: What is the difference between a county, a city, a township and a school district?