How to Make a Zoning Atlas 2.0: The Official Methodology of the National Zoning Atlas

Abstract

Zoning laws, adopted by upwards of 30,000 local governments across the country, are important. Because they dictate virtually everything that gets built in the United States, they have tremendous impact on our economy, environment, society, and even health. But no one — not even experts — knows enough about what they actually say because they are so decentralized, inconsistent, and convoluted.

We’re building the National Zoning Atlas to unlock zoning’s black box by centralizing, standardizing, and making accessible information about zoning. We believe if people understand zoning, they will be empowered to improve it. We think enabling apples-to-apples comparisons of cities and towns will promote understanding of regional and statewide trends. We hope that information about zoning will strengthen planning for housing production, transportation infrastructure, food security, and climate response.

This methodology, How to Make a Zoning Atlas 2.0, outlines the process by which the National Zoning Atlas is built. The process has two workflows – one involving analysis of zoning texts, the other involving analysis of zoning maps – the products of which are merged and published to our online, interactive map. This methodology tracks both workflows, giving zoning code and geospatial analysts instructions on how to collect, translate, and standardize zoning regulatory and geospatial information. It focuses on individual zoning districts, each of which distinctively regulates allowed uses, structures, and lots.

With that background in mind, we can proceed to the detailed instructions.

Part II explains how to structure geography-specific teams, use the Editor workspace, identify jurisdictions, find and upload jurisdictional files, and establish a division of labor. We strongly suggest that the full team work together to complete this Part before proceeding with later Parts.

Part III turns to the building blocks of any zoning atlas: zoning districts. For reasons explained below, the seemingly simple task of listing zoning districts is harder than it appears. The whole project team (including the geospatial analysts) should engage in the work of this Part.

Part IV tells zoning code analysts how to classify districts and analyze the regulation of uses, lots, and structures. It also explains how team leaders can create custom fields and finalize data entry.

Part V tells geospatial analysts how to prepare and upload geospatial data for both jurisdictions and zoning districts.

Part VI concludes with final publication instructions.

Keywords: Zoning, land use, districts, regulation, codes, regulatory analysis, atlas, principal use, accessory dwelling, minimum lot, parking