Final answer:
Special zoning policies and regulations are an integral part of urban planning, guiding future development and ensuring public welfare while also balancing property rights with community needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The creation of special zoning policies and regulations for medium to large-sized controlled developments is a crucial component of urban planning and land-use regulation that municipalities employ. Zoning not only dictates existing structures and uses but is fundamentally about guiding future development based on a comprehensive master plan. This plan manifests through a series of ordinances that affect zoning, subdivision regulations, street planning, public facilities, and building codes. Adhering to an official plan or map is mandatory for future developers as they plan their subdivisions. Zoning is a form of land-use regulation, which is essential for the orderly development of urban and rural areas. The rationale behind zoning is to serve the public health, safety, comfort, morals, and general welfare. However, since these regulations can restrict property rights, they can be controversial and are subject to legal scrutiny — they must be reasonable, not arbitrary, and bear a significant relation to the public welfare. Land-use restrictions can cover various aspects including lot frontage, minimum lot area, yard requirements, and the number of buildings or dwelling units per area. Zones can be restricted to single-family homes or allow for multi-family dwellings. In culturally significant areas, zoning can help preserve important features. Additionally, zoning balances the exchange and use value of land, often prioritizing certain social classes and allowing for a dynamic influenced both by structure (like local government) and agency (businessmen, activists) reflected in phenomena such as NIMBY movements.