Final answer:
Zoning ordinances are public restrictions regulating land use within municipalities, while restrictive covenants are private agreements that limit property use. Both are designed to benefit the community or maintain a neighborhood's character, but they must be reasonable and non-discriminatory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Real property usage is governed by various regulations, including zoning ordinances and private restrictions such as restrictive covenants. Zoning ordinances are public restrictions that classify land into districts to regulate use, with categories typically including residential, commercial, and industrial. These regulations aim to serve the public welfare by controlling the development, aesthetics, and safety of neighborhoods in line with a master plan created by municipalities. On the private side, restrictive covenants, often put in place by developers within a deed, set forth conditions on how property may be used, such as setting minimum house sizes and aesthetic guidelines to preserve a neighborhood's character.
Nevertheless, regulations must adhere to constitutional standards, ensuring they are not arbitrary and support public health, safety, and welfare. They must also provide fair compensation if private property is taken for public use. There are limits to these powers, with courts requiring that zoning be reasonable and serve the whole community's interest. Alongside government regulations, developers may implement their own non-government restrictions, including restrictive covenants and easements, to ensure cohesive development standards. Moreover, any restrictions based on discrimination are not permitted.