How to Find Your Zoning and Read the Code
Steps to find your zoning
- Write down the address and the parcel number.The parcel number (also called APN, tax parcel or PIN) is on your property tax bill or on the county assessor’s website.
- Check whether the property is inside a city.If it is outside city limits, zoning may be set by the county. The assessor or planning office can tell you.
- Search for the zoning map.Search for “[city or county] zoning map” or “[city] property search.” Raleigh, for example, offers a Citywide Zoning Map in iMaps, and Miami-Dade offers a Property Search.
- Enter the address and read the district.The map shows a district code and may list overlays or special districts.
- Open the zoning code for that district.Find the use table and the district standards.
- Check the overlays.Historic, flood, transit or design overlays can add rules.
- Confirm with the planning office.Ask in writing, or ask for a zoning verification letter if you need proof for a lease, loan or purchase.
Reading a zoning map and code
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Base district (zone) | The main zoning designation of the property, such as a residential district. |
| Overlay | An extra layer of rules on top of the base district, for example for historic areas, flood zones or design review. |
| Use table | A chart listing which uses are allowed by right, allowed with a permit, or not allowed in each district. |
| By right (permitted use) | Allowed without special approval if you meet the standards. |
| Conditional or special use | Allowed only after a review and permit, often with conditions. |
| Accessory use | A use that supports the main use of the lot, such as a small farm on a house lot. |
| Setback | The minimum distance a structure must keep from a property line. |
| Nonconforming use | An existing use that was legal before the rules changed. |
Questions to ask the planning office
- What is the zoning district and overlay for this parcel?
- Is a community garden, urban farm or farm stand allowed here, by right or with a permit?
- Are there size limits, hours or sales rules?
- Can I keep chickens or bees, and what are the setbacks?
- Do I need a building permit for a shed, greenhouse or hoophouse?
- Is a zoning verification letter available and what does it cost?
- Who is the staff person I should keep in contact with?
If the map or code is unclear
- Zoning maps are updated at intervals, so ask whether the online map is current.
- A few cities, such as Houston, have no conventional zoning but regulate land use through other rules; ask the city what applies.
- Land held by a public agency, a school or a church may follow different rules or review processes.
- A recent rezoning or an amendment may not yet show on the map.
- Property in an HOA is also governed by private rules; see homeowners associations.
Once you know your zone, read our planning and zoning guide, how cities regulate urban farming and what agricultural zoning means. For structures, see building codes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the zoning of my property?
Use your city or county online zoning map or property search with your address or parcel number, then read the district in the zoning code.
What is a zoning map lookup?
An online tool that shows the zoning district of a property when you enter an address or parcel.
Where can I find my parcel number?
On your property tax bill or on the county assessor’s website.
What does R-1 mean on a zoning map?
A district code; the letters and numbers differ by city. R often means residential. Read the code’s definition of the district.
What is a zoning overlay?
An extra set of rules over the base district, such as historic or flood rules.
How do I know if I can have a community garden on a lot?
Find the district, open the use table and look for community garden or urban agriculture. See how cities regulate urban farming.
Can I get written proof of zoning?
Many cities issue a zoning verification letter, often for a fee. Ask the planning office.
What if my property is in the county, not the city?
The county may set the zoning. Ask the county planning office.
Why does the map not match what I was told?
Maps can be out of date or a rezoning may be pending. Ask the planning office to confirm.
Is there zoning in every city?
Not in the same form. Some cities, like Houston, regulate land use through other rules.
Does zoning tell me if I may use the land?
No. Ownership, a lease or permission is separate. See land access.
Is this page legal advice?
No. Confirm with your local planning office.
Official sources
- Your city or county zoning map, property search and zoning code
- City of Raleigh, Citywide Zoning Map (iMaps), and Miami-Dade County, Property Search, as examples of online lookup tools
- Your county assessor (parcel number) and your local planning or zoning office
- Not checked for this page: the lookup tools themselves and the rules for each city; the examples are described as shown in city guidance used elsewhere in our zoning guide