What does "zoning" refer to in real estate?

Zoning in real estate refers specifically to the set of rules that determine how property in certain areas can be used and developed. These regulations are established by local governments and can dictate aspects such as the type of buildings allowed, the density of those buildings, and the purposes for which properties can be utilized (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial). This is crucial for maintaining a community’s character, ensuring that developments align with long-term planning goals, and balancing the needs of different types of land uses.

The other options pertain to different aspects of real estate that do not directly relate to zoning. Valuing property for tax purposes involves assessment processes but does not determine how that property can be used. Marketing real estate focuses on promoting properties for sale or lease, which is unrelated to how zoning affects land use. Legal processes for resolving property disputes involve court actions and negotiations that may touch on zoning issues but are not a definition of zoning itself.