The Public Health Roots Of Zoning

Zoning and public health laws evolved from the same legal ancestors—the common law of public nuisance and the expansion of state police powers, both premised on protection ofthe public's health.

Improvements in the built environment and changes in land-use policy are promising approaches to increasing physical activity among a largely sedentary population. Opportunities for walking and cycling as part of daily life are important to increasing physical activity and improving health. Yet, local zoning codes and related land-use regulations have made it difficult to create vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods with well-connected streets and more compact development—the infrastructure necessary to support healthier rates of walking and cycling for transportation.