A system for the public control of land use for the community good is called?

• A. Zoning
• B. Building codes
• C. Eminent domain
• D. Environmental regulation

Answer: (A)

Zoning is the tool a city uses to control how land is used and where different activities can take place, all to promote the community’s welfare. It divides the area into zones (like residential, commercial, and industrial) and sets rules on what kinds of buildings and uses are allowed, along with details such as lot size, setbacks, height limits, and density. This helps separate incompatible uses, preserves neighborhood character, and ensures infrastructure and services are planned to support growth.

Other options don’t fit because building codes focus on how structures are built for safety and habitability, eminent domain is the government power to take private property for public use with compensation, and environmental regulation addresses pollution and natural resources rather than mapping land-use categories.