The foundations of land use control in real estate pertain to the rules and regulations governing how land is used and developed. These controls are primarily enforced through local zoning ordinances, regulatory permits, subdivision regulations, building codes, and property covenants. Zoning ordinances, for instance, divide areas into different zones, such as residential or commercial, and stipulate what kind of development is permitted in each zone. On the other hand, subdivision regulations deal with the subdivision of land into smaller parcels and the provision of necessary infrastructure for those parcels to be developed.
Land use control also has the objective of serving the public interest by ensuring balanced and sustainable development. It influences the orientation of growth by regulating the type, density and location of development. It is also important in preserving the character of residential neighborhoods, maintaining the economic value of properties, and protecting natural resources and the environment. Moreover, land use control is fundamental in preventing conflicting land uses, such as placing an industrial facility in a residential area – a situation that could potentially lead to issues of health, safety, and welfare of residents.