Article VIII-Drafting-the-Zoning-Ordinance
Article VIII-Drafting-the-Zoning-Ordinance
Article VIII-Drafting-the-Zoning-Ordinance
Ordinance
Learn how zoning ordinances shape our cities and facilitate development. Get an
overview of what's involved in the drafting process.
A zoning ordinance is a legal tool A zoning map identifies the The zoning ordinance serves as a
that regulates land use and various zones of a community or guide to ensure that local land use
development in a specific area, municipality and their is consistent with the general
dividing it into zones with specific corresponding land use welfare of the community,
requirements and restrictions. restrictions to ensure their promoting sustainable
appropriate utilization. development and equitable
distribution of resources.
Factors to Consider in Drafting a Zoning
Ordinance
1 Land Use 2 Population 3 Environment
The type and character of The expected population The zoning ordinance
the land use and the should also be considered should also address
corresponding zone's when drafting the zoning environmental concerns
suitability should be taken ordinance, taking into such as the preservation of
into account to avoid any account density, natural resources, wildlife
potential conflicts. demographics, and the habitats, and the
needs of the area. maintenance of clean air
and water for the
community.
CLUP and Zoning Ordinances
• Land Use Plans are not self executing. • Zoning ordinances is a legal and enforceable
document that contains:
• A Technical Document that contains: • Specific or detailed rules
• Policy Statements • Systems and Procedures
• Development Strategies • Incentives
• Programs and Projects • Sanctions
Zoning Ordinance Basics
V. ZONE REGULATIONS
It provides an identifying name for the ordinance or resolution enacted by a local government. It establishes the rules for
the operation of the local government or provides rules and regulations governing public activity in the community.
II. AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE / ENACTMENT
It provides law enacted by a local government. It establishes the rules for the operation of the local government or
provides rules and regulations governing public activity in the community.
III. DEFINITION OF TERMS
It provides ensures that your readers will understand the components of your study in the way that you will be presenting them, because often your readers
may have their own understanding of the terms, or not be familiar with them at all.
IV. ZONE CLASSIFICATIONS
The designation of zones should be based on the CLUP and on the zoning approach preferred by the LGU and should be
translated into a map.
1.Low Density Residential:
1. Land Use - Low Density Residential zones are primarily designated for single-family homes and low-rise residential developments.
2. Dwelling Types - Single-family houses, townhouses, and low-rise apartment buildings are common in low-density areas.
3. Spacing - Properties are typically larger, and buildings are more spread out, resulting in lower population density.
4. Green Spaces - There may be more green spaces, yards, and open areas in low-density residential zones.
5. Amenities - These areas may have fewer community amenities and services due to lower population density.
6. Traffic - Lower population density often results in less traffic congestion.
2.Medium Density Residential:
1. Land Use - Medium Density Residential zones allow for a mix of housing types, including single-family homes, townhouses, and low- to
mid-rise apartment buildings.
2. Dwelling Types - In addition to single-family homes, you may find duplexes, triplexes, and apartments up to a certain height limit.
3. Spacing - Properties are smaller than in low-density areas, but still relatively spaced out compared to high-density areas.
4. Green Spaces - There may be moderate green spaces and landscaping efforts to maintain a balance between development and nature.
5. Amenities - Medium-density areas may offer a mix of community amenities and services, catering to a larger population.
6. Traffic - Traffic may be moderate, depending on the specific location and infrastructure.
3.High Density Residential:
1. Land Use - High Density Residential zones are designed for high-rise and dense residential developments.
2. Dwelling Types - This category may include high-rise apartment buildings, condominiums, and other multi-family housing options.
3. Spacing - Properties are typically smaller and built closer together, resulting in a higher population density.
4. Green Spaces - There may be limited green spaces, and landscaping may be more focused on common areas or rooftops.
5. Amenities - High-density areas often feature a wide range of community amenities, such as retail spaces, public transportation, and
recreational facilities.
6. Traffic: - High-density areas tend to have heavier traffic due to the concentration of residents and commercial activities.
1.Commercial 1 (C1):
1. Land Use - C1 zones are often designated for neighborhood or community commercial activities.
2. Business Types - Permitted businesses in C1 zones are usually small-scale and cater to local residents. This may include convenience stores,
small shops, cafes, and local services.
3. Building Height - Typically, there are restrictions on building heights in C1 zones, and you're more likely to find low- to mid-rise buildings.
4. Density - Population and traffic density in C1 zones are generally lower compared to C2 and CBD areas.
5. Parking - Parking requirements may be more relaxed in C1 zones due to the smaller-scale businesses.
2.Commercial 2 (C2):
1. Land Use - C2 zones are often designated for more varied and larger commercial activities compared to C1.
2. Business Types - Businesses in C2 zones can be larger and more diverse, including retail stores, larger restaurants, offices, and service
establishments.
3. Building Height - Building height restrictions in C2 zones may allow for taller buildings compared to C1, such as mid-rise to high-rise
structures.
4. Density - Population and traffic density in C2 areas may be higher than in C1 but lower than in CBD areas.
5. Parking - Parking requirements may be moderate in C2 zones, considering the larger-scale businesses and potential customer traffic.
3.Central Business District (CBD):
1. Land Use - The CBD is the primary commercial and financial hub of a city or municipality. It often serves as the central core for business,
commerce, and government activities.
2. Business Types - CBDs feature a wide variety of businesses, including large corporate offices, major retail centers, government buildings,
hotels, and more.
3. Building Height - CBD areas typically allow for the construction of tall buildings, including skyscrapers, to maximize land use in the city
center.
4. Density - CBDs are the most densely populated and busiest areas in terms of both population and traffic. They are often the epicenter of a
city's economic and social activities.
5. Parking - CBD areas may have strict parking regulations, encouraging the use of public transportation and reducing congestion.
1.Industrial Zone 1 (I-1):
1. Light Industrial: I-1 zones are usually designated for light industrial activities, which often involve manufacturing, assembly, and
processing of goods with minimal environmental impact.
2. Limited Noise and Pollution: These zones tend to have restrictions on noise levels and pollution to ensure they don't disrupt surrounding
residential or commercial areas.
3. Typically Located Near Transportation: They are often located near transportation infrastructure like highways, railroads, or ports for easy
access to transportation and distribution networks.
4. Examples of permitted uses may include small manufacturing plants, warehouses, and research and development facilities.
2.Industrial Zone 2 (I-2):
1. General Industrial: I-2 zones are designed for a broader range of industrial activities, including both light and heavy industry.
2. Moderate to High Noise and Pollution: Compared to I-1, I-2 zones may allow for more noise and pollution, but within regulatory limits to
prevent significant negative impacts on the surrounding environment.
3. Zoning Flexibility: I-2 zones often provide more flexibility for a variety of industrial operations.
4. Permitted uses may include manufacturing facilities, industrial parks, and distribution centers.
3.Industrial Zone 3 (I-3):
1. Heavy Industrial: I-3 zones are typically reserved for heavy industrial operations that can have a more significant impact on the
environment.
2. High Noise and Pollution: These zones may permit higher levels of noise and pollution, but they are still subject to strict regulations and
environmental controls.
3. Limited Zoning Flexibility: The zoning regulations in I-3 zones are often more stringent, with fewer permitted uses than I-1 and I-2 zones.
4. Examples of uses might include heavy manufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, and industrial waste disposal sites.
LGUs may designate general zones as exemplified in the table below:
A zone may also be divided into sub-zones in cases where more
detailed land use regulations are desired. As shown in the above
example, an R-2 Zone may be divided into a Basic R-2 and Maximum
R-2 where the allowable uses may be similar but with varying density
controls. Forest and Coastal Zones should also be divided into
subzones with varying land use control regulations as provided by
existing laws.
Note: Overlay Zones can be reflected as broken lines over the Base Zones.
These broken lines may use different colors to reflect different types of
Overlay Zones.
ZONING MAP
A Zoning Map is a duly authenticated map defining
divisions of different planned land uses and regulations
of land into zones in a city/ municipality. It is a graphical
translation of the Regulatory Statements to facilitate
their application. For purposes of accountability, the
zoning map shall be provided with transparent
overlay(s) depicting critical information that the users/
public should know, e.g. fault lines, subsidence areas,
protected areas, etc.
V. ZONE REGULATIONS
The Zoning Ordinance should effectively promote safety and resilience by ensuring that regulations to reduce or prevent
increasing risk are formulated based on the following principles:
Obnoxious signs that would constitute nuisance to adjoining property owners, distract motorists or constitute as hazards to public safety shall not
be allowed in any area. No sign should project to public property unless expressly allowed by the Zoning Administrator/ Zoning Officer. Temporary
signs and billboards for not more than two months may be allowed by the Zoning Officer/Administrator upon payment of corresponding fees to
the City/Municipality. The permit for such sign shall indicate the location, size, slope, contents and type of construction.
It shall be unlawful to maintain an obsolete sign by reason of discontinuance of business, service or activity for more than 60 days there from.
Development Standards and Guidelines
18. Section 46: Functions and Responsibilities of the Local Zoning Board of Appeals
There is hereby created a LZBA which shall perform the following functions and responsibilities:
1. Act on applications of the following nature:
a. Variances
b. b. Exceptions
c. c. Non – Conforming Uses
d. d. Complaints and Oppositions to Application/s 2. Act on appeals on Grant or Denial of Locational Clearance by the Zoning Administrator/ Zoning
Officer.
3. Act on appeals regarding the non-conformity of existing uses, buildings or structures to the applicable provisions of this Ordinance. 4. Decisions of
the LZBA shall be carried by an absolute majority vote (50% + 1) of its members.
19. Section 47: Appeals to LZBA Decisions
Decisions of the LZBA shall be appealable to the HLURB.
20. Section 48: Composition of the Local Zoning Board of Appeals (LZBA)
The LZBA shall be composed of the following members:
• City or Municipal Mayor as Chairman
• SP/SB Committee Chairperson on Land Use/Zoning (If said committee is nonexistent, the SP/SB may elect a representative)
• City or Municipal Legal Officer
• City or Municipal Assessor
• City or Municipal Engineer
• City or Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (if other than the Zoning Administrator/Zoning Officer)
• City/Municipal Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer/Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer
• Two (2) representatives of the private sector nominated by their respective organizations
• Two (2) representatives from non-government and civil society organizations nominated by their respective organizations. The City/ Municipal
Planning and Development Office shall serve as the Secretariat to the LZBA. The LZBA may invite resource persons in support of the performance of
its functions.
21. Section 49: Review of the Zoning Ordinance
The Local Zoning Review Committee (LZRC) is hereby created under the City/Municipal Development Council, to review the integrated ZO considering
the CLUP, based on the following reasons/ situations:
• Updating/Revision of the CLUP
• Introduction of projects of national and/ or local significance
• Force majeure events with City/Municipal-wide land use implications
• Petition for re-zoning/re-classification with City/Municipal-wide implications 5. Increasing number of applications/issuances invoking Variances and
Exceptions
22. Section 50: Composition of the Local Zoning Review Committee (LZRC)
The Local Zoning Review Committee shall be composed of the following:
• Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan Chairperson on Land Use/Zoning (or equivalent committee)
• City/Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator
• City/Municipal Zoning Administrator/Zoning Officer
• City/Municipal Assessor
• City/Municipal Legal Officer
• City/Municipal Engineer
• City/Municipal Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer/Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer
• City/Municipal Agriculturist
• Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer
• President, Association of Barangay Captains
• Three (3) Private Sector Representatives such as from Local Chamber of Commerce, local housing industry, federation of homeowner’s
associations, and academe.
• Two (2) non-government and civil society organization representatives The City/Municipal Planning and Development Office shall serve as the
Secretariat to the LZRC
The LZRC may invite resource persons in support of the performance of its functions.
23. Section 51: Functions of the Local Zoning Review Committee
The Local Zoning Review Committee shall have the following functions:
• Review the Zoning Ordinance for the following purposes:
a. Determine amendments or revisions necessary in the Zoning Ordinance because of changes that might have been introduced in the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
b. Recommend changes to be introduced in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Zoning Ordinance in the light of permits granted such as
variances and exceptions, and increasing applications for rezoning and reclassification.
• Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan necessary legislative amendments on the needed changes in the integrated ZO as a result of
the review conducted. 3. Coordinate with HLURB of the recommended changes to the integrated ZO as a result of its review
24. Section 52: Amendments to the Integrated ZO
Changes in the integrated ZO, as a result of the review by the LZRC shall be treated as an amendment, provided that any proposed amendment
to the Zoning Ordinance or provisions thereof shall be subject to public hearing and shall be carried out through a three-fourths vote of the
Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan. Any amendment shall take effect only after approval and authentication by HLURB or Sangguniang
Panlalawigan.
28. Section 56: Consistency between National and Local Plans, Programs, and Projects
Plans, programs and projects of national agencies that will be implemented within the locality, shall as much as practicable, be consistent with the
provisions of the ZO.