Transition Zones

Zoning ordinances can include transition zones that provide a separation between two zones with incompatible land uses. Transition zones allow a mix of land uses that are compatible with the two zones being separated. Used properly, transition zones can provide a transition between high intensity land uses and lower intensity land uses.

For example, transition zones can be used between high density commercial zones in a downtown area and surrounding primarily residential neighborhoods. Such a transition zone often allows a mix of small professional offices, business services and residential uses. Thus, neighborhoods are separated from the traffic and noise associated with downtown commercial areas.

Transition zones can also be used between predominantly agricultural land use zones and predominantly developed land use zones. Such a zone can allow small agricultural and rural residential uses that do not need large tracts of land to be viable. Larger contiguous tracts may then be saved for agricultural and other operations which require large tracts to be financially successful.