What is the purpose of incentive zoning?

Incentive zoning is primarily designed to encourage developers to incorporate public amenities and benefits into their projects. When municipalities and local governments adopt incentive zoning, they offer developers certain benefits, such as increased density or height allowances, in exchange for the provision of amenities that the community values, such as parks, affordable housing, or public facilities. This collaborative approach aims to balance private development interests with the needs of the community, ultimately leading to enhanced quality of life for residents and improved public infrastructure.

By incentivizing developers to contribute positively to the community, cities are able to achieve specific goals without overly restricting development. This is a practical tool for urban planning, allowing communities to grow while ensuring that essential public services and amenities are integrated into new developments.