Zoning Software 101

As the perform storm surrounding local governments continues to effect change across the country, there’s been a subtle shift as local leaders embrace zoning software.

In recent years, it’s become a powerful tool for local governments and city planners looking to manage land use and development within their jurisdictions. It provides features and tools designed to support land use planning and management, including mapping tools and land use databases.

These tools enable community leaders to visualize and analyze different land use scenarios, and to make informed decisions about how to allocate land for different uses, such as residential, commercial, or industrial. Especially as zoning reform remains a central topic of discussion for communities across the county, we anticipate zoning software becoming a crucial tool on any local government leader’s belt.

How can local governments utilize zoning software?

Zoning software is an important tool for city planners and government officials who are responsible for managing land use and development within their jurisdictions. By providing access to powerful mapping and analysis tools, zoning software can help ensure that land use decisions are made in a fair, transparent, and data-driven manner. We cover its features in more detail below.

Zoning Software Features

Zoning software typically includes a range of features designed to support land use planning and management. Some common features include:

1. Mapping tools: Zoning software often includes mapping tools that allow users to view and analyze land use data in the form of maps. These tools may allow users to zoom in and out, apply filters, and overlay different data layers to better understand land use patterns.
2. Land use databases: Zoning software typically includes a database of land use information, including zoning regulations, property ownership records, and building permit data. This information can be used to inform land use decisions and track development activity.
3. Reporting and analysis tools: Zoning software often includes tools for generating reports and analyzing land use data. These tools may allow users to generate heat maps, charts, and other visualizations to help identify trends and patterns in land use activity.
4. Automated decision-making algorithms: Some zoning software includes algorithms designed to automate certain aspects of the zoning process. For example, an algorithm might be used to determine whether a proposed development meets certain zoning requirements, or to generate recommendations for zoning changes based on land use data.
5. Collaboration and communication tools: Zoning software may include features designed to facilitate communication and collaboration among stakeholders, such as community members, developers, and government officials. These tools may include online forums, messaging systems, and document sharing capabilities.

Relying on 500+ years of government experience, OpenGov’s zoning software is designed to help local governments and city planners manage land use and development more effectively, by providing access to powerful mapping and analysis tools, as well as streamlined decision-making processes. 

Is zoning software really better than the old-fashioned way?

The old-fashioned way of zoning typically involves the use of paper maps, physical zoning ordinances, and manual data tracking and analysis. While this approach has been used for many years, it can be time-consuming, error-prone, and inefficient, particularly in larger jurisdictions.

Zoning software, on the other hand, offers a range of benefits over the old-fashioned approach. Some of the key advantages of zoning software include:

1. Greater efficiency: Zoning software allows for faster and more accurate data management and analysis, reducing the time and effort required for zoning administration.
2. Improved accuracy: Reduce errors and inconsistencies in zoning decisions by automating key processes and calculations.
3. Better decision-making: Powerful data visualization and analysis tools allow for more informed and data-driven decision-making.
4. Enhanced collaboration: Facilitate collaboration and communication among stakeholders in the zoning process, including community members, developers, and government officials.
5. Increased transparency: Zoning software can help promote greater transparency and accountability in the zoning process, by providing easy access to zoning data and decision-making processes.

Zoning Software and Zoning Reform

Zoning reform has been a topic of increasing interest and importance in many communities in recent years, as cities and towns face pressure to accommodate population growth, address housing affordability challenges, and respond to changing economic and social dynamics. Zoning regulations can have a significant impact on land use patterns and development, and can shape the overall character and livability of communities. Three trends to watch in 2023:

• The growing focus on equity and inclusivity in land use planning and policy. Many communities are working to address historic patterns of exclusion and discrimination in zoning policies, and to develop new policies that promote greater access to affordable housing, transportation, and other key amenities for all residents.
• The increasing use of technology, such as zoning software, to support data-driven decision-making and community engagement. Zoning software can help city planners and government officials gather and analyze data on current land use patterns, identify areas where zoning policies may be outdated or overly restrictive, and develop new policies that better reflect community needs and priorities.
• Broader economic, social, and legislative trends, such as Oregon’s recent HB 2415, which will require all communities in Oregon to move to online permitting software by January 2025. These trends may impact land use patterns and development needs, and may require cities and towns to adapt their zoning policies in order to support new forms of economic activity and social interaction.

How can zoning software help with zoning reform?

Zoning software and zoning reform are related in that zoning software can be a tool for implementing zoning reform.

Zoning reform refers to changes in the way that land use is regulated in a particular jurisdiction, often with the goal of promoting more equitable and sustainable development. Zoning software, on the other hand, is a type of computer program used to manage and analyze zoning data.

When a jurisdiction decides to undertake zoning reform, they may need to update their zoning maps, regulations, and other land use policies. Zoning software can be used to create new zoning maps, model the impact of proposed changes, and help with the implementation of new regulations.

For example, a zoning software program could be used to create different scenarios for how a particular area could be developed, and then model the impacts of each scenario on traffic, environmental factors, and other considerations. This can help policymakers make more informed decisions about how to update their zoning regulations and promote more sustainable development.

In summary, zoning software can be a useful tool for implementing zoning reform, but it is not the same thing as zoning reform itself.

How to choose the right zoning software for your community?

There are several popular zoning software platforms available, each with its own set of features and tools designed to support land use planning and management. Some of the most popular zoning software platforms include:

1. OpenGov: OpenGov’s zoning management software offers a range of features for managing zoning and land use data, including mapping tools, data visualization, and analytics capabilities. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and high degree of customization, making it a popular choice for cities and towns of all sizes.
2. ESRI: ESRI is a popular geographic information system (GIS) platform that offers a range of tools for managing land use and zoning data. The platform is known for its advanced mapping capabilities and data visualization features, making it a popular choice for cities and towns that require detailed spatial analysis.
3. Cityworks: Cityworks is an asset management platform that offers features for managing land use and zoning activities, including permitting, inspections, and code enforcement. The platform also offers data analytics and reporting capabilities, making it a suitable choice for larger jurisdictions.
4. Accela: Accela offers a range of features for managing zoning, permitting, inspections, and other land use activities. The platform is known for its workflows and regulatory compliance features, making it a common choice for larger jurisdictions.
5. ViewPoint Cloud: ViewPoint Cloud is a cloud-based land use management platform that offers a range of features for managing zoning, permitting, and licensing activities. The platform is known for its ease of use and user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for smaller jurisdictions and community groups.

Choosing the right zoning software platform will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the jurisdiction in question. Evaluating different platforms based on features, functionality, and ease of use, cities and towns can select the zoning software that best meets their needs and supports effective land use planning and management. If you’d like to schedule a demo of OpenGov’s land use and zoning software, schedule a demo today!