What generally governs the activities in residential or commercial zones?

Zoning ordinances are the regulations enacted by local governments that dictate how land in certain zones can be used. They are crucial in managing land use and controlling aspects such as building heights, residential density, and the types of businesses that can operate within specific areas.

In residential or commercial zones, these ordinances help ensure that the development and use of properties are consistent with the goals of the community, promote safety, maintain property values, and preserve the character of the neighborhood. For example, zoning ordinances may impose restrictions on the types of structures that can be built, the activities that can occur on a property, and even the aesthetics of buildings to maintain a uniform appearance.

Service contracts, real property acts, and tax codes do not govern land use in the same manner. Service contracts typically relate to agreements between parties for services rendered rather than establishing regulations for land use. Real property acts involve statutory laws governing property rights and ownership but do not specifically address zoning. Tax codes pertain to the taxation of properties and do not directly regulate how properties can be used. This makes zoning ordinances the correct answer for the governance of activities in residential or commercial zones.