Land use zoning is derived from the practise of designating permitted uses of land based on mapped zones which separates one set of land uses from another. It is a mandatory objective under Section 10 (2) (a) of the 2000 Act for development plans to include objectives for the zoning of land for the use solely or primarily of particular areas for particular purposes and to such extent as the proper planning an sustainable development of the area in the opinion of the Planning Authority required uses to be indicated. Land use zoning is about identifying the quantity of land needed for the plan period , and the best location for such land use.

Both ‘land’ and ‘use’ are further defined as follows: ‘Land’ includes messuages, tenements, hereditaments, houses and building of any tenure. The Interpretation Act 1937 Part 5 ( 22) . ‘Land’ includes any structure and any land covered with water whether inland or coastal. Planning and Development Act 200 Part 1.(2). ‘Use’ in relation to land does not include the use of land by the carrying out of works thereon. Planning and Development Act 200 Part 1.(2).