Functional zoning, functional city zoning, or use-based zoning is a method used for dividing land use by its function.[1] Typically, land use is divided in two ways, by its function and by its physical characteristics.[2] An example of functional zoning would be an area that has designated zones based on a function such as an industrial zone, a recreational zone and a residential zone.[1] An example of an area zoned by its physical characteristics is defined in terms of characteristics like development density, minimum lot size, and building coverage, placement and height.[1]
Functional zoning tends to create or increase car dependency, while mixed-use zoning tends to enable walking, making it more sustainable.[3] It has been criticized for causing the squandering of land, energy, and time.[4]