Overlay Zones/Districts

Programs that are responsible for making the decision to implement overlay zones or districts, i.e., a set of zoning requirements that is superimposed upon the existing zoning that is applied to each parcel of land to further regulate development in areas of special concern. Overlay zones/districts are generally used to limit development when a particular area requires special protection (e.g., historic preservation districts or downtowns, shore lands) or has a special problem (e.g., steep slopes, flooding or earthquake faults). Development of land subject to overlay zoning requires compliance with the regulations of both the base and overlay zones. A newer model is a natural area overlay district which may be used to protect the most fragile natural areas in a community or assure compatible development along with conservation of other natural resources.