The Impact of Early Zoning on Neighborhood Segregation

Early zoning in American history allowed for racial segregation in neighborhoods, where high-density zoning was associated with areas for people of color, while single-family zoning was for white communities. Even after racial zoning was ruled unconstitutional in 1917, the density designations remained, leading to comprehensive zoning plans in the 1920s. Cities with early zoning plans tend to be more segregated along racial and class lines even decades later. Zoning maps have the power to sustain segregation by preserving decisions made with racist intent, as housing stock changes slowly due to land use regulations.