Originally Posted by
mschwett
unfortunately this is absolutely not true in many (if not most) jurisdictions in the united states. single use zoning or zoning where uses other than a primary use are conditional is extremely common.
Zoning reform is an ongoing process, but it's well underway. See:
https://planning.org/planning/2023/w...do-we-need-it/
I'm right now building an ADU on a site in one U.S. city which was formerly single family only.
Most European cities don't have zoning AT ALL. They use a different system based on a master plan. It takes more resources to administer but in my opinion it's a superior approach. Anyone can apply to change the use of a land plot from one thing to another, and the authorities will let you if they think it enhances the urban fabric.