Overlay District
Field(s):
Community Development, Economic Development, Environmental Planning, Hazard Mitigation and Disaster Recovery, Housing Planning, Land Use & Law , Urban Design
Region of Focus:
General
An overlay district is a zoning tool that applies additional regulations or incentives to a specific geographic area, supplementing the underlying zoning code.
Overlay districts are used to address unique conditions or goals, such as historic preservation, environmental protection, or urban design standards. They allow for tailored planning solutions without replacing existing zoning, enabling communities to balance development with conservation or revitalization objectives. Examples include historic districts, floodplain overlays, and transit-oriented development (TOD) overlays, which promote context-sensitive growth and enhance community character.
Last update:
April 16, 2025
Developed by:
The Urban Lexis Editorial Team
Contributor(s):
With support from:
ChatGPT (by OpenAI) and DeepSeek
We acknowledge the assistance of AI tools in helping draft content. Final edits, fact-checking, and curatorial decisions were made by the Urban Lexis Editorial Team to ensure quality and relevance for our planning community.