Zoning is a crucial tool for cities to plan and develop in an organized way. It helps prevent incompatible mixtures of buildings and preserves property values. Zoning laws dictate what types of buildings can be in certain areas, how big they can be, and how far they must be from the street. This ensures a city is livable and well-managed without taking away property owners' rights. Zoning also controls accessory uses and applies to business areas, classifying them as commercial or industrial.