Which document typically governs land-use planning in municipalities?

The zoning ordinance is a key document that governs land-use planning in municipalities because it establishes the regulations regarding land use, building height, density, setbacks, and other development standards within the community. It defines how different areas of a municipality can be used—residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use—thereby guiding development in a way that aligns with the community's goals and vision.

While other documents also play important roles in the planning process, they do not have the same authoritative legal weight regarding land use decisions as the zoning ordinance. The master site plan, for example, may outline specific developments or projects but does not govern overall land use across the municipality. The local land development plan could detail how to implement zoning but is dependent on the zoning ordinance for its foundation. The municipal code contains a broader set of regulations governing various aspects of local governance but is not exclusively focused on land use and zoning. Thus, the zoning ordinance remains the primary governing document for managing land use in municipal contexts.