On what basis are planning and zoning regulations primarily established?

Planning and zoning regulations are primarily established to control private land use for public benefit, which justifies the selection of this answer. The foundational principle behind these regulations is rooted in the idea that the government has the responsibility to manage land use in a manner that promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of the public. This means that through zoning, governments can designate specific areas for particular types of development—such as residential, commercial, or industrial—which helps to organize and guide growth in a way that serves the community's interests.

These regulations aim to prevent conflicts between different land uses, protect the environment, and ensure that there are adequate public services and facilities to support the population. By asserting control over private land use, governments can mitigate issues like overcrowding, environmental degradation, and urban sprawl, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents.

While access to public transportation, economic growth, and government rights to dictate land use are factors that may influence zoning decisions, they serve as supporting considerations rather than the primary basis. The core objective remains focused on optimizing land use for the greater good of the community.