Abstract:
Zoning is premised upon the segregation of land uses. Rudimentary zoning ordinances originated in new York around 1916 as a means of separating the lower class fabrics originated in new York around 1916 as a means of separating the lower class fabric market from the upscale retails of 5th Avenue nearby and tend to reduce density.
The standard enabling acts of the 1920 granted governments the broad authority to enact zoning ordinances to reduce population densities for the purpose of health, safety and will being of the people. Since ninety years this decision became the planning professions primary tool to regulate land use.
The open economic process of 1978 and relevant social, political and physical changing pattern directly involved the land use management system of the island and urban development green faster than rural development. The development plan proposed for Colombo CMC introduces the first attempt of Sri Lanka.