A residential zone is an area designated by municipal zoning bylaws for housing. Zoning regulations specify what types of residential development are permitted—some zones allow only single-family detached homes, while others permit duplexes, townhouses, or apartment buildings. Residential zones typically restrict commercial and industrial uses to maintain neighbourhood character, though some zones allow limited home-based businesses or neighbourhood commercial uses. Zoning also controls density (how many units per lot), building height, setbacks from property lines, and lot coverage. Different residential zones (R1, R2, R3, etc.) allow progressively higher densities. Rezoning can change what's permitted in an area.