Which document is primarily concerned with providing the legal framework for zoning in a community?

The zoning ordinance is the document that lays the legal foundation for zoning regulations within a community. It is specifically designed to establish the rules regarding land use, including which types of activities are permitted in various zoning districts. The zoning ordinance provides detailed provisions governing the development and use of land, including restrictions on building heights, densities, setbacks, and land use classifications.

In contrast, while the comprehensive development plan serves a broader purpose by outlining a vision for the overall development and growth of the community, it is not the binding legal document that enforces zoning. Zoning laws are the overarching regulations, but they encompass more than just the specific provisions found in an ordinance. The municipal code refers to a collection of laws that govern a municipality on various matters and includes not only zoning ordinances but also regulations on numerous other topics, making it much broader in scope. Thus, the zoning ordinance is the precise document that provides the operational framework for enforcing zoning regulations in a community.