Apartheid by Another Name: How Zoning Regulations Perpetuate Segregation
July 04, 2022 by The article is an excerpt from Nolan Gray’s book, “Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It.” The article and book discuss the enduring legacy of segregation in America, particularly through the lens of zoning laws that have historically and persistently reinforced racial and economic disparities. Originating in the early 20th century, zoning regulations were initially used to enforce racial segregation, particularly in Southern cities, and later evolved to perpetuate economic exclusion across the nation. Despite legal constraints on explicitly racial zoning, economic zoning has continued to segregate communities, restricting affordable housing options and perpetuating unequal access to quality services and opportunities. This systemic exclusion has disproportionately affected marginalized groups, pushing them into neighborhoods with environmental hazards and inadequate services. The article argues that zoning remains a powerful tool for maintaining segregation, highlighting its role in shaping socioeconomic disparities and limiting upward mobility for vulnerable populations.