{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/zoning-ordinance","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/zoning-ordinance","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"zoning-ordinance","term":"Zoning Ordinance","group":"Reading the business","definition":"These are local laws that regulate land use and development within a municipality, dictating what types of businesses or activities are permitted in specific areas.","what_it_means":"When buying a business with real estate, or even just leasing, verify that its current and intended operations comply with local zoning ordinances. Non-compliance can lead to fines, operational restrictions, or even force relocation, impacting your ability to operate.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/zoning-ordinance","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"owner-occupied-commercial-real-estate","term":"Owner-occupied commercial real estate","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/owner-occupied-commercial-real-estate"},{"slug":"lease-agreement","term":"Lease agreement","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/lease-agreement"},{"slug":"compliance","term":"Compliance","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/compliance"},{"slug":"appraisal","term":"Appraisal","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/appraisal"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"What if the business for a 7(a) loan requires substantial inventory or equipment incompatible with residential zoning?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-if-the-business-for-a-7-a-loan-requires-substantial-inventory-or-equipment-incompatib"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Zoning Ordinance","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/zoning-ordinance","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}