Who usually grants the authority for police power in relation to zoning?

Local government is the entity that typically grants the authority for police power concerning zoning. In the United States, zoning laws are a function of local governance, allowing municipalities to regulate land use within their jurisdictions. This authority derives from the police power granted to local governments by the state, enabling them to enact laws that promote public health, safety, morals, and general welfare.

While the state legislature does provide the overarching framework and enables local governments to exercise this power, it is local authorities that implement and enforce zoning regulations tailored to their specific communities. The federal government, on the other hand, has a minimal role in zoning matters, primarily addressing issues such as civil rights and fair housing at a broader level. Community boards can influence local zoning decisions but do not possess the legal authority to grant or enact zoning powers themselves. Therefore, only the local government has the direct jurisdiction to create, modify, and enforce zoning regulations.