Manage zoning

ArcGIS Urban allows you to store a city's zoning code restrictions in a standardized structure to use them in design plans. In the data manager, you can configure the following properties:

  • Zoning types and Zoning boundaries define zoning code restrictions used in zoning plans.
  • Overlay types and Overlay boundaries allow you to override zoning code restrictions of underlying zones. You can only use overlays in zoning plans; you cannot use them in land-use plans.
  • Land use types and Land use boundaries define land-use restrictions used in land-use plans.

The zoning, overlay, and land-use types don't have a geometry. You must upload boundaries to define the spatial extent of zoning, overlay, and land-use restrictions. You must configure the type items before you can configure boundaries. If you're using a template when creating an urban model (for example, the USA Default template), default types are provided for every category. See Set up ArcGIS Urban to learn more about creating an urban model.

Note:

To join zoning and land-use types with their respective boundaries, you must configure a custom ID attribute when adding types. If you do not provide such an attribute, you cannot upload and join related boundaries.

Manage zoning types

A zoning type describes a certain combination of zoning code restrictions such as building height, parcel coverage, or allowed space uses. Zoning types don't have a geometry. They are referenced by zoning boundaries that define the spatial extent of zoning code restrictions. If you intend to add allowed space uses to zoning types, you must add space-use types before you configure zoning types. See Manage space-use types to learn more.

To add zoning type data, add the data manually as a single item, upload a spreadsheet from your computer, or import the data from a hosted feature table or feature layer symbology.

Note:

The zoning types you configure in the data manager serve as a template for new zoning plans. A plan-specific copy of these types is created when you create a zoning plan. For details, see Create a plan and the Data model documentation page.

Editing zoning types in the data manager does not impact the types of previously created plans. To learn more about editing zoning types in zoning plans, see Configure a plan and Work with zoning.

Add a single zoning type

To add a single zoning type, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Zoning types.
  3. Click the Add button at the upper right.
  4. Choose Single item.

    The New zoning type dialog box appears.

  5. Modify the styling of the new zoning type on the Appearance tab:
    • Provide a label and a custom ID for the zoning type.
    • Optionally, provide a name and a description for the zoning type. You can style the description with markdown syntax elements. See Description styling to learn more.
    • Optionally, change the Color, Fill, and Outline default values.
  6. Modify the basic zoning regulations on the Parameters tab.
  7. Click OK to save the new zoning type.

    The new zoning type is added to the Zoning types table.

Add zoning types from a spreadsheet

To upload zoning types from a spreadsheet, they must be in a specific format. You can access the format through a template download.

To download a zoning types template and upload the data, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Zoning types.
  3. Click the Add button at the upper right.
  4. Choose From spreadsheet.

    The Import zoning types dialog box appears.

  5. On the File step, click Download template.

    An Excel file is downloaded.

  6. Add the data to the template.

    Do not change any of the column headings.

  7. Save the file.
  8. In the Upload file section, click Choose file.
  9. Locate the file on your computer, upload it, and click Next.

    Alternatively, drag the file onto the dialog box.

    The Fields step appears.

  10. Select the Units in source, match the fields and click Next.
    Note:

    When you import zoning types that restrict the allowed space-use types, ensure that the data in the AllowedSpaceUseTypes field refers to the custom ID of the space-use types.

    The Validation step appears.

  11. If errors are detected, review invalid features in the Errors table. Correct the errors in the source data and upload the file again. If all features are valid, click Next or wait for 5 seconds to start the import.

    The Import step appears.

  12. Once all features are imported, click Close to close the dialog box.

Add zoning types from a feature table

To add zoning types from a hosted feature table, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Zoning types.
  3. Click the Add button at the upper right.
  4. Choose From feature table to open the Import zoning types dialog box.
    1. In the Item step, search for the ArcGIS Online item that contains the zoning types data, select it, and click Next.
    2. In the Sublayer step, select a sublayer, and click Next.
    3. In the Fields step, select the Units in source and match the fields, then click Next.
      Note:

      When you import zoning types that restrict the allowed space-use types, ensure that the data in the AllowedSpaceUseTypes field refers to the custom ID of the space-use types.

    4. In the Validation step, review invalid features in the Errors table if errors are detected. Correct the errors in the source data and click Refresh. If all features are valid, click Next or wait for 5 seconds to start the import.
    5. In the Import step, all features are imported. Click Close to close the dialog box.

Add zoning types from a feature layer symbology

If you have a zoning feature layer with a defined symbology for each zoning type, you can import the types with their corresponding symbology directly from there.

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Zoning types.
  3. Click the Add button at the upper right.
  4. Choose From feature layer symbology to open the Import zoning types dialog box.
    1. In the Item step, search for the ArcGIS Online item you want to import the zoning types and their corresponding symbology from, select it, and click Next.
    2. In the Sublayer step, select a sublayer, and click Next.
    3. In the Data step, review the zoning types table created from the symbology of the layer, and click Next.
      Note:

      You can import a variety of fill styles, including solid fills with or without outlines and hatch patterns.Urban supports solid, dashed, and dotted outlines. See Possible values for fill style to learn more about fill styles.

    4. In the Validation step, review invalid features in the Errors table if errors are detected. Correct the errors in the source data and click Refresh. If all features are valid, click Next or wait for 5 seconds to start the import.
    5. In the Import step, all features are imported. Click Close to close the dialog box.
Note:
  • When adding zoning types from a feature layer symbology, only the color, fill, outline, label, description, and custom ID are imported. You must set other parameters manually by clicking the options button Options button.
  • If you are using ArcGIS Pro 3.1 or later to publish the zoning feature layer to ArcGIS Online to import the symbology from, check the Use symbol types compatible with all clients check box on the Configuration tab of the ArcGIS Pro Share as Web Layer pane. See step 6 in the Configure parameters section of the ArcGIS Pro documentation for details.

Reorder zoning types

You can reorder zoning types to change their position in the legend and in the list of types in zoning plans.

To change the order of zoning types, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Zoning types.
  3. Click the drag handle Drag handle next to a zoning type to reorder it.

    The new types order is saved automatically.

Add zoning boundaries

Zoning boundaries reference zoning types and define the geographical extent of zoning code restrictions. Add zoning types first.

Note:

The zoning boundaries you add in the data manager serve as a template for new zoning plans. When you create a zoning plan, a plan-specific copy of the boundaries intersecting the plan's study area is created. For details, see Create a plan and the Data model documentation page.

Editing zoning boundaries in the data manager does not impact the zoning boundaries of previously created plans. To learn more about editing zoning boundaries in zoning plans, see Configure a plan and Work with zoning.

To add zoning boundaries, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Zoning boundaries.
  3. Click Add to open the Import zoning boundaries dialog box.
    1. In the Item step, search for the ArcGIS Online layer that contains the zoning boundaries, select it, and click Next.
      Note:

      The zoning boundaries are converted to the coordinate system of the urban model, if the coordinate systems don't match.

    2. In the Sublayer step, select a sublayer, and click Next.
    3. In the Fields step, match the fields, and click Next.

      Note:
      • Ensure that the data in the Zoning type field refers to the custom ID of the zoning types.
      • The Custom ID field is optional and currently not used in Urban.

    4. In the Validation step, review invalid features in the Errors table if errors are detected. Correct the errors in the source data and click Refresh. If all features are valid, click Next or wait for 5 seconds to start the import.
    5. In the Import step, all features are imported. Click Close to close the dialog box.
Note:

You can only have one zoning layer. You must delete all existing zones before adding a new one.

Manage overlay types

Overlays allow you to override zoning code restrictions of an underlying zoning type, such as building height or parcel coverage. Overlay types don't have a geometry. They are referenced by overlay boundaries that define the spatial extent of zoning code restrictions. Unlike zoning and land-use restrictions, overlay restrictions are defined on individual overlay boundaries and not on the overlay type. Overlay types group individual overlay boundaries and allow you to visualize them with the same symbology. In addition, overlay types allow you to specify how overlays interact with the underlying zoning code restrictions, for example, replacing the restriction or adding a bonus. You can only use overlays in zoning plans; you cannot use them in land-use plans.

Note:

The overlay types you configure in the data manager serve as a template for new zoning plans. A plan-specific copy of these types is created when you create a zoning plan. For details, see Create a plan and the Data model documentation page.

Editing overlay types in the data manager does not impact the overlay types of previously created plans. To learn more about editing overlay types in zoning plans, see Configure a plan and Work with overlays.

Add an overlay type

To add an overlay type, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Overlay types.
  3. Click the Add button at the upper right.

    The New overlay type dialog box appears.

  4. Modify the styling of the new overlay type on the Appearance tab:
    • Provide a name for the overlay type.
    • Optionally, change the Color, Fill, and Outline default values.
  5. Change how overlays interact with the underlying zoning code restrictions on the Advanced settings tab.
  6. Click OK to save the new overlay type.

    The new overlay type is added to the Overlay types table.

Add overlay types from a spreadsheet

To upload overlay types from a spreadsheet, they must be in a specific format. You can access the format through a template download.

To download an overlay types template and upload the data, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Overlay types.
  3. Click the Add button at the upper right.
  4. Choose From spreadsheet.

    The Import overlay types dialog box appears.

  5. On the File step, click Download template.

    An Excel file is downloaded.

  6. Add the data to the template.

    Do not change any of the column headings.

  7. Save the file.
  8. In the Upload file section, click Choose file.
  9. Locate the file on your computer, upload it and click Next.

    Alternatively, drag the file onto the dialog box.

    The Fields step appears.

  10. Match the fields and click Next.

    The Validation step appears.

  11. If errors are detected, review invalid features in the Errors table. Correct the errors in the source data and upload the file again. If all features are valid, click Next or wait for 5 seconds to start the import.

    The Import step appears.

  12. Once all features are imported, click Close to close the dialog box.

Add overlay types from a feature table

To add overlay types from a hosted feature table, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Overlay types.
  3. Click the Add button at the upper right.
  4. Choose From feature table to open the Import overlay types dialog box.
    1. In the Item step, search for the ArcGIS Online item that contains the overlay types data, select it, and click Next.
    2. In the Sublayer step, select a sublayer, and click Next.
    3. In the Fields step match the fields, then click Next.
    4. In the Validation step, review invalid features in the Errors table if errors are detected. Correct the errors in the source data and click Refresh. If all features are valid, click Next or wait for 5 seconds to start the import.
    5. In the Import step, all features are imported. Click Close to close the dialog box.

Add overlay types from a feature layer symbology

If you have an overlay feature layer with a defined symbology for each overlay type, you can import the types with their corresponding symbology directly from there.

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Overlay types.
  3. Click the Add button at the upper right.
  4. Choose From feature layer symbology to open the Import overlay types dialog box.
    1. In the Item step, search for the ArcGIS Online item you want to import the overlay types and their corresponding symbology from, select it, and click Next.
    2. In the Sublayer step, select a sublayer, and click Next.
    3. In the Data step, review the overlay types table created from the symbology of the layer, then click Next.
      Note:

      You can import a variety of fill styles, including solid fills with or without outlines and hatch patterns.Urban supports solid, dashed, and dotted outlines. See Possible values for fill style to learn more about fill styles.

    4. In the Validation step, review invalid features in the Errors table if errors are detected. Correct the errors in the source data and click Refresh. If all features are valid, click Next or wait for 5 seconds to start the import.
    5. In the Import step, all features are imported. Click Close to close the dialog box.
Note:
  • When adding overlay types from a feature layer symbology, only the color, fill, outline, and the name are imported. You must set other parameters manually by clicking the options button Options button.
  • If you are using ArcGIS Pro 3.1 or later to publish the overlay feature layer to ArcGIS Online to import the symbology from, check the Use symbol types compatible with all clients check box on the Configuration tab of the ArcGIS Pro Share as Web Layer pane. See step 6 in the Configure parameters section of the ArcGIS Pro documentation for details.

Reorder overlay types

You can reorder overlay types to change their position in the legend and in the list of types in zoning plans. If there are overlays that interact with the same zoning code restriction (for example, coverage), the order is also used to resolve conflicts in case of overlapping boundaries (higher order overlay types are applied last).

To change the order of overlay types, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Overlay types.
  3. Click the drag handle Drag handle next to an overlay type to reorder it.

    The new types order is saved automatically.

Add overlay boundaries

Overlay boundaries define the spatial extent and parameter values of zoning code restrictions. They reference overlay types to visualize boundaries of the same type with the same symbology. Add overlay types first.

Note:

The overlay boundaries you add in the data manager serve as a template for new zoning plans. When you create a zoning plan, a plan-specific copy of the boundaries intersecting the plan's study area is created. For details, see Create a plan and the Data model documentation page.

Editing overlay boundaries in the data manager does not impact the overlay boundaries of previously created plans. To learn more about editing overlay boundaries in zoning plans, see Configure a plan and Work with overlays.

To any of the defined overlay types, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Overlay boundaries.
  3. Choose the overlay type and click Add in the corresponding row to open the From feature layer dialog box.
    1. In the Item step, search for the ArcGIS Online layer that contains the overlay boundaries, select it, and click Next.
      Note:

      The overlay boundaries are converted to the coordinate system of the urban model if the coordinate systems don't match.

    2. In the Sublayer step, select a sublayer, and click Next.
    3. In the Fields step, match the fields, and click Next.
    4. In the Validation step, review invalid features in the Errors table if errors are detected. Correct the errors in the source data and click Refresh. If all features are valid, click Next or wait for 5 seconds to start the import.
    5. In the Import step, all features are imported. Click Close to close the dialog box.
Note:

Style the overlay description with markdown syntax elements. See Description styling to learn more.

Manage land-use types

Similar to zoning types, a land-use type describes a certain combination of zoning code restrictions such as building height, parcel coverage, or allowed space uses. Land-use types don't have a geometry. They are referenced by land-use boundaries that define the spatial extent of land-use restrictions. If you intend to add allowed space uses, you must add space-use types first. See Manage space-use types to learn more.

To add land-use type data, add the data manually as a single item, upload a spreadsheet from your computer, or import the data from a hosted feature table or feature layer symbology.

Note:

The land-use types you configure in the data manager serve as a template for new land-use plans. A plan-specific copy of these types is created when you create a land-use plan. For details, see Create a plan and the Data model documentation page.

Editing land-use types in the data manager does not impact the types of previously created plans. To learn more about editing land-use types in land-use plans, see Configure a plan and Work with land use.

Add land-use types

To add land-use types, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Land use types.
  3. Click Add and choose from the following options:
    • Single item—Add a single land-use type.
    • From spreadsheet—Import multiple types from a spreadsheet.
    • From feature table—Import multiple types from a hosted feature table.
    • From feature layer symbology—Import multiple types from the symbology of a hosted feature layer.

    See the Manage zoning types section above to learn more about these options.

Reorder land-use types

You can reorder land-use types to change their position in the legend in land-use plans.

To change the order of land-use types, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Land use types.
  3. Click the drag handle Drag handle next to a land-use type to reorder it.

    The new types order is saved automatically.

Add land-use boundaries

Land-use boundaries reference land-use types and define the spatial extent of land-use restrictions. Add land-use types first.

Note:

The land-use boundaries you add in the data manager serve as a template for new land-use plans. When you create a land-use plan, a plan-specific copy of the boundaries intersecting the plan's study area is created. For details, see Create a plan and the Data model documentation page.

Editing land-use boundaries in the data manager does not impact the land-use boundaries of previously created plans. To learn more about editing land-use boundaries in land-use plans, see Configure a plan and Work with land use.

To add land-use boundaries, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the data manager.
  2. Click System of record and click Land use boundaries.
  3. Choose Existing land use or Future land use and click Add in the corresponding row to open the From feature layer dialog box.
    1. In the Item step, search for the ArcGIS Online layer that contains the land-use boundaries, select it, and click Next.
      Note:

      The land-use boundaries are converted to the coordinate system of the urban model if the coordinate systems don't match.

    2. In the Sublayer step, select a sublayer, and click Next.
    3. In the Fields step, match the fields, and click Next.

      Note:
      • Ensure that the data in the Land use type field refers to the custom ID of the land-use types.
      • The Custom ID field is optional and currently not used in Urban.

    4. In the Validation step, review invalid features in the Errors table if errors are detected. Correct the errors in the source data and click Refresh. If all features are valid, click Next or wait for 5 seconds to start the import.
    5. In the Import step, all features are imported. Click Close to close the dialog box.
Note:

You can only have one existing land-use layer and one future land-use layer. Before adding a new layer, you must delete the existing layer.