The comprehensive plan, the zoning ordinance, and other land-use regulations must work together to achieve orderly growth. The types included in an area depend on the complexity of the township's or county's development. Agricultural districts can be designated by the comprehensive plan or by the individual landowner. They allow agricultural activity as the principal use of the land. While agricultural production does not prohibit other uses, agricultural districts protect production agri-culture from nuisance complaints and assessments for public use.
Some ordinances require the land to meet minimum criteria to be eligible.
Eligibility tests can include minimum production capabilities, minimum time to be designated in the district, and a minimum tract size requirement. Residential districts may be established in several categories, depending on the type of development already established or anticipated. Factors that must be considered are density of population, existing and proposed streets and utilities, variety of housing types, and variety of housing-price groupings. Cluster development or planned unit development and conditional uses are some methods that provide flexibility in zoning regulations. Use distinctions often vary depending on desired density and code requirements.