What type of police power permits cities to designate specific land uses?

Zoning is the correct type of police power that allows cities and local governments to designate specific land uses. It refers to the legal framework that dictates how land within certain areas can be used, including allowing for different classifications of land use such as residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural. Zoning regulations aim to promote orderly development, protect property values, and ensure public safety by regulating where certain types of activities can occur.

For example, zoning laws might prohibit factories from being built in residential neighborhoods to prevent conflicts between land uses and maintain community integrity. This use of police power is essential for urban planning and managing growth effectively.

In contrast, building codes are regulations that specify the construction standards for buildings to ensure safety and health. Eminent domain involves the government’s right to take private property for public use, often with compensation to the owner. Subdivision regulations deal with how land is divided into smaller lots and can include various rules about development processes, but they do not specifically pertain to designating land uses. Thus, zoning is the most accurate answer to the question regarding the designation of specific land uses by cities.