Who are the primary agents of private land use control?

The primary agents of private land use control are property owners, particularly through the use of deed restrictions. Deed restrictions are legal provisions that impose specific limitations or requirements on how a property can be used. When property owners create these restrictions, they establish conditions that govern the use of their land, and they can address aspects such as building design, permissible activities, and property maintenance standards. These restrictions are legally binding and can help ensure that the values and aesthetics of a neighborhood are maintained, as well as protect the interests of surrounding property owners.

While local governments do have control over land use via zoning regulations and ordinances, their authority is more about public land use planning and regulation. Real estate agents play a role in the buying and selling of property but do not create land use controls on their own. Environmental groups may advocate for certain land uses or protections but do not have the same direct power as property owners in implementing controls through deed restrictions. Therefore, property owners through deed restrictions are the key players in establishing private control over land use.