Which type of law restricts the construction of a fast food restaurant near residential areas?

Zoning laws are municipal regulations that dictate how land can be used in specific areas. They are established to promote organized development and address the needs of communities by separating incompatible uses. For instance, residential zones are typically protected from commercial activities that could disrupt the peaceful environment, such as the construction of a fast food restaurant. Zoning classifications limit where different types of structures, like commercial establishments, can be built, thereby helping to maintain the character and safety of neighborhoods.

The other options, while related to construction and land use, do not specifically regulate the types of activities permitted in particular areas. Building codes focus on safety and construction standards for buildings, environmental laws address environmental protection issues, and land use regulations can encompass a broader range of planning elements but do not have the direct, specific impact that zoning laws do in terms of defining allowable uses within different areas.