Technology advances can render zoning laws out-of-date and ineffective. When new industries arise, often the result of technological innovation, entrepreneurs and business owners may find their leading edge companies unable to secure manufacturing or other space in suitable or desirable locations due to zoning requirements that fail to address their particular circumstances.

Light industrial zones are a perfect example. These zones are generally “set aside for businesses and manufacturers that are clean, high-tech and have a low impact on the surrounding community (noise and emissions)”, as reported by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal in a May 14, 2012 article.