What zoning classifications allow heavy industrial operations on the parcel?

Zoning classifications for heavy industrial operations are specific codes assigned by urban planning authorities to regulate land use. These zones are intended for high-impact industrial activities such as manufacturing, assembly, processing, refining, and distribution involving noise, emissions, or hazardous materials.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the zoning classifications that typically allow heavy industrial operations:

1. HI – Heavy Industrial (India Context)

• Usage: Large-scale manufacturing, refineries, metallurgy, chemical processing.
  
• Permitted Operations:
  
  • Steel and cement plants
    
  • Petrochemical units
    
  • Machinery and heavy equipment manufacturing
    
• Designated By: State agencies like DTCP, SIPCOT, KIADB, MIDC, GIDC, etc.
  
• Conditions:
  
  • Requires pollution control clearance (especially for Red Category industries)
    
  • Must follow setback, waste management, and buffer norms
    

2. M-3 or M2 – Heavy Manufacturing (US Context)

• M3 (Heavy Industrial):
  
  • Allows activities with higher pollution, noise, and heavy truck traffic
    
  • Examples: auto manufacturing, smelting, rubber, heavy logistics
    
• M2 (General Industrial):
  
  • Supports both light and heavy industrial uses (less intense than M3)
    
• Requirements:
  
  • Environmental permits, OSHA compliance
    
  • Often requires a location away from residential and commercial areas.
    

3. I-2 or I-3 – General/Heavy Industrial (Municipal Classifications)

• I-2: Medium- to heavy-duty manufacturing
  
• I-3: Strictly for intense industrial operations (refining, chemical production)
  
• Allowed Uses:
  
  • Foundries
    
  • Large fabrication units
    
  • Power generation facilities
    

4. Special Economic Zone (SEZ – Industrial Type)

• Approved For: Export-oriented heavy industrial activities
  
• Government-provided infrastructure: Roads, electricity, effluent treatment
  
• Regulatory Bodies: SEZ Development Authority, State Industrial Boards
  
• Advantages:
  
  • Tax exemptions
    
  • Foreign direct investment (FDI) encouragement
    
  • Easier compliance pathways
    

5. Industrial Development Zones (IDZ) / Notified Industrial Parks

• Zoning is pre-approved for heavy industries by state governments
  
• Examples:
  
  • SIPCOT (Tamil Nadu)
    
  • MIDC (Maharashtra)
    
  • KIADB (Karnataka)
    
  • APIIC (Andhra Pradesh)
    
• Utilities and Access: Common power grids, road connectivity, drainage systems