Zones are places distinguished on a map, which permit a certain set of uses. In most urban areas there are three types of zones: residential, commercial, and manufacturing. Residential zones normally only permit residence and are distinguished from one another by density expressed in dwelling units per acre or per square foot of lot area. Home occupation, which typically allows one or no employees and client visits by appointment only, is appropriate in any zone where a pure residence would be allowed. True hybrid buildings such as live/work structures or complexes may be appropriate in some higher density residential zones-- keeping in mind the building type and its compatibility with its surroundings.

Live/work is well suited to commercial and mixed-use zones. It works particularly well as a buffer or transition between single use zones, e.g. between residential and commercial zones.

Work/live is typically not appropriate in any but the highest density residential zones, and even these with strict limitations on work areas. Mixed use zones and commercial zones are well suited to work/live, where employees and walk-in trade are encouraged. Manufacturing zones where residences alone are not permitted, are not, as one might expect, compatible with home occupation. True work/live, particularly when the work use is similar to that in the underlying zone, is the most appropriate type in industrial zones. Live/work, a hybrid which can "go either way" is best regulated with great care in industrial zones. Residential reversion can wreak havoc in areas with existing long-term commercial uses, as "imported NIMBYs" begin to complain about their established neighbors' accepted and permitted activities.