Upzoning is defined as the process in which a property is zoned from a lower use to a higher use. Upzoning often refers to the zoning in an area changing from residential to commercial or from a low density zoning to a higher density zoning.

The term is typically defined by who the zoning is affecting. For those seeking the changes proposed, it is upzoning. For those looking to deny the changes proposed, they would not consider the changes upzoning.