The Town of Lexington uses performance zoning. An activity is controlled by zoning district and street classification. Density is controlled by street classification. Three zoning districts are used: IDD (Intense Development District), RDD (Restricted Development District), and PRD (Protected Residential District). IDD is considered to be our most dense commercial district. RDD is considered to be semi-commercial. PRD is for single family dwellings only. Cluster and zero lot line developments are allowed in a PRD zone if fronting on an arterial or collector road. Otherwise, cluster and zero lot line developments must be in an RDD or IDD zone. All restrictions must be applied to an RDD activity regardless of adjacent zone or activity. Zoning is designed to protect the residence regardless of the residence location. A residence can go into any zone district.

Protection is made through building setbacks, buffers, screening, lighting, noise, and vibration restrictions. The Town of Lexington has Historic Preservation Ordinance and a Landscaping and Tree Protection Ordinance, which pertains to commercial development.

The Town of Lexington does not have a full-blown street department as the major roads in Town either belong to the State Department of Transportation (DOT) or to Lexington County. Curb cut authorization must be obtained from the owner of the road. The Town does have curb cut restrictions, which must be met regardless of road ownership. Since the major thoroughfares belong to the state, so does the storm drainage. DOT rarely allows commercial development to discharge storm water directly into the street. Detention ponds seem to be the current norm.