Problem, research strategy, and findings: Warehousing and distribution center (W&D) expansion has raised concerns about disparate, adverse health effects from urban freight. While local governments wield several tools to manage logistics-related development, few may be as consequential to public health disparities as zoning. This study synthesizes the state of recent U.S. zoning actions toward W&D, particularly as a tool (or barrier) for protecting public health in areas historically burdened by freight traffic. Specifically, we investigate 92 zoning actions at 67 locations (51 municipalities, 9 counties, and 7 states) and assess the level at which Environmental Justice (EJ) principles inform these actions. We analyze 213 public documents including ordinance texts, council meeting transcripts, zoning codes, plans, and developer/advocacy websites. Despite the recent attention toward W&D at the state-level, most local actions are discretionary (n=32). While we offer examples of councils contending with EJ issues, discretionary processes have drawbacks. Other jurisdictions revisit long-term plans (n=17), land use definitions (n=13), development standards (n=13), and conditional use permitting (n=12). However, many regulations restrict by-right W&D development with little indication that these changes are intended to benefit historically burdened communities. 

Takeaway for practice: Local jurisdictions lack a unified regulatory approach to W&D. However, long-term plans and state environmental policies guide jurisdictions with the most EJ-explicit actions. Equitable and healthy urban freight requires clear strategic land use priorities and environmental safe-guards for vulnerable populations. We discuss how these findings fit into contemporary debates surrounding zoning and urban freight planning.