A method for encoding transform coefficients in a video encoding process includes dividing a block of transform coefficients into a plurality of zones, determining a scan order for each of the plurality of zones, and performing a scan on each of the transform coefficients in each of the plurality of zones according to their respective determined scan order. In another example, a method for decoding transform coefficients in a video encoding process includes receiving a one-dimensional array of transform coefficients, determining a scan order for each of a plurality of sections of the one-dimensional array, wherein each section of the one-dimensional array corresponds to one of a plurality of zones defining a block of transform coefficients, and performing a scan on each of the transform coefficients in each of the section of the one dimensional array of zones according to their respective determined scan order.