Zoning

Houston, the city of no zoning, lives to plan another day

The Texas Supreme Court has settled it: Houston's historic preservation ordinance is not a form of zoning, which is expressly banned in the city charter. The decision seems to clear the way for more local experimentation with urban design and development rules. Just don’t call it zoning.

Would Zoning Change Houston's Flooding?

Explaining Houston's complicated relationship with development and flooding.

Developing Houston: Land-Use Regulation in the “Unzoned City” and its Outcomes

This report lays out the existing elements of Houston’s land development system and highlights several areas where it could be improved.

Report: Understanding The Unzoned City

On the whole, the tools that Houston has at its disposal are similar to those in traditionally-zoned peer cities Los Angeles and Dallas.

The YIMBY Movement Wants More Development, Not Less. But What, Exactly, Does That Mean?

Advocates view increased development as a way of creating more affordable housing in cities.

Without Zoning, Equity in Houston Becomes More Complicated

Houston's lack of zoning creates a two-tiered system for land-use, critics argue.

Sprawl Beyond Zoning

Some critics say zoning creates sprawl. But if that's the case, how do you explain Houston?

How the "Missing Middle" Can Make Neighborhoods More Walkable

One designer argues that housing like the duplex can save cities.

The Fight Against “The New Exclusionary Zoning”

What happens when not just neighborhoods but entire cities become gentrified?

Market-Based Zoning Needed During the Age of the "Sharing" Economy

As the sharing economy takes hold, it may be time to embrace a new type of zoning.

Study: Development Regulations Linked to Segregation

Strict housing regulation – including limits on housing density, or requiring numerous regulatory approvals for new housing – are related to economic segregation, a new report says.

Forget What You’ve Heard, Houston Really Does Have Zoning (Sort Of)

Space City has a reputation for being the only big American city without zoning. That reputation is undeserved.