Whether you are looking to buy or deciding what to you with your property, checking zoning regulations is always a priority. State and local governments decide the various land use laws and the different purposes that owners can give to their property. If you’ve been having a hard time with zoning, consider regions with less restrictive zoning regulations.

Municipalities use zoning regulations and restrictions to control the development of property within their jurisdiction. The city of Los Angeles passed its first zoning ordinance in 1908. In 1916, New York City adopted its first zoning ordinance. Since then, most urban areas in the United States have adopted zoning regulations.

Populations have been criticizing zoning for years. Zoning has been accused of being a way to racially and socio-economically exclude and segregate. Governments have been blamed for imposing restrictive zoning laws about use of land. Zoning regulations can also dictate occupancy restrictions, lot sizes, building setbacks, and much more.

Where to find less restrictive zoning regulations

We could all benefit from less restrictive zoning regulations. Ever wondered which state has the easiest zoning regulations to deal with? Texas!

For example, consider the city of Houston. It doesn’t have zoning! Ordinance codes govern the development of the city. These codes do not address land use, but how property can be subdivided. The fourth-largest city in the nation relies on the community. Additionally, civic and private organizations form super neighborhoods. Also, they plan the areas within the city. The homeowner’s associations put in place their regulations.

There are several reasons why Houston has one of the less restrictive zoning regulations. Many of which amount to seeing it as a restriction on freedom. And this favors market-driven development. The benefits of all this are various. One of them is freedom. You can have more flexibility with designs and concepts. 

Additionally, you will save time and money with jurisdictions of zoning laws. Another benefit for the city is that this helps built its diversity and unique character. Also, this market-based approach to development produces economic growth. Some zoning ordinances can unintentionally cause restrictions on the economy and only benefit big developers.

As you can imagine, without zoning restrictions, businesses, residential homes, industrial facilities, and others can all co-exist on the same block. You might think this can be messy or make the city less appealing, but it is a way of giving more business alternatives and encouraging diversity.