Like most out of towners I never understood the logic behind Houston's lack of zoning. For example a used car lot next door to a four plex, which is next door to a school that sits between a fast food store, and a convenient store. We met with Planning & Development staff members Director Marlene Gafrick, Richmond Coward, Brian Crimmins, and Louisiana native Ryan Albright. Obviously the staff is a true reflection of the city as they were all from different states.
The City of Houston extends its services to the surrounding suburbs. The territory is large enough to fit Cleveland OH, Washington D.C., Detroit MI, Baltimore MD, San Francisco CA, Baton Rouge LA, Denver CO, Chicago IL, Pittsburgh PA, and Miami FL in its boundaries all at once. The lack of zoning allows developers to create their projects and offer the residents several different options. Some development companies test their facilities in Houston prior to creating them elsewhere.
City officials say that they don't want to dictate to the developers projects. The city has ordinances that are enforced to keep what most would consider seedy establishments from propping up. There are transit incentives for develops that create projects along the rail. The city does not impose double impact fees it instead basically reserves the right to install or not install infrastructure of particular properties. Due to the high costs of infrastructure developers choose to work closer to the city's infill areas.
The City of Houston's Planning Development relies on Chapters 42, 26, and 23. Which are the basic guidelines for building property in Houston. These chapters address basic development, parking restrictions, and land preservation. There is no density ordinance for multifamily property. The majority of development fees are flat and fairly inexpensive. The city likes developments because developments create jobs, and generate property taxes. Therefore it is in the best interest of the city to continue to flourish with developments.
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