Zoning

As part of the IE LB's ongoing commitment to covering all aspects of the law, we would like to point out an article which was probably widely ignored by readers of the PE. Like most other counties, it regulates what people and entities can do with their property. In other words, you as a free United States citizen are limited as to what you can do with your land. If, say, you own a property zoned for agriculture, you would not without a change in zoning the allowed to build a manufacturing facility. The article correctly states that the property owner a request the change in zoning but that "not all requests are likely to be approved." Accordingly, the property owner may be unable to use his property in a way that maximizes its value.

Most people do not give a second thought to this encumbrance on the free market. Zoning is the rule among municipalities not the exception. Houston is a noteworthy example of a municipality without zoning laws. However, the vast majority of cities and counties to provide for zoning. Your faithful correspondent has never been to Houston and cannot therefore attest to the benefits of freedom from zoning.