Watch: Planning Without Zoning, Explained

Fans of Houston probably won't want to watch this video that calls the Space City a "jumbled up garbage town."

1 minute read

January 7, 2021, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The YouTube channel Half as Interesting digs into the realities of a city without zoning—Houston, Texas.

Through an unceasing avalanche of snark, the video manages to both explain how zoning works in general, while also focusing on the de facto regulations that control land use without zoning in Houston. The video even references an article written by William Fulton, published by the American Planning Association at the beginning of 2020, for authority on the subject.  

Tuesday, January 5, 2021 in Half as Interesting

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Blue, yellow, and white DART Dallas streetcar.

Dallas Transit Officials to Meet With City Leaders in Mediation

Some cities in the Dallas area want to reduce their contributions to the regional transit system.

15 minutes ago - KERA News

Close-up on car dashboard with odometer and speedometer at night.

Can State Lawmakers Make the Case for Road Charges?

More state legislatures are considering fees based on vehicle miles traveled as a replacement for declining gas tax revenues.

1 hour ago - Governing

Orange sign with white "Electric vehicle charging only" sign outdoors with tree in background.

10 States Follow Through on Promise to Put 3.3 Million EVs on the Road

Rebate programs are at the heart of collaborative success.

2 hours ago - Oregon Capital Chronicle