Houston zoning exemption

The Houston zoning exemption means the city does not have traditional zoning laws that restrict land use or how properties are developed. Instead, Houston relies on a system called "proportional zoning," which primarily regulates building height and setbacks through development codes. This approach provides property owners more flexibility to use their land, encouraging diverse development without the need for restrictive zoning districts. However, it also means that land use decisions are less centralized, and residents or developers must work within the city's general rules rather than specific zoning categories.