The United States was built on a foundation of freedom. Unfortunately for Houston, foundations are freely put anywhere for any purpose thanks to the lack of public zoning. However, the Houston Area Survey says that change may be on the horizon. Richard Dawson would have been so proud.

We've witnessed an acceleration in growth and cannibalization of the city. Town homes, strip center construction/renovations and apartments are exploding as developers try to cash out of a boom industry that is swinging toward busting. It is easy to think that this development has not been well thought out. This is Houston after all; our urban planning initiatives have left much to be desired.

"Zoning" is the regulation of land and building use to control the character of a place. Implementation of zoning standards could lead to better development decisions - better from an impact perspective that is.

Preservation of the city's character falls victim to economics on a routine basis. It seems as if all regard for the impacts of development go out the window if the financial model works. Businesses are plopped down in the midst of residential areas with little regard for the residents. Remember the great debate over the dental clinic at Durham at Bartlett? Neighborhood character is flattened as historic homes are destroyed in the name of "progress" thanks to soaring real estate values.

The always astute Off the Kuff points out saying you support zoning and putting your money where your mouth is when zoning decisions don't go your way is a bit of an issue. We need to decide as a team which policy is better for the city: not in my backyard or zoning.

You can make your voice heard during the 2009 election by supporting the candidate and initiatives that best represent your zoning interests. Or, you can voice your stance in the comments below. The former may be more effective in the long run, but we'd prefer the latter now.

Let us know what you think.

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Photo by Flickr user bucklava.