Zoning's not the issue in Houston

Only 23 percent of residents think "more land-use planning would be bad for Houston because it will slow economic growth and increase the cost of housing." On the other hand, 61 percent say "More land-use planning would be good for Houston because it will improve the region's quality of life and long-term prosperity." That is, even considering possible negative outcomes, most of us consider planning beneficial.

But the question that has stirred debate was "Are you in favor or opposed to zoning in Houston — that is, citywide control over the uses of the land in different areas?" Fifty-four percent favored this idea, 29 percent did not. Almost twice as many favor zoning as oppose it.