I live in the Houston area and one huge takeaway not mentioned in this article is the fact that lack of zoning (other than private deed restrictions) significantly lowers the cost of housing for individuals and the cost of starting and locating a business for companies. This means more profit every month for businesses and more money in the checking account for employees. Businesses can (and do) sell for less than in other places, and people can live in a better home for the same money they would spend living elsewhere.

All in all, it makes Houston an attractive place to live or start a business (that and our huge greenways and trees everywhere). I think the zoning rules here have been a huge factor in our recent economic growth and all the new residents we are seeing.