In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the complex world of zoning, the regulatory framework that dictates what can be built where. We trace the history of land-use regulation from the walled cities of antiquity—designed to keep dangerous activities away from residents—to the industrial revolution and the first modern US zoning ordinances in Los Angeles and New York City.

Join us as we break down the different ways governments manage growth:

• The American Model: We explain "Euclidean" single-use zoning, the dominant system in North America that rigidly separates residential, commercial, and industrial areas, often leading to urban sprawl and car dependency.

• Global Alternatives: We look at how other nations handle development, including the f ...