Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. (1926)
The US Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of zoning in a case from Euclid, Ohio. The village had zoned land to exclude apartments and commercial uses. Landowner Ambler Realty challenged the restriction as a taking without due process.
The Court ruled 6-3 that zoning was a valid exercise of police power, allowing municipalities to separate land uses for public health, safety, and welfare.
The decision established zoning as a standard municipal power, leading to the widespread adoption of zoning codes and discretionary permits like Specific Use Permits.
Dallas's Specific Use Permit system is a direct descendant of the zoning power Euclid upheld. The case explains why the city can require a discretionary permit for a mini warehouse rather than allowing it by right.
