Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. (1926)
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of zoning for the first time, rejecting a landowner's claim that a Cleveland suburb's ordinance deprived it of property without due process. The 6-3 ruling, written by Justice George Sutherland, treated zoning as a valid exercise of police power.
Cemented municipalities' authority to separate land uses and impose development standards.
Created the legal foundation for modern zoning codes and the variance mechanism that lets owners seek relief from strict enforcement.
Mazzoni's request operates within the framework this ruling established: cities can regulate property, but owners can ask for exceptions.
