American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

In Eubank v. City of Richmond (1912), what regulation did the Court first approve?

1. Height restrictions on buildings

2. Setback regulations

3. Land use zoning

4. Property tax assessments

The correct answer is: Setback regulations

The Court in Eubank v. City of Richmond (1912) first approved setback regulations, which involve requirements that buildings be set back a certain distance from property lines. This decision marked a significant moment in land use law as it validated the government's ability to impose regulations that affected the placement of structures on private property. The rationale was founded on the idea of promoting public safety, aesthetics, and welfare, as setbacks can improve light, air, and access to public spaces. By upholding setback requirements, the court established a precedent that encouraged further regulatory actions in urban planning, particularly with regards to how buildings interact with the surrounding environment and the implications for community design. In contrast, while height restrictions, land use zoning, and property tax assessments are all crucial aspects of urban planning and regulation, they were not the primary focus in this case. The ruling specifically centered on the legitimacy of enforcing setbacks, which laid the groundwork for more comprehensive zoning practices in subsequent cases.