American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was the significance of the case First English Evangelical Lutheran Church v. County of Los Angeles?

1. The Supreme Court ruled that temporary takings require compensation.

2. The Supreme Court allowed land-use restrictions without compensation.

3. This case determined that public purpose is not necessary for land-use restrictions.

4. The case established private property rights over local government regulations.

The correct answer is: The Supreme Court ruled that temporary takings require compensation.

The significance of the case First English Evangelical Lutheran Church v. County of Los Angeles lies in its establishment that temporary takings of private property require compensation. In this case, the church sought to build a camp on its property, but after the Los Angeles County imposed a temporary zoning ordinance that prohibited any development, the court ruled that this temporary restriction amounted to a taking under the Fifth Amendment. This ruling reaffirmed the principle that property owners are entitled to just compensation not only for permanent takings but also for temporary ones when their property is subjected to significant limitations, effectively reinforcing property rights against government actions that diminish the value or use of the land. This precedent is essential in understanding the broader implications of land-use regulations and the government's obligations when they restrict property rights, helping to shape future litigation and policy in land-use planning.