American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which court case first established the concept of "public welfare"?

1. Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co.

2. Golden v. Planning Board of Ramapo

3. Southern Burlington County NAACP v. Township of Mount Laurel

4. Necton v. Cambridge

The correct answer is: Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co.

The case of Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. is significant because it marked a turning point in the legal understanding of zoning and its relation to public welfare. This 1926 Supreme Court case upheld the constitutionality of zoning ordinances, establishing that local governments have the authority to regulate land use for the sake of public welfare, safety, and health. The ruling recognized that law can be utilized to promote orderly development and prevent harm to the community, thereby legitimizing the use of zoning as a tool for urban planning. In this context, the concept of "public welfare" reflects the state's interest in managing growth and protecting the well-being of its citizens through regulation. The outcomes of Euclid v. Ambler set a precedent that has been built upon in subsequent cases and planning practices, which focus on how zoning can actively serve the community's needs, including considerations of housing, environment, and economic development. The other cases listed, while important in their own rights, do not directly originate the concept of public welfare within the context of planning and zoning law. They explore different aspects of land use regulation and the rights of citizens in relation to government action but do not establish this foundational principle.