The Supreme Court rules that government can be required to compensate owners for takings, even when property owners buy land with pre-existing zoning regulations.
"The ruling concerned cases in which property owners buy land knowing that it is subject to environmental or zoning limits -- such as restrictions on developing wetlands or fragile beaches. In a splintered decision that involved shifting majorities on different aspects of the case, five justices said even when such limits are already in place, they can amount to a "taking" from the new owner and require compensation by the government." The ruling astounded many land use professionals, and dramatically impacts the ability of local government to protect environmentally-sensitive lands. The ruling also opens the door for a flood of litigation from owners and developers challenging environmental and zoning regulations and seeking millions in compensatory damages.
Thanks to Chris Steins
Read the full story: Landowners Given New Rights on Environmental Curbs
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FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority