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A county government passes an environmental protection ordinance prohibiting all development within 100 feet of a wetland. A developer who owns land entirely within the protected zone argues the ordinance renders her property worthless. If a court agrees the regulation goes too far, what constitutional principle applies?

Correct Answer

C) The takings clause, because a regulation that eliminates all economic use may constitute a taking requiring just compensation

Under the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment, a regulation that denies an owner all economically beneficial use of property may constitute a regulatory taking, requiring just compensation. The landmark case Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council established this principle.

Answer Options
A
The equal protection clause, because the ordinance treats her differently from other landowners
B
The commerce clause, because the ordinance affects interstate commerce
C
The takings clause, because a regulation that eliminates all economic use may constitute a taking requiring just compensation
D
The due process clause, because the developer was not given a hearing before the ordinance passed

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

regulatory_takingtakings_clausepolice_powereminent_domainproperty_ownership

Related Concepts

Community property is a form of ownership recognized in certain states where property acquired during marriage is considered equally owned by both spouses, regardless of who earned the money or whose name is on the title.

Condominium ownership involves owning a unit of airspace within a multi-unit building plus an undivided interest in the common elements shared with other unit owners. Each unit is separately taxed and financed.

In a cooperative (co-op), the building is owned by a corporation, and residents purchase shares of stock in the corporation that entitle them to a proprietary lease on a specific unit. Residents are shareholders, not property owners.

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