How does a court determine if a zoning ordinance serves a substantial governmental interest?
To ascertain whether a zoning ordinance serves a substantial governmental interest, a court will examine if there is concrete evidence showing that the regulation addresses real harm or an actual problem in need of solving. This interest must be significant and rooted in legitimate public welfare concerns.
For example: A city establishes a special zoning district to reduce traffic congestion, with evidence showing high accident rates and gridlock in unrestricted areas.