Case Name: Brown v. Huber et al.
Court: Supreme Court of Ohio
Jurisdiction: Ohio
Decision Date: 1909-03-30
Citations: 80 Ohio St. 183
Docket Number: No. 10841
Parties: Brown v. Huber et al.
Judges: Summers, Spear, Davis, Si-iauck and Price, JJ-, concur.
Reporter: Ohio State Reports, New Service
Volume: 80
Pages: 183–211

Head Matter:
Brown v. Huber et al.
Grantor in deed agrees for self and assigns — To restrictive use of his adjacent lot — Such covenant zvill be enforced — Notzvithstanding changed condition of neighborhood, when.
1. A covenant in a deed of conveyance, whereby the grantor, in part consideration for said conveyance, stipulates and agrees for himself, his heirs, and assigns, touching and concerning an adjacent lot which he then owns, “that the only building put upon said lot shall be a residence and the necessary attachments, and that it shall be used for no other purposes than that of a family residence, and shall cost not less than $5,000 for the residence alone” is a covenant binding on the grantor and all persons claiming under him with notice of the same, and its observance may, in equity, be enforced by injunction.
2: Where such covenant or restriction is still of substantial value to the dominant lot notwithstanding the changed condition of the neighborhood in which said lot is situated, a court of equity will restrain its violation.
(No. 10841
Decided March 30, 1909.)
Error to the Circuit Court of Lucas county.
This was a suit in equity commenced by plaintiff in error in the court of common pleas of Lucas county, Ohio, to enjoin the construction and maintenance of certain buildings upon property located on Ashland avenue in the city of Toledo. The trial of the case in the court of common pleas resulted in a finding and judgment in favor of the defendants. Plaintiff thereupon appealed said cause to the circuit court, where, on a hearing upon the pleadings and evidence that court made the following finding of facts:
FINDING OF FACTS.
“1. Prior to October 4, 1871, Barnett T. Scott was the owner and in possession of a tract of land in the city of Toledo, Ohio, which he platted into nine lots under the name of Barnett T. Scott’s First Addition. At the time of the platting of this property there were only one or two buildings in the neighborhood. At the time of the platting of the property and the selling of it as hereinafter found, no building restrictions of any kind whatsoever were placed upon any of the lots except Lots 1 and 2 as hereinafter found. At the time of the platting of the property for sale, no general plan of improvement was intended or undertaken by Mr. Scott.
“Since the first platting this property has been replatted to make the lines of the lots conform to the lines of ownership.
“The plaintiff is the owner of Lot No. 3 which she acquired as hereinafter set forth.
“The defendant, Roger Huber, is the owner of Lot No. 2, which he acquired as hereinafter set forth.
“2. On the 4th day of October, 1871, said Barnett T. Scott and wife conveved bv duly executed warranty deed to one Mary I. Kelley, Lot Three (3) in said Barnett T. Scott’s First Addition to the City of Toledo, according to the terms of the deed, the body of which is as follows: ‘Know All Men by These Presents :
‘That I, Barnett T. Scott of the City of Toledo, Lucas Co., Ohio, in consideration of Three Thousand Two Hundred ($3,200.00) Dollars, to me paid by Mary I. Kelley, of the same place, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hereby bargain, sell and convey to the said Mary I. Kelley her heirs and assigns forever the following real estate, viz:
' ‘Lot number three (3) in Barnett T. Scott’s First Addition to the City of Toledo, Lucas Co., Ohio, and the said Barnett T. Scott hereby covenants and agrees for himself, his heirs, assigns, executors, and administrators, that neither he, his heirs or assigns will at any time erect upon lot Number Two (2) of said Scott’s First Addition to the City of Toledo, thereon, any building nearer than sixty (60) feet to the southwesterly line of Adams street, and that the only buildings put upon said lot shall be a residence, and the necessary attachments, and that it shall be used for no other purpose than that of a family residence and shall not cost less than 5,000 Dollars for the residence alone; together with the privileges and appurtenances to the same belonging.
‘To have and to hold the same to the said Mary I. Kelley her heirs and assigns forever, I hereby covenanting that the title so conveyed is clear, free and unincumbered, and that I will warrant and defend the same against all claims whatsoever, except taxes of A.D. 1871.
‘And I, Clara M. Scott, wife of the said Barnett T. Scott, in consideration of one dollar to me in hand paid, do promise, release and forever quit claim unto the said grantee all my right, by way of dower or otherwise, in and to the above granted premises.
‘In witness wi-iereof, the said Barnett T. Scott, and Clara M. Scott, his wife, hereunto set our hands this 4th day of October in the year Eighteen Hundred and Seventy-one.
‘Barnett T. Scott, (Seal.)
‘Clara M..Scott. (Seal.)
‘Signed, acknowledged and delivered in the-presence of ‘James Kelley,
‘Citas. M. Lang/
“Said deed was duly recorded in Volume 69 of Deeds, page 405, Lucas County, Ohio, records. Within a year after said 4th day of October, 1871, said Barnett T. Scott ánd wife also conveyed to said Mary I. Kelley by duly executed warranty deed, twenty (20) feet off the northerly side of Lot two (2) running the same width from front to rear of said lot in said Barnett T. Scott’s First Addition. All of said premises so acquired by said Kelley making a total of 120 feet front by an average depth of 318 feet on Adams street, and now known as Ashland avenue in the said City of Toledo.
“3. On the 8th day of August, 1873, Barnett T. Scott and wife conveyed by duly executed warranty deed the southeasterly 80 feet of Lot Two (2) and the northwesterly 20 feet of Lot One (1) of Barnett T. Scott’s First Addition to Toledo, Ohio, to one Samuel B. Wood. The body of which deed is as follows:
'‘Know all men by these presents :
‘That Barnett T. Scott of Toledo, Ohio, in consideration of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00) to me paid by Samuel B. Wood aforesaid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hereby bargain, sell and convey to the said Samuel B. Wood, his heirs and assigns forever the following real estate, viz:
■‘Situate in the State of Ohio, County of Lucas, and City of Toledo, and described as the southeasterly eighty (80) feet of lot 2 and the northwesterly twenty (20) feet of Lot 1 of Barnett T. Scott's First Addition to Toledo, fronting 100 feet on Adams street, and running back the same width till it meets the east line of the 20 foot alley and the south side of the 16 foot alley laid out in the plat of said addition; subject, however, to all the conditions as to location of building, etc., contained in the deed from said Scott to Mary I. Kelley of Lot 3 in said Addition. And said Scott also hereby makes the same agreement for himself, his heirs, assigns, executors; and administrators concerning so much of Lot 1 as remains in him after this conveyance a9 is contained in said last mentioned deed; together with the privileges and appurtenances to the same belonging.
‘To have and to hold the same to the said Samuel B. Wood, his heirs and assigns, forever, I hereby covenanting that the title so conveyed is clear, free and unincumbered, and that I will warrant and defend the same against all claims whatsoever.
‘And I, Clara M. Scott, wife of the said Barnett T. Scott, in consideration of one dollar to me in hand paid do remise, release and forever quit claim unto the said grantee, all my right by way of dower or otherwise, in and to the above granted premises.
Tn witness whereof, the said Barnett T. Scott and wife, Clara M. Scott, hereunto set their hands this eighth day of August, in the year Eighteen Hundred and Seventy-three (1873).
'Barnett T. Scott, (Seal.)
'Clara M. Scott. (Seal.)
‘Signed, acknowledged and delivered in the presence of ‘B. W. Rouse,
‘W. I. Kelley/
“Said deed was duly recorded in Volume 79 of deeds, page 165 Lucas County, Ohio, Records.
“Said premises have a frontage of 100 feet upon said Ashland avenue by an average depth of 325 feet.
“4. Barnett T. Scott from time to time sold all the property in this addition without placing any building restrictions whatsoever upon any of the lots save and except the restrictions upon Lots 1 and 2 as above found.
“At the time of the sale Lot No. 3, to Mary I. Kelley, no restriction whatsoever was placed upon the use of Lot No. 3 and no restriction has been placed thereon since.
“The present owner of Lot No. 1 has joined with the defendants in this case, in making the improvement hereinafter found to be in process of construction.
“In the year 1872 said Mary I. Kelley constructed a large residence and barn upon Lot No. 3 which cost over $25,000.00. The residence fronts upon Ashland avenue and is not nearer the street line than 60 feet and is 50 feet from the dividing line between Lot No. 3 and Lot No. 2; m other words, 50 feet from the line of the defendant’s property. The residence was occupied by Mrs. Kelley and her family for some years and was later acquired and taken over by a mortgagee, the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company, and for a time stood va-' cant. In 1904 this property was purchased by plaintiff, Frances A. Brown, for $11,000.00 aiid has been improved by her at a cost of several thousand dollars. Since said time the plaintiff and her family have been living in the property. The house is a large ‘old fashioned’ residence. The living rooms, to-wit: the parlor, sitting room and dining room are on the southerly side of said residence next to the premises conveyed to said Wood; and the barn is located upon the rear of the premises about 90 feet from the said party line. Said buildings are still upon said premises in good order and condition.
“The premises have never been used except for residence purposes.
“5. Prior to the first day of April, 1905, the premises described in Finding of Fact No. 3, were willed by Samuel B. Wood, deceased, to his wife, Minerva Wood, and upon said date were duly conveyed by deed duly executed by Jethro G. Mitchell, Trustee under the will of Minerva Wood, to the defendant, Roger Huber. Prior to said date these premises were never improved except by fencing.
“Before said Huber improved these premises as hereinafter stated he was notified by T. P. Brown, the husband of plaintiff, of the terms of the building restrictions aforesaid, and that the same would be enforced by the plaintiff.
“The property owned by the defendants up to the time of the commencing of the improvements, has been vacant property, used in the summer time for pasturage purposes, and used generally by the neighbors as a dumping ground, for rubbish of •various kinds.
“6. Since the construction of the improvements upon Lot No. 3, plaintiff’s property, the character of the surrounding neighborhood has greatly changed. At the time of the construction of the Kelley House, this section was a very high class residence section, with large lots for residence purposes. Since said time in the near vicinity has developed a business center with a number of business blocks,, mostly small, containing about twenty stores and shops, and two large dwellings in the immediate vicinity have been torn down and smaller buildings erected in their place, thereby dividing the large lots. There are within two blocks distant a large apartment house and kindergarten school. At the time of the improvement of Lot No. 3 b)' Mrs. Kelley the property in that neighborhood was reasonably adapted to such improvement. At the present time the property in that neighborhood including the property of the defendants which is 100 feet wide by 325 to 350 feet deep is not reasonably suitable to and cannot be profitably used for the purpose of one single dwelling house upon an entire lot of such dimensions.
“Said Ashland avenue is one of the main thoroughfares leading from the business portion to the best residence portion of the city of Toledo. It is 66 feet wide and the premises in question are located about ljd miles from the business center of the city. Bancroft street crosses Ashland avenue some 445 feet from the southerly line of the Huber property, and that point is the center of the business houses in that vicinity. Ashland avenue intersects Collingwood avenue two blocks northerly from plaintiff’s said property.
“Between Bancroft street and Collingwood avenue, Ashland avenue is built up with a good class of residences varying in value from $3,000.00 to $15,000.00. Within the past three years two of the large sized residences upon said portion of Ash-land avenue have been converted into two family flat buildings.
“At the corner of Ashland avenue and Bancroft streets on the easterly side of Ashland avenue, being the side opposite to that which the Brown' and Huber properties occupy, there was in 1872 a frame horse-car barn. This was replaced some years ago with a two story brick building for storing electric cars, which said buiding has been remodeled into two store rooms fronting on Ashland avenue, the corner room being occupied by a drug store. Immediately northerly of this building an old frame residence was demolished about five years ago and small shops built next to the street, line; making a total of about 180 feet front on the easterly side of Ashland avenue next to Bancroft street now devoted to business purposes. This is the only business property on Ashland avenue between Bancroft street and Collingwood avenge and is included in the business properties referred to in Finding No. 6.
“7. The defendants have platted said Lot No. 2 as shown by the exhibits in this case by placing a driveway upon the southerly side of said lot and have planned the construction of four modern residences facing upon this driveway.
“The improvement when completed will be known as ‘Ashland Place’ and will include two other houses facing the driveway upon the other side and located upon the rear of Lot 1.
“No one of the houses is proposed to be built nearer Adams street or Ashland avenue than 60 feet, and each and every one of the houses will cost to exceed $5,000.00. Two of the houses have been constructed upon the rear portion of Lot No. 2, and defendants propose to construct two more between those erected and Ashland avenue, all fronting upon the driveway. All the houses constructed and those proposed to be constructed will be of modern design and modern construction. There is intended to be no out building or shed of any kind upon the property. The two houses constructed are intended to be heated with hot water circulation from a central station in the neighborhood and those to be constructed are designed to be heated in the same way and the houses although the rear parts thereof are towards plaintiff’s residence are so constructed that no back door thereof is observable from the residence of the plaintiff and none of the houses are proposed to be nearer than fifteen feet from the dividing line between lots 2 and 3. The houses now constructed are rented and occupied by desirable tenants.
“The defendants have contracted for the beautifying of said premises by landscape architects and are using every means to make the improvement attractive in appearance.
“8. The property of the defendants cannot now be profitably utilized in any manner except in the way intended to be used by the defendants and this particular property and property in this neighbor hood of lots of such large proportions are adapted to the use to which the defendants are putting it and cannot be profitably used in any other manner owing to the great depth of the lots and the requirements of property generally in that neighborhood at the present time.
“9. On June 12th, 1906, the date this suit was commenced, the defendants had constructed one of said residences known as No. 1 upon the rear of the said Huber lot and had begun work upon the foundation of a second residence (known as No. 2) upon the rear of said lot. Both of said residences have since been completed by defendants, each costing between $5,000.00 and $6,000.00.”
Upon the foregoing facts the circuit court found and stated as its conclusion of law “that the plainifif is not entitled to the injunction prayed for in her petition and the improvement of lot No. 2 as intended by the defendants should not be enjoined,” and thereupon the court ■ dismissed the plaintiff’s petition at her costs. To obtain a reversal of this judgment of the circuit court Frances A. Brown, who was plaintiff in the courts below, prosecutes the present proceeding in error.
Mr. Orville S. Brumback,-for plaintiff in error.
From the beginning of equity jurisprudence, equity has taken jurisdiction to compel the performance of covenants restricting the use of real estate. 1 Pomeroy Equity Jur. (3 ed.), Section 221; 5 Am. & Eng. Ency. Law, 9, 10; Park Co. v. Van Dusen, 63 Ohio St., 183; 5 Pomeroy Equity Jur., Eq. Rem., Section 281; McGuire v. Caskey, 62 Ohio St., 419.
Clearly the cause of action at bar is “continuous” and the injury to plaintiff in having the comfort, attractiveness and delight o£ her home ruined, is “not susceptible of proper assessment by a jury” saying nothing about the depreciation in value, and ■multiplicity of suits that might be necessary to recover damages, since it is probable she could recover only those suffered up to the time the suit is brought. Nininger v. Norwood, 72 Ala., 277; Rogers Co. v. Railway Co., 5 C. E. Green, 379; Page v. Murray, 46 N. J. Eq., 329; Thruston v. Minke, 32 Md., 487.
Plaintiff expressly notified the defendants, before they bought the premises, that she would enforce the covenants. But aside from express notice the record of the deeds carries full notice to the defendants. The covenants run with the land because they in terms show intent to inure to the benefit of ultimate grantees. The language in express terms binds the grantor (Scott) “his heirs, assigns, executors and administrators” to not erect more than one residence on the Huber property; and runs to the grantee (Kelley) “her heirs and assigns.” 3 Page on Contracts, 1977; Masury v. Southworth, 9 Ohio St., 340; Platt v. Eggleston, 20 Ohio St., 414; Crowe v. Riley, 63’Ohio St., 1.
But it is really of no importance in this case whether the covenants run with the land or not. The stipulation relates to the mode in which the premises are to be enjoyed, and.qualifies the estate. This limitation on the use enters into the consideration of the conveyance. Its effect is to bind all deriving title under the conveyance in which the restriction is found. Stines v. Dorman, 25 Ohio St., 583; Heidorn v. Wright, 6 O. D.[ 315, 60 Ohio St., 609. .
When defendants purchased their property therefore, they did so with full notice, express as well as implied, that the restrictions in these covenants were imposed upon the property, and their profit or loss is of no importance in the case — -so far as equity is concerned. Village of Ashland v. Greiner, 58 Ohio St, 67.
The defendants undoubtedly purchased the premises at- a low price because of the restriction and cannot now ask the court to make money for them by the violation of contracts executed with all the formality of deeds of conveyance. 5 Am. & Eng. Ency. Law, 11; Tulk v. Moxhay, 2 Phil., 774; Patching v. Dubbins, Kay, 1; 23 Eng. L. & Eq., 609; Coudert v. Sayre, 46 N. J. Eq., 392; Hills v. Miller, 3 Paige Ch., 254.
The vital question in this case is not whether there is a covenant running with the land, but whether the restriction was imposed upon the servient estate for the benefit of the land in behalf of which it is sought to be enforced. Peck v. Conway, 119 Mass., 549; Hanilen v. Werner, 144 Mass., 396; De Mattos v. Gibson, 4 De G. & J., 282; Kirkpatrick v. Peshine, 24 JN. J. Eq., 206; Watrous v. Allen, 57 Mich., 368; Reilly v. Otto, 108 Mich., 330; Lloyd v. Railway Co., 2 De G. J. & S., 568; Linzee v. Mixer, 101 Mass., 530.
Nor is it material that the building restrictions do not in terms run to Mrs. Kelley (plaintiff’s predecessor in title), her heirs and assigns.
A restriction is presumed to be for the benefit of ■ the land affected, and whoever succeeds to its title has full power to enforce it. High on Injunctions, Sections 1154, 1155; Cooke v. Chilcott, 3 Ch. D., 694; Hays v. St. Paul Church, 196 111, 635; Coughlin v. Barker, 46 Mo. App, 54.
It does not affect the validity of a restriction whether it is made for the benefit of the land conveyed or for the benefit of the land retained. Gilbert v. Peteler, 38 Barb, 488; Landell v. Hamilton, 175 Pa. St, 327, 34 L. R. A, 227; Trustees v. Lynch, 70 N. Y, 440; PI alie v. Newbold, 69 Md, 265; Mann v. Stephens, 15 Sim, 377; McLean v. McKay, L. R, 5 P. C, 327.
Damage to the dominant estate from the breach of a restrictive covenant will be implied — none need be proven. 5 Pomeroy Eq. Jur, Eq. Rem, Section 281; Tipping v. Eckersley, 2 Kay & J, 264; Lord Manners v. Johnson, 1 Ch. Div, 673; Richards v. Revitt, 7 Ch. Div, 224; Leech v. Schweder, 9 Ch. App, 463; 2 High on Injunctions (4 ed.), Section 1158; Newbold v. Peabody Co., 70 Mo, 493.
Even if the breach would only cause the plaintiff slight inconvenience it would be no ground for refusing equitable relief. Kirkpatrick v. Peshine, 24 N. J. Eq, 206.
Nor will the pecuniary loss which will result to the defendant from a specific performance of a land restriction prevent a court of equity from enforcing it, where the defendant violates the restriction with a full knowledge of its provisions. Hall v, Wesster, 7 Mo. App, 56; Tmstees v. Lynch, 70 N. Y, 440.
It is true there can be such a change in the character of the property as to justify a court of equity refusing relief, and remitting the plaintiff to an action for damages, but that is only where there is such a radical change in the character of the property and neighborhood as to defeat the object and purpose of the restriction. No case in the books refuses to enforce- a building restriction on the ground asserted in the case at bar, viz.: that it would be unprofitable to the owner of the servient estate to enforce it. Trustees v. Thatcher, 87 N. Y., 311; Jackson v. Stevenson, 156 Mass., 496.
The rule is, the change in the property protected by the building restriction, and in the neighborhood where it is located, must be so entire and radical as to no longer render the premises suitable for the purpose intended to be protected. Lattimer v. Livermore, 72 N. Y., 174; Amerman v. Deane, 132 N. Y., 355.
To have structures placed upon the premises as designed and being built by the defendants will not only greatly decrease in value plaintiffs property, but will locate a large number of people around it, and obstruct and interfere with the light, air and space to which the restriction entitles it. To allow it would be to deprive plaintiff of her property rights without compensation, and would be a reproach to the administration of justice. Schwoerer v. Market Assn., 99 Mass., 285; Insurance Co. v. Insurance Co., 14 Abb. Pr., N, S., 266; Burton v. Stapely, 17 O. D., N. S., 1.
Messrs. Marshall & Fraser, for defendants in error.
The covenant or restriction placed in the deed from Scott to Kelley amounts simply to a personal contract between Scott and Kelley, and is not such a one as runs with the land.
In order that a covenant may run with the land, that is, where its benefit or obligation may pass with the ownership, it must respect the estate conveyed, and the act covenanted to be done or omitted must concern the land or estate conveyed. 11 Cyc., 1081; Jones on -Real Property, Section 793; Clark v. Devoe, 124 N. Y., 120, 26 N. E. Rep., 276.
It is very doubtful, however, under the authorities, whether the courts of equity will specifically enforce a building restriction where there is no' general plan of improvement and where the elements of mutuality are lacking. Schubert v. Realty Co., 25 C. C, 336; Dana v. Wentzvorth, 111 Mass., 291.
The restriction in this case, fairly construed, does not prohibit the improvement being made. We desire to call attention to the fact that in the determination of this question of the construction of the covenant and in the determination of other questions in this case, all doubts must be resolved in favor of the defendants. Eckhart v. Irons, 128 Jib, 582.
The above decision was followed and approved by the Supreme Court of Illinois in Elutchinson v. Ulrich, 145 111., 336; McMurty v. Investment Co., 103 Ky., 308; Glenn v. Davis, 35 Md., 208; Robinson v. Edgell, 49 S. E. Rep., 1027.
We make the assertion that all that can be claimed for this restriction is that it limits the use of the property to residence purposes only.
The restriction is substantially like the restriction • which is construed in Hutchinson v. Ulrich, 145 111., 336; McMurty v. Investment Co., 103 Ky., 308.
We say again that a fair interpretation and construction of this restriction, resolving all doubts in favor of the free and unrestricted use of the prop- ' erty, requires nothing more than that the buildings shall cost at least $5,000.00, shall be no nearer Ashland avenue than 60 feet and shall be residence buildings.
Because oi the change in the character of the property in the surrounding neighborhood, and of this property, since the making of this restriction, it would be inequitable under existing circumstances to enforce it.
We contend that it is the law, announced by very many decisions, and stated by text writers, that where the enforcement of such .a restriction as this would be oppressive to the defendants and not be of any substantial value to the plaintiff, a court of equity cannot and will not enforce such a restriction. Trustees v. Thatcher, 87 N. Y., 311; Ewertsen v. Gerstenberg, 186 111., 344, 51 L. R. A., 310; Jackson v. Stevenson, 156 Mass., 496; Amerman v. Deane, 132 N. Y., 355.
We call the court’s attention to the following decisions, all of which sustain the same proposition, and they all hold that where the property, the improvement of which is sought to be enjoined, cannot be beneficially and profitably used under the restriction, a court of equity will not enforce the restriction. Russell v. Harpel, 20 C. C., 127; Orne v. Fridenberg, 143 Pa. St., 487; Bangs v. Potter, 135 Mass., 245; Page v. Murray, 46 N. J. Ecp, 325; Coughlin v. Barker, 46 Mo. App., 54; High on Injunctions, Section 1158; Jones on Real Property, Section 763; 13 Cyc., 719.

Opinion:
Crew, C. J.
The plaintiff in error and the defendants in error in this case, each and all of them, derive their title to the property here involved through Barnett T. Scott. The deed of said Bar-' nett T. Scott and wife to Mary I. Kelley under which, through various mesne conveyances, the plaintiff in error, Francis A. Brown, acquired the title to lot three (3) in Barnett T. Scott's First Addition to the city of Toledo, contains the following covenant: "And the said B. T. Scott hereby covenants and agrees for himself, his heirs, assigns, executors and administrators, that neither he, his heirs or assigns, will at any time erect upon lot 2 of said Scott's First Addition to the city of Toledo thereon any building nearer than 60 feet to the southwesterly line of Adams .street, and that the only buildings put upon said lot shall be a residence and the necessary attachments and that it shall be used for no other purposes than that of a family residence, and shall cost not less than $5,000 for the residence alone." The deed of conveyance executed by Barnett T. Scott and wife to Samuel B. Wood for lot number two (2) in said Scott's Addition to the city of Toledo, which lot, through mesne conveyances, was subsequently acquired, and is now owned, by the defendants in error, contains the express stipulation and agreement that the premises thereby granted and conveyed are to be: "Subject, however, to all the conditions as to location of building, etc., contained in the deed from said Scott to Mary I. Kelley of' lot 3 in said addition. And said Scott also hereby makes the same agreement for himself, his heirs, assigns, executors and administrators concerning so much of lot 1 as remains in him after this conveyance, as is contained in said last mentioned deed." The only question presented by the record in this case is, whether, upon the facts found by the circuit court, the plaintiff in error, Frances A. Brown, is entitled in equity to have enforced, for the protection of her property, the restrictive covenants and stipulations contained in the foregoing deeds of conveyance. While counsel for defendants in error concede the general rule-to be, that building restrictions and other limitations on the use of real property of a character which the law permits to be attached to land in such a sense as to restrict the use of one parcel thereof in favor of another, will be enforced by courts of equity upon equitable grounds, in favor of the parcel designed to be benefited and against the parcel burdened by the restriction or limitation; they insist, first, that: "The stipulation or covenant in the deed to Kelley is not such a one as is binding upon the defendants in this case, as it is not a covenant that runs with the land owned by the defendant."
We shall consider briefly this claim of counsel, although we are of opinion that it is not at all essential to the right of plaintiff to have such restrictive covenant enforced in equity, that the same should be, technically speaking, a covenant running with the land of the defendants. In Village of Ashland v. Greiner et al., 58 Ohio St., 67, where a grant of land was made to be used for religious purposes only, and afterwards the owners of the land conveyed a strip of it to the village of Ashland for the purposes of a street, it is said by Burket, J.: "When value is paid for an estate, such stipulation (a .stipulation that the property granted should be used only for particular purposes) is construed to be a covenant running with the land in the nature of a trust for the uses and purposes expressed in the deed of conveyance, and in case of a breach of the trust a court of equity will, in a proper action, decree the performance of the trust by confining the uses of the estate to the uses and purposes expressed in the deed. In such cases the restricted use of the estate becomes a part of the consideration and is consented to by the grantee and it is no hardship on him and his assigns to be compelled to observe the covenants contained in the deed." In Stines v. Dorman, 25 Ohio St., 580, it is said by White, J., in the opinion in that case: "It is unnecessary to determine whether the stipulation contained in the deed in question is to be regarded, technically, as a covenant running with the land. However this may be, it has, in equity, the effect of such covenant as against the grantee and his assigns. The stipulation relates to the mode in which the premises conveyed are to be enjoyed, and qualifies the estate. This limitation on the use enters into the consideration of the conveyance; and if not unlawful, it ought, upon plain principles of justice, to be enforced. If the effect of the stipulation is not to accomplish an illegal purpose, it is lawful; and where it affects the -land or the mode of its enjoyment, its effect is to bind all deriving title under the conveyance in which the restriction is found." In Coughlin v. Barker, 46 Mo. App., 54, Thompson, J., in discussing the character and effect of a restrictive building covenant, says: "The question, whether the covenant runs with the land, seenis to be material in equity only on the question of notice; if the covenant runs with the land, then it binds the owner of the land, whether he had knowledge of it or not; for he takes no greater title than his predecessors had to convey. But, if the covenant does not run with the land, but the land is subject to what is sometimes called an 'equity/ and at other times a 'negative easement/ in favor of the adjoining land, then, in order to enforce this easement against the land, it is essential that the owner should have taken the land with- notice of it. Tulk v. Moxhay, 2 Phil. Ch., 774. We understand, then, that it is a principle upon which all the court unite, that the right to equitable relief in these cases depends upon the following considerations: First. A precedent agreement, in some form, by which a restriction is imposed upon the lot owned or held by defendant for the benefit of the lot owned or held by the plaintiff. Second. In case the agreement is made by the defendant's predecessor in title, notice in some form to the defendant of the fact and nature of the agreement, either from the language of the title deed under which he holds, or otherwise."
In Talk v. Moxhay, 2 Phillips Ch., 775, a leading English case, the syllabus is as follows: "A covenant between vendor and purchaser, on the sale of land, that the purchaser and his assigns shall use or abstain from using the land in a particular way, will be enforced in equity against all subsequent purchasers with notice, independently of the question whether it be one which runs with the land so as to be binding upon subsequent purchasers at law." In the course of his opinion in this case the Lord Chancellor (Cottenham), observes: "It is said that, the covenant being one which does not run with the land, this court cannot enforce it; but the question is, not whether the covenant runs with the land, but whether a party shall be permitted to use the land in a manner inconsistent with the contract entered into by his vendor, and with notice of which he purchased. Of course, the price would be affected by the covenant, and nothing could be more inequitable than that the original purchaser should be able to sell the property the next day for a greater price, in consideration of the assignee being allowed to escape from the liability which he had himself undertaken."
We think the rule upon this subject, as clearly established by the authorities is, that when the action is in equity to enforce a restrictive covenant controlling the use or enjoyment of land, the vital question is not whether there is a covenant running with the land, but whether the restriction asserted and relied on, was one imposed upon the servient estate for the benefit of the land in behalf of which it is sought to be enforced. 5 Am. & Eng. Ency. of Law, 11. And we apprehend the rule is the same, whether the restriction imposed is charged upon the land conveyed, or upon land retained by the grantor. Second. It is urged by counsel for defendants in error that: "A fair interpretation and construction of the building restriction, so-called, does not prohibit the improvement of this property as it is .being done, even conceding that the covenant is one that runs with the land." When we consider that two dwelling-houses have already been constructed by defendants on said lot two (2), and that it is their plan and purpose to construct thereon two more, this claim of counsel, we think, finds sufficient answer and refutation in the plain language of the covenant itself, by which it is provided: "That the only buildings put upon said lot shall be a residence and the necessary attachments, and that it shall be used for no other purpose than that of a family residence, and shall not cost less than $5,000 for the residence alone."
Obviously, this covenant was one made for the benefit and protection of lot three (3) now owned by plaintiff in error, and as shown by its terms, its purpose was to restrict and limit the use and occu pancy of lot two (2) to purposes of a family residence with the necessary appurtenances, and if given effect at all should be given effect according to its plain and positive provisions. Third. The further contention is here made that the plaintiff, Frances A. Brown, is now without right to enforce said covenant because: "Even though the covenant is one running with the land and therefore binding upon the defendants in favor of the plaintiff, the change in the character of the neighborhood has rendered the enforcement of such a covenant inequitable and oppressive upon the defendants, and would be of no material value to the plaintiff." This it would seem was the defense chiefly relied on in the court below, and as appears from the opinion of the circuit court was the ground upon which that court denied to plaintiff the relief she asked. In its opinion the circuit court says: "The important question in the case is, whether there has been any substantial change in the drift of the population and character of the property as to its greater availability and value for use in the manner in which it is proposed to be improved by the defendants, or whether the character is not so substantially changed." And having found, as appears from the above statement of facts (paragraph 6), that since the construction of the improvements of lot 3 (plaintiff's property), the character of the surrounding neighborhood had greatly changed in the particulars therein designated and pointed out, and having further found, that by reason of such changed condition (paragraph 8) : "The property of the defendants cannot now be profitably utilized in any manner except in the way intended to be used by the defendants and this particular prop erty and property in this neighborhood of lots of such large proportions are adapted to the use to which the defendants are putting it and cannot be profitably used in any other manner owing to the great depth of the lots and the requirements of property generally in that neighborhood at the present time." The court held that therefore the defendants were absolved from the duty and obligation of longer observing and keeping said covenant and refused to enforce it against them; predicating such judgment it would seem, largely if not wholly, upon a consideration of the injury and damage, by loss of profits, that would result to defendants from its enforcement. It is important to note in the present case that the covenant which plaintiff is seeking to enforce is one made for the exclusive benefit of the property now owned and occupied by her as a residence, and therefore one which a court of equity will require to be specifically performed so long as said covenant remains of substantial value to her. The rule upon this subject, generally adopted and followed by the courts of this country, is, we think, correctly stated in Kerr on Injunctions (2 ed.), page 356: "If the right at law under the covenant is clearly established and the breach is clear, and the covenant is of such a nature that it can, consistently with the rules and principles of the court, be specifically enforced, the court will not, unless under very exceptional circumstances, take into consideration at the hearing the comparative injury to the parties from granting or-withholding the injunction. There may be cases in which it is clear that the damage to arise from the breach would be -inappreciable, and in which the court would refuse to interfere. But the case must be free from all possibility of doubt. It must be clear that there is no appreciable or at all events no substantial-damage before the court will refuse, upon the ground of smallness of damage, to withhold its hand from enforcing the execution. The mere fact that there has been a breach of covenant is a sufficient ground for the interference of the court by injunction. A covenantee has the right to have the actual enjoyment of property modo et forma as stipulated for by him. It is no answer to say that the act complained of will inflict no injury on the plaintiff, or will be even beneficial to him. It is for the plaintiff to judge whether the agreement shall be preserved as far as he is concerned, or whether he shall permit it to be violated. It is not necessary that he should show that any damage has been done. It being established that the acts of the defendant are a violation of the contract entered into by him, the court will protect the plaintiff in the enjoyment of the right which he has purchased."
In the case at bar there is no express finding by the circuit court, that the contemplated improvement of defendant's property will not appreciably injure or damage the property of plaintiff, by impairing or diminishing the use and enjoyment of the same for residence purposes, and as a home, thereby greatly depreciating its value. In its opinion the circuit court says: "The plaintiff may or may not have been damaged. The lot of the plaintiff may be more or less valuable by reason of the construction of these buildings by the Hubers; but there would seem to be no greater difficulty, if the plaintiff has been damaged by the depreciation of his property, in ascertaining the amount of such damage by an action, than there is in very many cases where damages are sought and where verdicts are rendered, therefor, although the opinions of witnesses may differ as to the exact extent of such damages. I am not holding or indicating that the plaintiff has been damaged in any substantial way, or has not." In Lattimer v. Livermore, 72 N. Y., 174, which was an action to restrain defendant from infringing upon 'an alleged easement, Earl, J., says: "The simple fact that since the deeds were given by Hurry, the streets in the vicinity of this block have ceased to a large extent to be occupied for genteel dwelling-houses, interposes no obstacle to the relief sought by the plaintiff. If by the change in the surrounding circumstances this covenant had ceased to be of any substantial value to the plaintiff, she would not be permitted in equity to enforce it, simply to annoy and damage other people. But so long as her house is occupied as a dwelling-house, and -the locality remains suitable for dwelling-houses, and this covenant remains of substantial value to her, and she has in no way extinguished or released her easement, she must be permitted to enforce it." In Landell v. Hamilton, 175 Pa. St., 336, 337, Mr. Justice Dean, in discussing the binding obligation of a restrictive building covenant similar to the one here in question, .says: "As long •as such restrictions are not unlawful, it is to no purpose to argue that they seriously retard the improvement of the city. We can no more strike down by decree a lawful restriction creating an easement, than we can compel the lot owner to erect buildings in accord with the best style of architecture. Contracts such as this, whether construed as covenants or conditions, since Spencer's case, have been enforced, both at law and in equity, be tween the immediate parties to them and their grantees, near and remote. • * We concede, some of the cases decided in other states are in apparent conflict with our decision. But what this court has uniformly held, and now holds, is, that where the restriction, notwithstanding the change of use of the land and buildings, still is of substantial value to the dominant lot, equity will restrain its violation, if relief, as here, is promptly sought." Peck v. Conway, 119 Mass., 546; Coudert v. Sayre, 46 N. J. Eq., 386; McGuire v. Caskey, 62 Ohio St., 419; Trustees v. Lynch, 70 N. Y., 440; 5 Pomeroy's Eq. Jur., Section 281; 2 High on Injunctions, Section 1158.
The English rule would seem to be, that in cases of the character of the one at bar, relief by injunction will be denied only on the ground of equitable estoppel. In Craig v. Greer, 1 Irish Reports (1899), page 278, the Vice Chancellor, after reviewing many English cases, says: "The principle to be deduced from these authorities seems to me to be that in order to defeat the right of a person with whom a covenant has been entered into restricting the mode of user of lands sold or demised, it must be clearly established that there is a personal equity against him arising from his acts or conduct in sanctioning or knowingly permitting such a change in the character of the neighborhood as to render it unjust in him to seek to enforce his covenant by injunction: a change resulting from causes independent of him will not have such an operation." The Court of Appeal, affirming the decision of the Vice Chancellor, held: ' "That the right of a person to enforce a restrictive covenant by injunction, could not be defeated by mere change in the char acter of the neighbourhood, unless there was an equity against him arising from his acts or conduct . in sanctioning or knowingly permitting such change as to render it unjust for him to seek relief by injunction."
We have examined the several cases cited and relied on by counsel for defendants in error, and find that in many, in fact, in nearly all of them, the decision was governed by certain controlling facts which clearly distinguish them from the case at bar. Without reviewing in detail, or discussing at length, the finding of facts made by the circuit court, which is set out in full in the statement of this case, we think it enough to say, that in the light of the foregoing authorities the facts found do not in^our judgment, show that there has been such a radical change in the character of the neighborhood in which the plaintiff's property is situated as can be held destructive of the covenant relied on, or such as would render its enforcement oppressive and inequitable. That the neighborhood continues to be a locality suitable for and devoted to residence purposes, affirmatively appears through the fact found by the circuit court, that defendants have recently erected on lot 2, two residence properties "of modern design and modern construction, each costing more than five thousand dollars," and they are now threatening to construct thereon two more dwellings of like character neither of which is to .cost less than that sum. Before the defendants commenced to improve their property — lot 2 — they had actual notice of the terms of the building restriction imposed on.said lot, and they were advised that the same would be insisted upon and enforced by the plaintiff. Under these circumstances, it be ing established that the acts of defendants would be in clear violation of the covenant and the restriction thereby imposed, a court of equity will not deny to plaintiff the relief she asks merely because the property of defendants can now be profitably utilized only in the manner contemplated by the proposed improvement. The judgment of the circuit court will be reversed, and upon the facts found judgment will be entered in favor of the plaintiff in error, Frances A. Brown, according to the prayer of her petition.
Reversed.
Summers, Spear, Davis, Si-iauck and Price, JJ-, concur.