Document: 416 U.S. 1 94 S.Ct. 1536 39 L.Ed.2d 797 VILLAGE OF BELLE TERRE et al., Appellants,v.Bruce BORAAS al. No. 73—191. Argued Feb. 19, 20, 1974. Decided April 1, Syllabus A New York village ordinance restricted land use to one-family dwellings, defining the word 'family' mean one or more persons related by blood, adoption, marriage, not than two unrelated persons, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit expressly excluding from term lodging, boarding, fraternity, multiple-dwelling houses. After owners of house in village, who had leased it six college students, were cited for violating ordinance, this action was brought have declared unconstitutional violative equal protection rights association, travel, privacy. The District Court held constitutional, Appeals reversed. Held: 1. Economic social legislation with respect which legislature has drawn lines exercise its discretion, will be upheld if is 'reasonable, arbitrary,' bears 'a rational relationship (permissible) state objective,' Reed v. Reed, 404 71, 76, 92 251, 254, 30 225 here ordinance—which aimed at transients involves no procedural disparity inflicted on some but others deprivation any 'fundamental' right—meets that constitutional standard must valid land-use addressed family needs. Berman Parker, 348 26, 75 98, 99 L.Ed. 27. Pp. 7—9. 2. fact named tenant appellees vacated does moot case challenged continues affect value property. 9—10. 2 Cir., 476 F.2d 806, Bernard E. Gegan, Brooklyn, N.Y., appellants. Lawrence G. Sager, City, appellees. Mr. Justice DOUGLAS delivered opinion Court. Belle Terre Long Island's north shore about 220 homes inhabited 700 people. Its total area less square mile. It dwellings lodging houses, boarding fraternity used means, '(o)ne unit, exclusive household servants. number exceeding (2) through marriage shall deemed constitute family.' Appellees, Dickmans, are December 1971 18 months Michael Truman. Later Bruce Boraas became colessee. Then Anne Parish moved into along three others. These students nearby State University Stony Brook none other marriage. When served Dickmans an 'Order Remedy Violations' ordinance,1 plus tenants2 thereupon under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 injunction judgment declaring unconstitutional. 367 F.Supp. 136, reversed, judge dissenting. 806. appeal, 28 1254(2); we noted probable jurisdiction, 414 907, 234, 38 145. 3 This brings different phase local zoning regulations those previously reviewed. Village Euclid Ambler Realty Co., 272 365, 47 114,71 303, involved classifying given categories. Dickmans' tracts fell classifications: U—2, included two-family dwellings; U 3, apartments, hotels, churches, schools, private clubs, hospitals, city hall like; U—6, sewage disposal plants, incinerators, scrap storage, cemeteries, oil gas storage so on. Heights buildings prescribed each zone; also, size areas required kind specified. litigation vacant being industrial development; evidence introduced showing restricted-use would greatly reduced value. claim landowner deprived liberty property without due process within meaning Fourteenth Amendment. 4 sustained police power State, saying line 'which field separates legitimate illegitimate assumption capable precise delimitation. varies circumstances conditions.' Id., 387, S.Ct., 118. And added: 'A nuisance may merely right thing wrong place, like pig parlor instead barnyard. If validity legislative classification purposes fairly debatable, allowed control.' 388, listed considerations bearing constitutionality ordinances danger fire collapse buildings, evils overcrowding people, possibility 'offensive trades, industries, structures' might 'create nuisance' residential sections. Ibid. But even historic problems need loom large actually existent case. For exclusion 'all establishments' 'only offensive dangerous industries excluded.' That invalidate ordinance; held: 5 'The inclusion reasonable margin insure effective enforcement, put upon law, otherwise valid, stamp invalidity. Such laws also find their justification that, fields, bad fades good such insensible degrees readily distinguished separated terms legislation.' 388—389, 6 main thrust mind respects commented desire keep free 'disturbing noises'; 'increased traffic'; hazard 'moving parked automobiles'; 'depriving children privilege quiet open spaces play, enjoyed favored localities.' 394, 120. sanctioned because 'fairly debatable' therefore could said wholly arbitrary. 7 Our decision 27, project Columbia against landowner's taking violated Due Process Clause Just Compensation Fifth essence argument law was, while ridding slums permissible, 'merely develop better balanced, attractive community' not, id., 31, 102. We refused limit concept public welfare enhanced regulations.3 said: 8 'Miserable disreputable housing conditions do spread disease crime immorality. They suffocate spirit reducing people live there status cattle. indeed make almost insufferable burden. ugly sore, blight community robs charm, makes place men turn. misery despoil sewer ruin river. 9 'We sit determine whether particular desirable. broad inclusive. . values represents spiritual well physical, aesthetic monetary. should beautiful healthy, spacious clean, well-balanced carefully patrolled.' 32—33, 10 segregated only race, immediately suspect reasoning Buchanan Warley, 245 60, 16, 62 149 where invalidated barring black acquiring real white reason 1866 Act Congress, 14 Stat. now 1982, 1870 Act, 17, 16 144, 1981, both enforcing U.S., 78—82, 19—21. See Jones Alfred H. Mayer 392 409, 88 2186, 20 1189. 11 In Seattle Title Trust Co. Roberge, 278 116, 49 50, 73 210, permitted "philanthropic home old people" district "when written consent been obtained two-thirds four hundred (400) feet proposed building." 118, 50. provision unconstitutional, existing 'withhold selfish reasons arbitrarily subject trustee (owner) caprice.' 122, 52. Unlike billboard cases (e.g., Cusack City Chicago, 242 526, 37 190, 61 472), concluded invalid since aged poor shown maintenance construction 'to work injury, inconvenience annoyance community, person.' 12 present several grounds: interferes person's travel; migrate settle State; bars uncongenial residents; expresses preferences residents groups congenial them; homogeneity interest government; restriction whom neighbors trenches newcomers' privacy; rightful concern villagers married unmarried; antithetical Nation's experience, ideology, self-perception open, egalitarian, integrated society.4 13 these record before us. transients. Cf. Shapiro Thompson, 394 618, 89 1322, 22 600. presented Griffin Illinois, 351 12, 76 585, 100 891. guaranteed Constitution, voting, Harper Virginia Board, 383 663, 86 1079, 169; NAACP Alabama ex rel. Patterson, 357 449, 78 1163, 1488; access courts, Button, 371 415, 83 328, 405; privacy, cf. Griswold Connecticut, 381 479, 85 1678, 510; Eisenstadt Baird, 405 438, 453—454, 1029, 1038—1039, 31 349. deal economic legislatures historically charge violation Equal Protection "reasonable, arbitrary" (quoting F. S. Royster Guano Virginia, 253 412, 40 560, 561, 64 989) objective.' 225. said, however, unmarried can 'family,' why not. every leaves out included.5 legislative, judicial, function. 15 reeks animosity couples together.6 There support it; bringing definition belies charge. places ban forms may, far concerned, entertain whomever likes. 17 regimes urban problems. More occupy space; cars rather continuously pass by; parked; noise travels crowds. yards wide, few, motor vehicles guidelines goal permissible supra. confined elimination filth, stench, unhealthy places. ample lay zones values, youth blessings seclusion clean air sanctuary 19 suggestion detain usually impact regulates. spite piece known, 397, 121, Court, considering matter controversy realm planning, ordinance. Here step closer lessor's He lost tenants acquired place; obvious scale rental rides what decide today. reached us certain entire tract taken scenic easement. 36, 104. did sense. Holmes Block Hirsh, 256 135, 155, 41 458, 459, 65 865, 'property cut down, extent taken, pay,' he stated issue here. As true most cases, threshold over validity, yet known. Reversed. 21 BRENNAN, challenge premised solely alleged infringement associational tenants. quit house, thus raising serious question exists cognizable 'case controversy' satisfies indispensable requisite Art. III Constitution. Existence must, course, appear stage review, see, e.g., Roe Wade, 410 113, 125, 93 705, 712, 35 147 (1973); Steffel 415 452, 459 n. 10, 1209, 1216, 505 (1974). my view 23 Plainly since, having out, they longer interest, associational, otherwise, vindicated invalidation Whether turn lessor attack basis 24 general 'weighty' rule practice 'that litigant assert his own immunities,' United States Raines, 362 22, 80 519, 523, 524 (1960). pertinent exception, ordinarily limits assertion denial another's situations is: (1) direct consequence others, faces substantial Pierce Society Sisters, 268 510, 535—536, 45 571, 573—574, 69 1070 (1925); Barrows Jackson, 346 249, 255—256, 1031, 1034—1035, 97 1586 (1953), criminal prosecution, 481, 1679, 510 (1965); 349 (1972), litigant's others' interests intertwine unless cannot effectively vindicated. supra; see 1488 (1958). 25 view, record, satisfy either requirement exception. Their brief negates face loss. states 'there nothing contention middle class, suburban Terre, traditional families willing pay limited means Appellees.' Brief Appellees 54—55. prosecution violations least unclear. summons them July 1972, withdrawn preceded, village's procedure, order requiring discontinuance 48 hours. An discontinue thereafter followed service when discontinued hours.* 26 argues 'has regulates,' controversy. personal stake, concede landlord I how 'it difficult impossible,' supra, 257, 1035, prospective departed difficulty doing so. Thus, second exception presently satisfied. Accordingly irrelevant hose let, informed, month-to-month after out. None new sought intervene suit. Indeed, all appears, too vacant. 27 dissent vacate remand further proceedings. determines exists, complaint dismissed. Golden Zwickler, 103, 956, 113 (1969). MARSHALL, 29 draws incorporated York, prohibits consisting occupying residence confines township.1 Lessor-appellees, residence, student ground establishes between households individuals, deprives laws. disputed burdens students' fundamental association privacy First Amendments. Because application strict scrutiny required, am odds Brethren's conclusion accomplishment governmental objectives. full agreement majority complex important function State. essential performed government, primary protect sometimes define quality life. continue adhere principle 114, 71 303 (1926), deference judgments concerning proper allocation. necessary continued development control mechanisms. Had alone suit alleging restrictive irrational classification, agree sustained. role board appeals. authorities properly act furtherance objectives asserted here: restricting uncontrolled growth, solving traffic problems, keeping costs level, making families. provides narrowly confined. (1954). And, appropriate afford considerable latitude choosing implement purposes. abdication. obligation ensure ordinances, adopted aims, infringe rights. 32 separate still accepted dogma, struck down racially (1917). sure hesitant lower federal courts considered aspects zoning,2 acted controls confining minorities ghettos our central cities.3 intrusions discretion authorities. By same token, think clear Amendment limitation inconceivable me allow burden freedoms, restrict occupancy individuals adhering religious, political, scientific beliefs. Zoning officials themselves uses land—with, example, constructed neighborhood reside dwellings. validly consider are, believe, choose live, Negro white, Catholic Jew, Republican Democrat, unmarried. 33 My disagreement today based unnecessarily appellees' freedom constitutionally decisions establish Amendments one's associates. 430, 336, (1963). Constitutional extended, modes political usual sense, pertain benefit members. 430—431, 336 337; Brotherhood Railroad Trainmen Bar, 377 84 1113, (1964). Transportation Union Bar Michigan, 401 576, 91 1076, 339 (1971); Mine Workers America, Dist. Illinois Ass'n, 389 217, 353, 426 (1967). selection companions similar choices emotional, social, benefits derived alternative arrangements. 34 often inextricably entwined 'establish home' part Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 399, 43 625, 626, 67 1042 (1923); 495, 1687, (1965) (Goldberg, J., concurring). Constitution secures individual intellectual emotional needs home.' Stanley Georgia, 557, 565, 1243, 1248, 542 (1969); Paris Adult Theatre Slaton, 413 49, 66 67, 2628, 2640—2641, 446 (1973). Constitutionally protected is, Brandeis' words, 'as Government, let valued civilized man.' Olmstead States, 277 478, 564, 572, 72 944 (1928) (dissenting opinion). choice companions—of 'intellectual needs' best met family, friends, professional associates, deeply intimate relationships home. surely falls ambit 153, 727, 453, 1038, (1972); 564—565, 1247—1248; 483, 486, 1682; 572 (Brandeis, dissenting); Moreno Department Agriculture, 345 310, 315 (D.C.1972), aff'd, 528, 2821, 782 instant discriminates just lifestyle companions. permits blood twenty, household, bound profession, love, friendship, religious affiliation, mere economics imposes deviate norm significantly greater restrictions applied compose established community.4 has, effect, fence whose differs current residents.5 36 asked nullify township's sincere efforts maintain character preventing operation rooming commercial high-density uses. Unquestionably, town Moreover, proposition, infirmity town's limiting density discriminate criteria.6 occupied persons. reaches beyond population, undertakes regulate way associate homes. answer say, infringed choose. Only last Term Douglas indicated concurrence saw involving visitors. found food assistance, penalizing 'unrelated persons.' encompasses 'right invite stranger 'entertainment' join well. Agriculture Moreno, 538—545, 2828—2831 (1973) (concurring persuaded form implicates believe creates impinges rights, withstand imposed compelling 634, 1331, 600 once determined placed right, onus demonstrating intrusive adequately statute sufficiently drawn, party seeking justify Memorial Hospital Maricopa County, 250, 306 (1974); Speiser Randall, 513, 525—526, 1332, 1341—1342, 1460 variety justifications proffered claimed population density, prevents noise, parking preserves rent structure attractiveness earlier, government. chosen accomplish overinclusive underinclusive, goals achieved lifestyle. whatsoever long marital sanguinary bonds—presumably distant relationship. Nor income earners contribute automobiles maintained occupants. sense underinclusive. On hand, restricts two. prevent dwelling among vehicles. While extended dozen small bungalow, elderly retired manor next door. Thus grossly intended residences above per household. justifiably concerned traffic, like. specified adults, perhaps, dependent children.7 fall equally segments community. tailored today, realistically growth attendant environmental costs. Various statutory mechanisms suggest solutions Terre's problems—rent control, forth, but, schemes matters Appellants refer necessity maintaining village. shred indicating together, residential, familial fundamentally affected. placing embarked commendable course faulty vessel. Marshall 417, 700, 618 (1974) ask abandon providing streets, little pleasant reasonably priced environment raise children. Rather, commend pursue even-handed legislation. respectfully dissent. Younger Harris, 37, 746, 669 here, August 2, initiated, started. effect occupants liability commencing 1972. During lease expired extended. Thereafter five left hold sale rent, including groups. Truman, Boraas, three. Vermont enacted comprehensive statewide boards plans ordering land, inter alia, favorable transportation, health, safety, civic activities educational cultural opportunities, (and) reduce wastes financial human resources result excessive congestion scattering ..' Vt.Stat.Ann., Tit. 6042 Federal designed assist localities developing objective guidelines. Senate Committee Interior Insular Affairs, Land Use Policy Planning Assistance S.Rep.No.93 197 Many references thesis made Turner, Frontier American History (1920), emphasis theory 'democracy (is) born land.' 32. point half century ago. 'When legal distinction determined, doubts be, night day, childhood maturity, extremes, fixed gradually picked successive decisions, mark change takes place. Looked itself regard behind seems nearly side other. seen mathematical logical fixing precisely, say very wide mark.' Louisville Gas & Electric Coleman, 32, 41, 423, 426, 770 782, inapt containing anyone rest denied stamps. * circumstances, 'pending' correctly declined apply principles (1971). text reprinted part, ante, Citizens Ass'n Georgetown Comm'n, 155 U.S.App.D.C. 233, 477 402 Kennedy Park Homes Lackawanna, 436 108 (CA2 1970); Dailey Lawton, 425 1037 (CA10 Gautreaux 480 210 (CA7 1973); Crow Brown, 457 788 (CA5 Southern Alameda Spanish Speaking Organization 424 291 (CA9 1970). generally Tight Little Islands: Exclusionary Zoning, Protection, Indigent, Stan.L.Rev. 767 Note, Harv.L.Rev. 1645 Responsibility Local Authorities Nonresident Indigents, 774 'Perhaps ideal world, planning done regional basis, adjoining intolerable municipality (or many municipalities) close doors expense surrounding communities city.' Appeal Girsh, 437 Pa. 237, 4, 263 A.2d 395, 399 (1970). Privacy: Personal Liberty, N.Y.U.L.Rev. 670, 740—750 Palo Alto Tenants' Morgan, 487 883 (C.A.9 1973). children, avoid posed afforded bear child. Molino Mayor Council Glassboro, 116 N.J.Super. 195, 281 Cleveland Board Education LaFleur, 632, 791, 52

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