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Land useSubject 6 of 19

Police power

The government's authority to regulate for public health, safety, morals and general welfare.

Direct answer

What does Police power mean?

The government's authority to regulate for public health, safety, morals and general welfare.

Exam cue: Zoning, building codes and many environmental rules are common exercises of police power.

What does it look like in a question?

New York example

A town adopts dimensional zoning rules that apply prospectively to parcels in a district.

Common exam trap

What should you not confuse it with?

Police power regulates property. Eminent domain takes property for public use with the compensation required by law.

Related land use terms

Area variancePermission to deviate from a dimensional or physical zoning requirement.Building codeA set of government standards for construction, alteration, occupancy and building safety.Certificate of occupancyAn official document confirming that a building or space may be occupied for the approved use under applicable code and local requirements.Eminent domainThe government's power to take private property for public use with just compensation as required by law.Nonconforming useA land use that lawfully existed before a zoning change but does not comply with the new zoning rule.Site planA drawing and supporting materials showing the layout and design of a proposed development or use.
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The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.

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