What does police power of the state include regarding land use?

The concept of police power refers to the authority of the state to enact laws and regulations that promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of its citizens. One key aspect of police power is the regulation of land use, which includes zoning laws. These laws dictate how land can be used—whether for residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes—thereby ensuring orderly development and protecting the rights of property owners.

Zoning regulations play a crucial role in determining the density of development, the types of activities allowed in certain areas, and the overall planning of communities. They help to segregate incompatible land uses and can preserve the character of neighborhoods, control urban sprawl, and manage community growth.

While providing housing for all citizens, collecting property taxes, and enforcing criminal laws are all important functions of government, they fall under different authorities and are not primarily classified under police power concerning land use management. Therefore, regulating zoning is the most fitting example of police power in the context of land use.