*3
viewed
plan
compliance
the site
HATCHETT,
Before
DUBINA and
requirements,
technical
CARNES,
requesting
after
Judges.
Circuit
changes,
several
approval
recommended
to
CARNES,
Judge:
Circuit
City
the
City
Council. The
Council returned
plan
the site
review,
to the Board for further
zoning
This case involves
dispute
a
be-
again
and the Board
approval.
recommended
Lakes,
City
Florida,
the
tween
of Lauderdale
voting
Before
plan,
on the
City
site
the
developer,
a
dispute
generated
a
that has
City
Council
Building
and the
Committee
large
litigation
a
volume of
in state and fed-
public hearings
held
at which residents of the
during
eral courts
past
years.
the
sixteen
In
neighborhoods adjoining
proposed
the
devel-
chapter,
this latest
the district court has
opment
strong
voiced
opposition
plan,
City’s
found that the
zoning actions violated
primarily to the
part
mini-warehouse
of it.
developer’s
the
substantive
process
due
After discussing the
length
matter at
and,
rights
dismissing
after
the claims
sides,
hearing from
City
all
the
Council at a
against
members,
City
individual
Council
the
July
meeting adopted
on first read-
district court has
damages against
awarded
ing two ordinances which affected the prop-
City.
developer
appealed
The
has
con-
erty. The first ordinance eliminated mini-
tending that the district court awarded insuf-
permitted
warehouses as a
use within the
damages
ficient
and should not have dis-
classification,
relevant zoning
and the second
missed the Council
City
members. The
has
changed
one
zoning
on
property
to a
cross-appealed
liability
on the
issue. We
more restrictive business classification. Un-
hold that the district court erred in conclud-
procedures,
der Council
those two ordinances
City’s zoning
actions violated
finally
were not
enacted and did not become
process,
and we reverse on
September
effective until
of 1977. At the
basis,
which
develop-
renders moot the
July
meeting,
same
and before the two
appeal
damages
er’s
of the
calculations. We
effect,
ordinances took
the Council voted
also conclude that the district court
in
erred
unanimously
deny approval
to
of Corn’s site
part
dismissing
in
City
Council members
week,
plan. The next
adopted
legislative immunity grounds
and reverse
ordinance,
third
this one imposed
150-day
judgment
its
on that basis as well.
city-wide
against
moratorium
construction on
property
I.
in
applicable zoning
INTRODUCTION
classifica-
permit
tion in order to
completion
study
of a
property
The
involved in this case is an 8.5
on the propriety
of commercial
(“the
parcel
acre
property”) that abuts a
residential
spawned
areas. These actions
highway,
state
a residential condominium
litigation
day.
that continues to this
complex,
neighborhood
and a
single family
dwellings.
property, along
The
with a much
Herman Corn
filed
lawsuit in a Florida
larger tract of land of
part,
which it was a
August
challenging
state court in
of 1977
by
was annexed
in 1966
validity
with the
of the
adopted
three ordinances
support
Corn,
developer,
July
Herman
who-
City’s
plan.
and the
denial of his site
sought to
trial,
increase the value of
holdings.
his
After a
the state court found that
City originally
The
property
zoned the
to Corn’s reliance on the
classification of
permit
subject
commercial
approval
use
it for
preparing
City.
property lay
years,
idle for
right
vested
to the devel-
established Corn’s
developed
adjacent
Corn
by selling
opment
land
estopped
equitably
condominium
single-family
units and
denying
plan.
dwell-
approval of the site
The court
ings
invalid,
citizens of Lauderdale Lakes.
declared
directed the
the ordinances
Lakes,
approve
the site
and ordered a
Lauderdale
building be issued after the correc- The case was remanded to the permit to again, district plan. tion in the court this time for trial. of some technical defects judgment That was affirmed a Florida non-jury district court then held a appeals. dispute court of Then a arose over trial, findings after which it entered of fact comply insistence that Corn with a and conclusions of law. Com v. subsequently platting enacted ordinance. Lakes, F.Supp. Lauderdale litigation, After additional the state court (S.D.Fla.1991). The district court entered approve ordered the the site judgment for Corn on the substantive due despite comply Corn’s failure to with the claim, finding had acted time, platting ordinance. Since that March arbitrarily capriciously denying ap- right begin Corn has had the *4 proval of plan. Corn’s site The court re- property in the fashion judgment served on the Fifth Amendment originally develop- he intended. Instead of claim, just compensation because it consid- however, ing property, Corn filed this damages ered the calculation of under either seeking § lawsuit under U.S.C. dam- and, thus, count to be judgment identical on ages City’s delay for the in approving devel- process the substantive due claim served to opment property. of his damages make Corn whole. The court set in $727,875.02. the amount of complaint Corn’s stated four causes of ac- claim; equal protection tion: an a Fifth findings Corn filed a motion to amend the just claim; compensation Amendment a sub- of fact and conclusions of law. The court claim; process procedural stantive due and a motion, granted part, to make clear process due claim. Named as defendants the individual Council members had City were the and its Council members in legislative immunity been dismissed on capacities. their individual Corn later volun- grounds earlier. The district court denied tarily equal protection dismissed his pro- respects, motion in all other material claims, process cedural due and was left with findings, noting reaffirmed its that Corn’s just compensation a claim and a substantive largely motion improper attempt process due claim. take a “second bite apple.” at the Corn,
The district court first dismissed
seeking
apple,
the entire
filed this
ripeness grounds.
action on
appeal
This Court re
challenging the district court’s calcu-
versed that
City
determination. Corn
damages
v.
lation of
as well as the dismissal of
(11th
Lakes,
Lauderdale
protected
majority
by
encroachment
state law
through
III.
enforced
DISCUSSION OF
THE LIABILITY
state court
system.
case,
In this
ISSUE
the developer has had
resort to those
to claim
courts
his state law
The district
holding,
court’s
that the
protection. Having
secured
enforceable
permit
proceed
refusal to
Corn to
state
judgment
law
requiring the City to
construction of a 900-unit mini-warehouse
terms,
him a building
issue
permit on his
development in a residential area violated the
developer has decided not to utilize that
Due Process Clause of the United States
judgment
pursue
development.
In-
Constitution, Corn
v.
Lauderdale
of
stead,
pursued
he
money
has
a
judgment for
Lakes,
F.Supp.
(S.D.Fla.1991),
is
alleged infringement
rights
of his
—not
due to be reversed. The burden is on a
rights
law,
his
under state
rights
but his
developer seeking to
establish
substantive
under
Constitution.
process
prove
due
claim
govern
body
mental
acted arbitrarily
capricious
adjustment
Constitution’s
or
allocation
ly in refusing permission
the develop
for
reciprocal rights
of developers
of
and the
ment. The record shows
Corn
failed to
community’s
has
majority
been settled to a
burden,
carry that
and it
affirmatively
also
extent
considerable
in a number of court
shows that
did
act arbitrarily
Insofar as the
decisions.
Constitution is con-
and capriciously.
cerned, municipal
may
government
control
beyond
district court’s error reaches
jurisdiction
the use of land within its
community
fisc
one Florida
and the
perceives
good,
the common
what
merits of one case. Faithfulness to
subject
four restrictions. These
four
prior
Court,
teachings
decisions
this
the limits of
restrictions define
constitutional
precedent,
thus to the rule of
is' also at stake.
rights
and thus
developer
has
constitu-
broadly,
More
questions
this case involves
against
may
gov-
make
tional
he
claims
entity
has restricted
claim.
components
ernmental
his use
to such a
As this Court
has said:
land:
right
1.
the Fifth Amendment
not to
The current test
this circuit as to wheth-
just compensa-
have his land
without
taken
er there has been a violation of substantive
(a
claim);
“just compensation”
process
tion
§
due
in the context of
1983 is
First,
twofold.
it must be determined
right
2.
the Due Process Clause
not to
whether
deprivation
there has been a
of a
the use
infring-
have
and value of his land
interest,
constitutionally protected
federal
upon
ed
to such an extent that it is tanta-
secondly,
deprivation,
whether the
if
having
mount to
taken
been
eminent
any,
govern-
result of an abuse of
(a
claim);
process takings”
domain
“due
power
mental
sufficient to raise an ordi-
3.
right
Due Process Clause
not to
nary tort to the stature of a constitutional
his
have
use of the land
arbi-
restricted
violation.
trarily
capriciously,
right
which is a
Rymer
not to have his use of his
Douglas County,
land restricted
v.
764 F.2d
(11th Cir.1985),
having
Greenbriar,
quoted
for reasons
no substantial relation
Ltd. v.
health,
morals,
Alabaster,
safety,
881 F.2d
(a
Cir.1989).
test,
pro-
Applying
welfare
“substantive due
the district
“arbitrary
capricious
cess” or
pro-
due
court found that Corn had established both
claim);
cess”
constitutionally
protected
compo
interest
nent and the
government
sufficient abuse of
Equal
right
Protection Clause
power component.
components
The two
way
not be treated in a
that violates that
conjunc
test
(an
claim).
“equal protection”
clause
tive,
reviewing
and a
court finding an ab
County,
Eide v. Sarasota
720-
sence
component
of one
need not decide
(11th Cir.1990),
denied,
cert.
498 U.S.
*6
See,
e.g„
whether
other exists.
Greenbr
1120,
1073,
111 S.Ct.
1375
Parker,
26,
pro-
33,
as violative of substantive due
v.
tional
Berman
348 U.S.
75 S.Ct.
(citation
98, 102-03,
(1954)
clearly
unless
“are
v. Ambler
272 U.S.
proposed
cern about the effect of the
devel
121,
(1926)....
114,
47 S.Ct.
71
303
L.Ed.
traffic,
opment on
congestion,
on
on sur
rounding
values,
property
city
on demand for
deprivation
...
a
[C]ourts have held that
services,
aspects
and on other
of a
is of constitutional
interest
Greenbriar,
welfare.
881 F.2d at
n.
“
1580 &
if
‘for
improp
it is undertaken
an
stature
20;
Zimmerman,
Spence
256,
v.
260
873 F.2d
pretex
er motive and means that were
(11th Cir.1989) (Protection of surrounding
tual, arbitrary
capricious,
and ...
economic,
neighborhoods environmen
Spence
without
basis.’”
v.
rational
tal,
legitimate.);
and aesthetic harm is
Grosz
Zimmerman,
256, 258
873 F.2d
Cir.
Beach,
v.
Miami
721 F.2d
738
of
1989)
(quoting Hearn v.
Gaines
of
(11th Cir.1983) (Restriction
organized
reli
(11th Cir.1982)).
ville, 688
1332
F.2d
gious gatherings in residential areas serves
traffic, noise,
zoning interests of reduced
changed
at 1577. The law has not
F.2d
litter.),
denied,
cert.
469 U.S.
decision,
S.Ct.
since our Greenbriar
Corn does
(1984).
ment with the we in joint meeting to discuss the master land use by approved there first have to be the would plan being developed still that was for the property parcel Council.” The is a of land City. Scheingarten, an architect on Milton approximately 8.5 acres in area and bounded Board, Zoning had discov- Planning the and by highway on side. the a its east To west of property improperly was ered that Corn’s complex single a property family the lies zoned, elementary principles of land because by separated property homes from the a á buffer between resi- planning require use complex canal. A lies to the use, condominium an industrial such as dential and areas separated proper- also the north and is from Planning Zoning and The warehouses. ty by developer City a canal. Corn was the recommended the officially Board January meeting Council joint lic hearings. Corn’s son Stephen, who was that Corn’s property be rezoned to a more deeply proposed involved the development, classification, restrictive which would not attended these meetings and represented permit warehouses. Some discussion con- Corn’s interests. Concerned citizens also at- cerning property and whether tended meetings these and permitted were should be prohibit speak rezoned against for or mini-warehous- proposed the develop- ensued, es but the issue was ment. deferred until Most of the citizens spoke who later time. neighborhood the adjoining proper- ty, and they spoke against especial- April 1977, Corn submitted a new site ly the aspect mini-warehouse of it. Various plan City to the Council which included a City officials were questioned also at these development mini-warehouse as well as a meetings planned about the development and shopping City center. The Council referred problems it would create. The subjects plan the site the Planning Zoning by Stephen Corn, discussed citizens, various Board for a compliance review for with the City officials problems included of con- requirements City agencies. After Corn gestion, traffic, noise, services, strain city on some, all, had made but not changes aesthetics, the character of surrounding recommended City agencies, various neighborhood, and property values. May 12, Board on 1977 recommended to the City Council approve that it plan. the site May 1. The requested The Council the Board to consider Council Meeting plan again, apparently because of con- ; At meeting May cern about fire truck access proposed up Council took the Planning Zoning buildings mini-warehouse and property, and Board’s recommendation that Corn’s site the Board reconsidered the in meeting plan be approved. Council member Geréffi May held on 1977. day The next asked what protect would the residents of again Board recommended approval adjacent condominiums from the mini- plan. site The Board had five members but warehouses. He wanted to if they know voted; three members split was vote would looking at blank Questions walls. two one of recommending favor approv- were also raised about fire hazards and about al. whether the could mini-warehouses later be establish, Documents in the record and it . turned things into such as second-hand undisputed, that under local law three- stores. References were made to some 19th Planning member Zoning Board has no Street which warehouses had created traffic authority to make the ultimate decision con- parking problems. The Council cerning zoning adoption plans. of site In- decided to the proposal table until more in- stead, authority to make such decisions is put could be obtained from residents of the vested in Council. The Board City. recommendations, makes but those mere- ly advisory. The final decision about how H, June land should be zoned and particu- whether a Meeting Council lar comports with the At a meeting on Council June community
welfare is the decision of 1977, up again. the issue was taken Stephen power Council. to restrict the Corn present questions answered use of involves an exercise of the from the Expressing members. con- police power, the City Council alone has *9 mini-warehouses, cern about the Council authority the to determine gen- whether the member pointed out that there Gereffi eral welfare of community warrants exer- property, condominiums north Corn’s and power. cise big he be asked there would trucks whether investigate order to whether Corn’s going in of the warehouses at mid- and out proposed development compatible was with so, night, people living “these because if City, welfare going to these are have a condominiums Council held meetings pub- number and responded that the ware- headache.” Corn ent,
houses would be closed at certain time in further plan consideration of Corn’s evening. tabled. Council questioned member Gereffi also 3. The June Stephen directly Corn about the setback Meeting Council front of the canal between the condominiums The third meeting Council at which and the warehouses and whether that set- plan Corn’s site was considered was held on enough back was to insulate the residents of meeting, June 1977. At this Council going the condominiums from trucks back Stephen engaged member Gereffi and Corn and forth to the mini-warehouses. Council in a discussion about lane width fire and “Cypress member Gereffi referred to a truck access. Council member Cohan was Chase” incident where residents had been planned concerned that development kept awake noise either from air condi- might potential firetrap be a because of inad- tioning units on stores front of them or equate space in the parking. lanes and for refrigerator from on units trucks which were brought up subject refrig- Gereffi also left on while the trucks unloaded next door to again, erated trucks and he asked about a residential area. Council member Gereffi truck traffic at the warehouses: refrigerated coming asked if trucks would be got canal, you got You north of the warehouses, Stephen Corn said canal is going condominiums. You’re to that there would no be reason for them to do coming people have trucks in. These so. bought condominiums, these came down Council then discussed the reason quiet peace. here to live How much Scheingarten Planning that Mr. of the time, your and how often going is trucks ' Zoning Board had dissented from the running be to mini-warehouses. These Board’s recommendation that propos- people living City. are the that’s in this approved. Scheingarten al be Mr. dissented people satisfy. These are the we have to thought plan because he provided people going These are the who are parking space for insufficient fire truck before, have the headaches. As I said A different Planning access. member of the they get away came ghetto down to Board told the Council that the did not They areas. come down to live in a beauti- provide parking space for retail because it condominium, they ful come down to have was not intended development. to be a retail peace They of-mind. retired with that however, replied, member Greenwald Council Now, you intention. going are to have to commercial, was zoned satisfy people these on how the traffic possibility he raised that Corn could later forth, going running that’s to be back and convert the mini-warehouse units into stores. your within 60 or 80 feet of warehouses. Mayor said: people These are the going who are sitting up have to exactly taking notice happened [T]hat’s what 19th St. that, to look out the
They came in under the windows. warehouse rules. parking strips. The warehouse After Stephen Corn by giving answered the set- everything all up, they built turned backs that buildings would exist from the stores, them into retail instead of ware- canal, width, roadway, canal’s parking houses. And that’s the reason the larger so forth. He also said that at another is such incredible mess on 19th St. I’m he had mini-warehouse never seen more than suggesting you not that’s all in- what people fifteen there at a time. do, fact, tending to but that’s how during meeting, Several times got 19th St. to be like it is. With the having members criticized Corn for met Planning recommendation of the and Zon- adjoining neighbor- with the residents ing Board. their concerns them and hood to discuss Scheingarten, Planning Because Mr. his was not satisfy them property. Board member who had dissented from the He was re- going their to ruin *10 approval, pres- taxpayers recommendation of was not were people minded that those meeting, voters. At this per- citizens were for the residents who present. In do- speak mitted to to the Council so, about Corn’s he noted that the Planning Board had proposed development, and a number requested six months earlier that the Council speak opposition them did plan. out to the rezone from its very current Most spoke or all of those who were resi- permissive zoning status, but as it now stood neighborhood dents of the in which Corn Planning Zoning Board had to make wanted to build his mini-warehouses. One its recommendation about Corn’s under resident was concerned about noise and the currently ordinances applicable to the questioned whether there would be air condi- property. tioning units. expressed That resident also Many citizens made comments at concern about the aesthetics and how the meeting opposition to the mini-warehouse back of the warehouses would be landscaped. aspect planned development: She also vehicles, asked about recreational boats, 1. disputed like Mr. Zorban storage. Stephen and their statement that the Fire Department had said Another resident roadway asked about ac- that it would have no difficulty gaining access planned to the development, cess pointing development. questioned He the need out that it was narrow and could a cause for 900 awful, mini-warehouses: “It looks it “regular tie-up” said, if two cars met. He horrible, is if we look out [at] those buildings will be a spent “[i]t madhouse.... We a lot there nothing at, to look it would there be of money for those condominiums and it’s a barracks, like prison camp kind, of some damnable shame what’s happening there.” it’s looking. horrible we beautify Now could Yet expressed another resident fear it if we put half [in] the amount.” might someone units, rent several of the walls, knock down their internal up set 2. Mrs. Schneider complained about the manufacturing plant of some kind. num- A caused, noise increased that would be saying: people spoke ber out prob- about traffic “There people who face that area. lems fire hazards would be created going You’re to have trucks and everything by the mini-warehouses. coming in and out. That creates a noise problem too.” Fire Chief then asked about the plan, and he said happy that he was not with 3. questioned Another resident whether the lane space widths and the parking, pates their insurance go up fire would be- because left little room for fire trucks to cause proximity of the of the mini-warehous- maneuver. es. Finally, proposal was tabled and re- 4. George Hudson type asked about the Building ferred to the Committee of storage that would be permitted. A fol- understanding that meeting some be would lowup question by Council member Cohan arranged with all parties interested invited asked whether there would combustibles Although attend. membership exact warehouses, stored he was told unclear, that committee is does record that the landlord probably would not allow that one show or more Council members and that. or more one members the Planning and 5. Eileen Lefkowitz wanted know Zoning Board were on the committee. whether Corn believed he would be able to warehouse, and, not, rent 900 units of if July
4.The what 1977 Building plans them, his were. If he could rent Meeting Committee she feared he would tear the individual units 8, 1977, July On meeting Building down big build a warehouse like the one Committee was held and attended mem- on 19th She Street. said the mini-warehous- Board, Planning bers of the some Council “absolutely es were unnecessary” and not members, and a of local number citizens. appropriate in a area. residential meeting began presentation by with a Stephen proposal Corn of the for the A site. [last name unknown] Bob raised con- Planning Board member framed the issues cerns about added and the noise traffic *11 something other the lot rezoned to project, should be by this be caused would
hazard that than what commercial. concern about expressed and he also didn’t if the mini-warehouses Corn would do spoke about Council member Greenwald let Corn would that work. He was afraid family’s development of the how the Corn generally He was open up stores. people unfair, proceed- because it had area had been not just did that mini-warehouses concerned to of homes condomini- ed construction neighborhood. into the fit warehouses, to commercial ums and now Smith, fourth lived on the bought along who telling people 7. who Mrs. without condominium, that said adjacent plan. floor of an Greenwald rec- way the ultimate about landscaping think amount did not to she matter be forwarded ommended that the looking at the be help her. She would would way if was a City Attorney to see there ex- anyway. She also and 900 doors proceed roof next allowing project to to avoid this street the inevitable pressed concern about areas. to residential the warehous- be around lighting that would July would low- 5. The and said that es Meeting out that the pointed She property values. Council er not in knew of were she mini-warehouses meeting, July Council At a and that the neighborhoods, nice residential given to two ordi- lengthy consideration was to come and people cause development would property and to the relating nances to Corn’s Stephen hours. She noted go at all his site should question of whether neigh- moving out of the was Corn himself eliminated mini- approved. One ordinance live in a not want to he did borhood because some other uses from warehouses and opin- her She said that area.” “downtrodden property. to type applicable Corn’s by everyone who lived shared ions were changed the The other ordinance neighborhood. the affected to busi- property from commercial experi- that he had had 8. Mr. Lamb said ness, classification and one a more restrictive mini-warehouses, he had and that ence with permit mini-warehouses. which would also in a residential area. never seen one He adopted enacted or “on Both ordinances lots of different little that he had seen said meeting, although they reading” at this first businesses, shops, being repair like television September until of 1977. not become law did mini-warehouses, people run out of ordinances, on the two Corn Before the vote He ex- on their own. also do that would through attorney through heard his was proposed opinion that the devel- pressed his son, neighbor- of the affected his residents hazards, as fire create such opment would heard, Council members hood were hazards, belong in that it did not and that in- The discussion is spoke on the matter. area. at hand. structive to the issue although he George said that Pearle member Kaufman reviewed for Council “eminently within thought the builder was present July not been at the those who had it was rights,” question was whether his meeting Building Committee sales- right.” He stated “morally transpired there. He also said that what condominium had that had sold him his man Supreme decision in he had read the Court’s land to declare the planned the builder said Boraas, v. 416 U.S. Village Belle Terre building park be a or some- behind (1974), 94 S.Ct. 39 L.Ed.2d that, bought not have thing and he would like it authorized the Council believed that Corn had he known that his condominium question in order to property rezone the develop attempt would air, secure family values and clean protect way. seclusion, keep blessing quiet place people for adjoining pleasant area a said that the area 10. Morris Davis use, Referring he had heard at the to what any type live. of commercial not suitable meeting, and to July Building Committee for Corn it was “unconscionable” considered, being ordinance complex so close to the first build a commercial condominiums, portion of member said: that the rear Kaufman *12 At meeting that that by was stated site and I it in have front of me. I people that live bought there. They think this put up should be on the board. there, condominiums in the area hopefully The whole plan, including site the shopping they place would they have a could center and mini plan. windows, look out to from their and have I fully realized that where these mini- views, pleasant and not to look out into warehouses, these 900 mini-warehouses something perhaps in opinion their going erected, are to be supposed to be detrimental way to their of life. erected, that that property is zoned C-l. I state the facts of this case because it C-l provides almost kind of pertains My conclusion, my this. per- commercial buildings, I understand. opinion, sonal reading case, after and this I There’s nothing in C-l when it was feel the ordinance that presented has been adopted in which calls for the erec- here, that, regard in justified is a ordi- tion of mini-warehouses. Because in nance. nobody by figment the wildest imagination member Greenwald then had the continued idea putting mini-warehouses, the discussion: which sizes run from feet wide feet, maybe To wide. meeting We had this on last Thursday [July quite 1977]. We had a gathering there, people we input had a lot of from All people will see 2nd floor public. when very And we listened to the spite 3rd in floor being put of trees carefully, upon it dawned me personally, up. At meeting this they discussing, were there something was unconscionable they put trees, will up high trees, olive about the fact that these mini-warehouses exits, we’ll exits, have this, more we’ll do going
were to be erected. we’ll do that. got When the people up there spoke, and But the is, crux you matter don’t pointed and they out reasons that ob- cesspool build a then build a tent around it. jected, and this was felt It unfair. dawned sayWe this. people That these who have me, upon although I had seen this site homes, bought these these condomini- previously, there something was ums have as much vested interest in their wrong builder, here. That this at this land as the builder. time, after single homes, he built the indi- spoken I’ve agents, to real estate subse- vidual dwellings, then he went to the con- quent this, me, they tell who in the dominiums, put up. condominiums going world is buy come in if until Wait he sold out single homes. condominium, want to sell a on the second Then went to the condominiums. Com- floor, and look down They at 900 doors. pleted his condominiums which that area say, will buying I’m a scene of doors. This became no longer single certain dwelling house, is a doorway a stock of doors. area. Finished his condominiums. Sold spoke I Brady Mr. Attorney] [the out his condominiums. this, on right after meeting, said, Then came in and I’d like to have a coincidence, this merely right after shopping center north 41st St. this meeting when we heard the input from You happened remember what on that. people, they pointed when out the fact that their Now, homes would be devalued. The he says, comes like to I’d have there, extra traffic that will come shopping another center on the left of 41st possibility of 900 going trucks to each indi- St. That’s enough. says he Now mini-warehouse, vidual loading and un- back of that shopping center 41st on St. to loading. saying I’m not South, day, all one but put he wants to up 900 mini- warehouses, 900 trucks. warehouses. 900 mini-warehouses. I this, When first learned about we asked Council member Greenwald also discussed person, you its sure history 900? Isn’t of the C-l zoning classification no, says 90? He I 900. So looked had, at the that then which would before, as a use. this has been said I concur. mini-warehouses While permitted have council, responsibility That the basic of this in 1973 came about That classification safeguard is to the best interests of the on the Coun- when there builders City. citizens of this original owner of the land cil. Corn was the council, urge making I their deci- been zoned commer- and had it before it had *13 mind, keep Thus, sion to that in as their means he had not contend that cial. he could of determination. zoning and that bought the land with a C-l deprive him of change to would A discussion between members of the when he obtained purchased value he had City Attorney Council and was followed land. by lengthy discussion setbacks under the being considered. ordinance concluded his member Greenwald Council then heard from a num- remarks as follows: citizens, adjoining in ber of all whom lived thing Bor- say I is unconscionable. neighborhoods very all of whom were rowing regarding recreational leas- a term opposed to the much mini-warehouse devel- wrong something in it. These es. There’s opment. planned A Mrs. Lefkowitz said the valuation, people going to lose their are not their development would devalue going jammed up, Oakland traffic is to be property Lakes but Lauderdale widened, Blvd ... will be and we’ll Park as She said that the mini-ware- a whole. got shopping You have more traffic. areas, houses she had seen were in slum then 900 mini-warehouses. centers and repeated complaint she a consistent of those beautifying City. talking our We about homes, condominiums, bought had who money for beautification. fix Spending We apartments from Corn in that area: entrances, up the with beautification. salespeople Mr. When Corn’s sold these City. coming into our Now we have this buyers apartments, they told the park. as a he was intended to be used But Brady City Attor- spoke [the So I to Mr. put anything writing. said, did not We there- way that the best ney], Brady Mr. hope this, property fore that we can have the change zoning. is to We went do rezoned, Corn, proud so that we can be of the Mr. to court once before with desire, area. city in their council desire, protect people who their gladly will sell the condos back to Mr. We them, put elected us on the council. put Corn if he cares to mini-warehouses say again, I throughout To see to their interest. And the entire Estates. Oakland add, nothing against thing, I have builders. I Another would like to would Corn, attorney Mr. Corn’s as well as Mr. council, thing say I to this do not table this like to live next to mini-warehouses? Vote, tonight. pass it. A Mr. Goldstein commented that the resi- heard from Corn’s Council also neighborhood already dents of his rejection attorney urged of the ordi- who enough problems shopping from another cen- plan. The approval nances and of the site ter that faced them. He also said: chang- theme of his remarks was that basic particularly I was interested in the com- refusing ing of the Corn, attorney ments of the for Mr. approve the site would violate Corn’s talking rights about the vested of the own- rights legal and lead to action. Council property. mentioning ers. Corn Never by characterizing the member Cohan reacted once, rights people living the vested attorney implied remarks of Corn’s there, he has sold the homes whom to. threats, saying: mentioned, speaker I previous And as the once mentioned to say say, I the action that is he never to this council that venture them, council, they purchased, that mini- approval of our before has when going to be built there. City Attorney. I believe we owe as And warehouses obligation. I them a moral respect opinions, for his as for think he owes much legal obligation. To attorney. If see perhaps other lifestyle live promised he under the then-existing ordinances. Even them, and I imagine cannot that he for one where existing permit ordinances such ap- say, minute would honesty in all that look- proval, the final decision in the hands mini-warehouses, out on constitutes Council. living. Florida Council member Kaufman was upon called A Mr. Greenstein and a Mr. also Landau to summarize the discussion of the site plan spoke in favor of the against ordinances and that had place taken at the July planned mini-warehouses. Mr. Lan- Building Committee meeting. He said that dau described how the development would people in the adjoining neighborhood ob- aggravate existing traffic problems, and he jected to mini-warehouses because they reminded the Council and Mayor who would be “an eyesore, not conducive to the *14 had elected them: esthetic value of what we are trying to retain time, At present if goI my out of in the City of Lauderdale Lakes.” He also apartment, it takes me about 10 minutes to said that the Building Committee had gone my apartment enter due to the heavy traf- over the plan entire site and into the ques- fic. I cannot area, cross to the recreation tion of whether the development would cre- taking my without my life in hands. Now ate fire safety hazards. suggested he another shopping area with Mayor The upon called the City Engineer Now, 900 warehouses. when is this non- to discuss whether or not Corn’s site plan going sense stop? . somebody When met engineering standards. The Engi- going get killed. Are going we stop neer said that he had submitted letters con- going then? It’s to be too late. Let’s take cerning aspects two plan which both- this under consideration. him “considerably..” ered problem One was I’d speak like to a word now to our distin- that plan site did not applicable meet guished mayor. council and the I remem- parking regulations that had been adopted ber every that one you came knocking at by Council. As laid out in the site our door to support you. We have done plan, the parking spaces would abut directly Today that. we are knocking your at against physical building structure, which doors, for the purpose, same to support us permitted was not regulations. under the If welfare, for our and for the welfare of the parking spaces put the minimum Lauderdale Lakes. distance from the building required under resident, Another Goldberg, Mr. character- regulations, some of the buildings on the ized Corn’s attitude as “the be plan site would have to be eliminated. The damned.” City Engineer continued, saying: After all of discussion, this the City Coun- objected We also in both letters, of our I’ll cil unanimously adopted or enacted on first read from one of those. In opinion our reading proposed ordinance eliminating layout of the presents mini-warehouses storage warehouses as a permitted use in serious difficulties relating protec- to fire property commercial, zoned such as Corn’s tion, jeopardize which could the life and land. The Council then discussed and property of occupants. its adopted or enacted on first reading the other proposed ordinance, cases, which both I rezoned feel prop- entry that one into erty B-3, from C—1 this center core dangerous. Now, area is more restrictive zoning classification it’s a little line, reserved out of engineering for business us- but I age. felt it pointed had to be out. I feel there should at least be two into any entrances though Even both ordinances were type of magnitude. structure adopted or enacted “on reading” first at this 12,1977 July meeting, they would not actual- Council member Cohan stated that the ly take effect September until Ap- 1977. Engineer’s objections confirmed two conten- reason, parently for that it was necessary for tions time, that he for had had some that the the City pass Council to proposed Corn’s parking wrong and that another roadway plan site which could have approved been was needed. Mayor pointed Board, The out that a number of merely which is advisory an commit- objections had been made to the tee. He also said “the heart of the given opportunity Corn had been issue” is whether the per- builder would be make corrections: mitted to build 900 mini-warehouses. For example, pointed our Fire Chief out discussion, After all of that Coun- sorely
that he was concerned about the cil unanimously approve voted not to possibility getting of even a fire truck in plan. site alleys and out of those little in there. I July have not seen sort of recommended changes proposed Meeting developer that’s plan. been done on the site July meeting At a Coun- times, parking A number of situation cil enacted a moratorium on building permits out, pointed has been it’s zoned comple- commercial until limited, perhaps it’s insufficient. But study. tion of study was to be done fact, according that in just to the codes it Planning Board, Zoning conjunc- does not meet the point- law. That’s been tion with the Office of the Consulting ed out a number of times. Planner, about the scheme of Lauder- pointed We’ve out that may there well Lakes, particular dale and in about commer- *15 opportunity for a number of flammable cially property adjacent zoned to residential- dangerous or otherwise materials to be ly property. zoned The charged Board was thing, stored in the City and the does not preparing report concerning whether any way properly have to police what is property residential would' suffer adverse ef- stored in all those warehouses. That in fects being as a result of situated next to a might generate fact it safety a substantial zoning C—1 district. hazard. 7. Planning Results and of The Council attorney heard Corn’s Zoning Study Board’s Stephen meeting. and from Corn at Planning Planning Zoning Both of them said that The and Board and conducted study Zoning approved commercially Board its the site but zoned them, Mayor saying City reported corrected that within the and City to the Planning Zoning and Board Council on report made rec- December 1977. That ommendations to the Council and noted that there lacked were two areas of land power approve anything. to Mayor within the that were zoned commercial (one pointed study also out that the vote at the time of the Board was ordered split had been property). plots two one. He which was Corn’s reiterated his Both parking concern adjacent about and if land were noted that residential areas. The City Engineer is Board reported orderly correct also planning should allow for a buffer zone between resi- parked cars cannot be that close areas, dential areas and commercial an inter- building they then must be moved 5 mediate area where the more restricted busi-
feet building, out from the then will zoning proper. ness is The lack of such a streets, blocking those you and won’t be great buffer was found to be a detriment to through able to drive cars there. You persons living adjacent in the residential area certainly will not be able to drive the fire to a commercial zone. The Planning and streets, any truck down one those if that Zoning Board recommended that all commer- plan very be the case. Then the site obvi- cially adjacent zoned areas to residential ar- ously completely totally has to be re- districts, eas be rezoned business so that case, certainly vised. If that be the there the business district could serve as a buffer way approved no it can be at this hour between the commercial area and the resi- stipulation. with that dential area. pointed Council member Greenwald out that consultant, Shiff, Council had on numerous occasions Mr. land use disagreed Planning Zoning Planning reported Zoning with the Board that, according county zoning regula- All municipal land use officials gave who tions adopted by City, commercial an opinion at during time the municipal zoning is repair “[intended for certain or agreed at trial that what Corn services, other wholesale, storage and ware- wanted to do defied a fundamental precept of house uses and sales of large heavy ma- good land use policy: industrial uses such as chinery equipment.” Mr. Shiff observed warehouses permitted should not be immedi- “[tjhis category highly is a permissive ately contiguous to a residential area. The zoning requires district which a buffer be- evidence was overwhelming and virtually un- tween itself and residential areas.” disputed With permitting Corn to build his specific reference to property, huge he con- project warehouse would have an ad- cluded that the old relationship “with- verse effect on residential property values. proper out a stepdown categories
may have an adverse [sic] affect on the sur- D. THE DISTRICT COURT’S ERRO- rounding properties.” ,.also residential He NEOUS ANALYSIS recommended that the rezone each of its The heart of the district holding court’s commercial lots to use. business Mr. Shiff is violated Corn’s substantive due the same land use who consultant had recom- process rights is contained in the following mended 1975 that the not zone Corn’s paragraph from its opinion: land in way permit that would construction Nonetheless, Court, upon an inde of warehouses so close to a residential area. pendent evidence, review of the holds that the CITY acted arbitrarily capricious Stephen Corn’s Concession and the ly. expressed concern Opinions Unanimous All traffic, noise, increased and other ad Land Use Experts Officials verse allegedly effects created mini- *16 undisputed It is that no other mini-ware- prior warehouses. Yet July 12,1977, no complex house anyone knew of had ever was effort made to investigate mini-ware been built area, next to a residential as the Moreover, houses. Council tar Corns wanted build this one. Stephen geted only the mini-warehouse use for Corn, in being addition to the developer’s elimination, leaving a number of uses that son, person was the- responsible most for arguably traffic, cause noise, more and air planning the mini-warehouse development. pollution; no comparison between mini- testifying In on the damages issue of at the warehouses and the remaining permitted trial, 1991 explained he why this mini-ware- uses was ever conducted. See Kis project house would have been different from Ellis, 283, (Fla. v. simmee 431 So.2d 285 any other project mini-warehouse he had 5th Dist.Ct.App.1983) (city prohibit cannot ever seen or heard of: proposed use that is no more obnoxious Well, I know I felt unique use). this was a permitted than The moratorium location for mini-warehouse project. nothing seems than attempt more an at built, Most of time, them were even at the post hoc rationalization. See 11126 Balti . were in more They commercial areas. more Boulevard v. Prince George’s Coun residential, weren’t in areas that and, 1415, 1425(4th ty, Cir.1989) 886 F.2d (sup generally speaking, you not prop- did have porting evidence must exist when decision erty correctly for made). zoned use in good short, as In Council was a location. any Whether prop- there was solely motivated irrational desire to erty this, just zoned like I have no idea. plans. thwart CORN’S Thus, very project reason this Lakes, would Corn v. Lauderdale have been valuable to so the Corns is that no F.Supp. quoted at 1569. The paragraph municipality other permitted would have the district analysis, summarizes court’s them to project build a mini-warehouse in a clearly which contains a erroneous factfind- residential That area. alone ing fact establishes as errors of law. The well errors that the City’s arbitrary decision not requirement law include creation of that a capricious. investigation formal precede a land use deci-
sion, scrutiny F.Supp. of a strict standard rationalization.” 771 at application 1569. It is review, deferential and mis- why instead of more timing study understandable application controlling precedent. will We might utility justification undermine its as a discuss each of these errors in turn. However, City’s for earlier actions. illogical would be to treat the fact that such a Clearly Finding The Erroneous study was ordered as prior evidence that the City’s About the Motivation arbitrary. action had been Governmental ac- argues may done,
Corn
the district
tions
be undone as well as
conclusion that the
court’s
-was
nothing
prevent
there was
solely by
motivated
an irrational desire to
reconsidering
study
its actions had the
development plans
factfinding
his
is a
thwart
contrary
reached a
conclusion. Even if we
only for clear
which we can review
error.
study
assume that the moratorium and
which
Assuming,
deciding, without
the state
City’s
confirmed the wisdom of the
action
question
factfinding,
ment in
is a
we have no
solely
anticipation
was done
of litigation,
clearly
doubt that
it is
erroneous. Clear
not evidence that the
earlier
court,
reviewing
error exists
when
after
capricious.
actions were
evidence,
examining all of the
is left with a
willing
most we are
to conclude is that the
definite
firm
conviction that a mistake
wash,
study
moratorium and
constitute a
it is
See, e.g.,
Pipe
has been made.
Concrete
neither evidence of arbitrariness nor evi-
California,
Products
Inc. v. Construction
event,
dence of the lack of it.
In
it does
—Trust,
-,
-,
Lab.
U.S.
Pens.
appear
that the district court treated the
2264, 2279,
(1993);
S.Ct.
2. The
Formal
There could be circumstances
Erroneous
in which
Investigation
Required
city’s
Land
residents
a development
wanted
for
reasons,
illegitimate
Use Decisions
blocked for
such as ra-
prejudice.
cial
But that
is not this case.
holding
The district court’s
is based
Merely
may
because citizen input
not be a
upon
govern
assumption
erroneous
sufficient
government
basis
a rational
ment
cannot act
land use matters based
every
land use
decision
instance does not
upon
gathered
hearings,
facts
at
but
mean it can
never
sufficient basis for
must instead conduct a more formal investi
most,
such a
In
it
decision.
cases will be.
gation
acting.
before
The
acknowl
court
Greenbriar,
Where,
See
3. The Erroneous Constitutional problems as the cause” the same mini-ware- Standard to build. The houses Corn wanted re- The district by ap disapprove any court also erred right tained to future use plying scrutiny actions a strict problems. might same Munic- cause
1389 to deal ipal governments, people, like act the level scrutiny of constitutional point to a problems they are con- judgment with with which where it substituted its for that of fronted. is the City There no basis the Constitu- Council. holding
tion or in common
that a
sense
Application
4. The
Precedent
of
government
problem
cannot solve a
with
which it
is confronted unless its solution
holding
plainly
district court’s
in-
problems
may
solves all future
arise as
consistent
Court’s Greenbriar deci-
Municipal governments
pow-
well.
have the
In
sion.
that case there was no formal inves-
independently
problems
er to deal
with the
of
tigation,
city’s
and the
decision was based
basis;
cities on
their
an as-needed
the Con- upon “political pressure” from citizen voters
require
stitution does not
address who
out
oppose
turned
as a crowd to
all-encompassing
every
in one
action
conceiv-
Greenbriar,
development.
praise the
ignored by
appel
factors considered or
L.Ed.2d 180
It said that “the
legislative body
passing
challenged
late court in both
I and A.A.
Wheeler
Profiles
denied,
zoning regulation.”),
accept
outcry against
cert.
U.S.
refused to
(1976).
96 S.Ct.
project
evincing
legitimate
trary
Id.
members who eval
concerns that
expressed
uate a
proposal
light of
been
by
their
city
constitu
council
preferences
ents’
do
necessarily
not
members Greenbriar were
over
concerns about
look what Greenbriar contends to be the
the effect of the proposed development on
particular
“merits”
zoning plan.
the surrounding neighborhoods, including the
Here, there is no indication that Council
effect it would
have
value
members’ attention to citizens’
concerns
property in
neighborhoods
those
and on the
assessing
Greenbriar’s
plan de
Again,
levels of traffic.
following para-
prived their decision of a rational basis.
graph with which this Court ended its discus-
sion of the
process
due
(footnote
substantive
claim
omitted).
1392 holding Summary We review the as clarified and con-
5.
only partially
clude that it is
correct.
(1)
summarize, we hold that:
To
City
factfinding
legisla
that “the
This Court has extended absolute
The district court’s
by
immunity
desire
42
Council was motivated
an irrational
tive
suit under
U.S.C.
erroneous;
§
plans”
clearly
purely
legislators
to thwart Corn’s
is
1983 to
local
in land use
(2)
require
not
that a
cases.
The Constitution does
Brown v.
Coun
Crawford
1002,
(11th Cir.1992);
investigation
ty,
particular type of
be conducted
960 F.2d
1011-12
made,
Baytree of Inverrary Realty
City
before a land use decision is
and reli
v.
Partners
(11th
Lauderhill,
1407,
upon
opinions presented
at
873 F.2d
1409
Cir.
ance
facts
of
1989);
meetings
Lafayette,
not render the actions
Hernandez v.
643
does
of
(5th
May
municipal decisionmakers
and F.2d
1193-94
Cir. Unit A
of
1981),
denied,
process pur
due
cert.
455 U.S.
capricious for substantive
102 S.Ct.
(1982).
(3)
However,
proper
pro
due
poses;
substantive
L.Ed.2d
relating
by
legislators
to land use
standard
restric
all actions taken
local
are sub
cess
argu
ject
immunity.
determining
tions is not whether all land uses that
to absolute
In
ably
greater
legislators
protect
the same or
detriment to which actions of local
are
cause
by
general
legislative
interests were restricted or
ed
the doctrine of absolute
welfare
eliminated,
immunity,
there
this
but instead “whether
exist
Court has drawn the line be
[action], or,
City’s
legislative
ed a rational basis for the
tween
actions and administrative
alternative,
phrased
City’s
in the
whether the
legislative immunity
actions: “Absolute
‘ex
sphere
no substantial relation to the
tends
to actions taken within
action bore
”
welfare,” Greenbriar,
Brown,
legitimate legislative activity.’
881 F.2d
of
general
at
(4)
1577;
(quoting
Because there was a rational
which a reasonable
would have
800,
Fitzgerald,
known.” Harlow v.
U.S.
457
HATCHETT,
Judge,
Circuit
concurring
2727, 2738,
102 S.Ct.
y: CONCLUSION recognize properly that “the district court parties rejected have been over litigating argument that if Coun- years. use of 8.5 acres of land for blindly sixteen cil followed the will of its constituents 3. We it to the rights commonly leave district court determine his sticks in the "bundle of ’ just compensation the effect on the of its claim property.” ... characterized This determi- response October 1991 order to Corn’s necessarily nation means that the CITY not judgment, motion to amend the the court where ‘gone property, too far’ taken CORN’s thus that, portion "as concluded Property, to the front requiring just compensation.” 4, 1978, July regained '[o]n CORN all its opposed project,
who mini-warehouse whenever their decision follows automatically Majority op. meetings action was valid.” express general where citizens wel- p. (citing concerns, at Corn v. Lauderdale fare we that in this conclude case (S.D.Fla. Lakes, city’s F.Supp. proposal denial Corn’s land use 1991)). was' capricious because the record reflects a rational basis for the ex- ruling Our reversal of the district court’s pressed general welfare concerns. city arbitrarily capricious acted ly, particular is based on the facts of this
case which are set forth in considerable de reviewing
tail. After the evidence under the
controlling principles articulated in Greenbr *24 Alabaster,
iar v. we are convinced city members in this council case did plan
evaluate the “merits” of Corn’s site legitimate general
addition to the welfare
concerns of their See constituents. Greenbr Alabaster,
iar v. (11th Cir.1989) (holding that “Council mem proposal light
bers
who evaluate a
of their
preferences
constituents’
do not necessarily Quintin ELSTON,
Augustus Elston,
a/k/a
overlook what
.process
[a substantive due
Elston;
Elston,
Cardella
Rhonda
a/k/a
plaintiff] contends to be the ‘merits’ of a
Augustus Elston,
Cardella
a/k/a
a/k/a
particular zoning
This is
plan.”).
not the
Elston;
Elston,
Augustus
Tiffanie
a/k/a
city
rejected
case where
members
council
Elston,
Elston;
Cardella
Loretta
a/k/a
proposal following
land use
one or more
Beavers,
Dorothy Beavers; Leco
a/k/a
public hearings
orchestrated
large
where a
rey Beavers,
Beavers;
Ronnie
Deli
a/k/a
up
number of citizens showed
and mouthed
Beavers,
Dorothy Beavers;
cia
Ki
a/k/a
“noise,” “traffic,”
magic
“conges
words
Ball,
Gwynethe Ball;
erston
Dari
a/k/a
tion,”
“aesthetics,”
“safety,”
“valuation of ad
Ball,
Gwynethe Ball;
us
Roslyn
a/k/a
land,”
joining
city
and “effect on
services.”
Cochran,
Cochran;
Johnnie
Jerrk
a/k/a
Instead,
city
the record reflects that
council
Evans,
Evans;
Kate
Damien Gar
a/k/a
deny
members
plan
voted to
Corn’s site
after
rett,
Garrett;
Althea
Gar
Vernon
a/k/a
finding a rational
basis
wel
rett,
Garrett; Kereyell
Estella
Glo
a/k/a
fare
expressed
concerns that citizens
during
ver,
Glover; Stephanie
Delilah
Y.
a/k/a
Greenbriar,
meetings. See
Hill,
Connally Hill; Ernest Jack
a/k/a
(concluding
F.2d at 1579-80
developer
that a
son,
Jackson,
Rollen
Helen
a/k/a
a/k/a
failed to
city
show
council
members
Jackson; Rayven Jackson,
Rollen
a/k/a
irrationally
arbitrarily
acted
in rejecting
Jackson,
Jackson;
Helen
Carla
a/k/a
land use
where council members under
Jones,
Jones,
Willie
Bertha
a/k/a
a/k/a
took
proposal
their own
evaluation
Jones;
Jones,
Danielle
Donald
a/k/a
the record
a rational basis for citi
indicated
Jones;
Jones,
Jones,
Paul
Willie
a/k/a
zens’ concerns
the effect on
about
surround
Jones;
Morris,
Bertha
Datrea
a/k/a
a/k/a
ing neighborhoods and for their concerns
Morris;
Jeffery Morris,
Robert
a/k/a
Moreover,
problems).
about traffic
as in
Morris; Quintin Morris,
Lela
Rob
a/k/a
Greenbriar, we find no indication that
Quinedell
Morris;
Mosley,
Qui
ert
a/k/a
city council members’ attention to citizens’
Quinton
Mosley;
Morris,
nell
Willie
evaluating
concerns in
Corn’s site
de
Morris, Tonya Shepard,
Mary Alice
a/k/a
prived their
of a rational
decision
basis. See
Jemison; Donyae Swain,
Gwendo
a/k/a
Greenbriar,
