Amicus Curiae Committee

The APA Amicus Curiae Committee is one of the more visible parts of APA. It files "friend-of-the-court" briefs in state and federal courts in cases of importance to the planning profession and the public interest.

Amicus Curiae Committee

Watch Live Oral Arguments

B.J. Alan Company v.
Congress Township Board of Zoning Appeals

The Ohio Supreme Court uses streaming video technology to broadcast all oral arguments. On Wednesday, December 17, at 9 a.m. ET, an interesting zoning issue will be argued in B.J. Alan Company v. Congress Township Board of Zoning Appeals.

The township denied a property owner's request to operate a business in an agricultural district. In its amicus brief, joined by APA's Ohio Chapter, APA explained the importance of connecting land use and zoning decisions to an adopted comprehensive plan, and argued that the link must be stronger than a mere conclusory statement that such a connection exists.

Watch the oral argument on December 17

Read the Court of Appeals of Ohio decision

Read APA's amicus brief

Get the background details on this case

Questions about the case or APA's amicus brief? Contact Lora Lucero at LoraLucero@aol.com.

Recent APA Amicus Briefs

State of California v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2008)

After the EPA Administrator denied California's request for a waiver from the Clean Air Act so that it could establish its own more stringent mobile source greenhouse gas emissions standards, APA filed an amicus brief with other groups in support of California. APA argues that in order to preserve the vibrant federal system required by the Constitution, the Supreme Court applies a presumption against preemption.

Gardener v. Marion County Board of County Commissioners (2008)

Oregon's Measure 37 is ambiguous regarding when a regulation has the effect of "reducing the fair market value." APA explains that the state's methodology, the so-called "exemption method," is neither an accurate nor reasonable measure of evaluating the economic effects of the challenged regulation. (smart growth, property – Pacific)

B.J. Alan Company v. Congress Township Board of Zoning Appeals (2008)

The township denies a property owner's request to operate a business in an agricultural district. APA explains the importance of connecting land use and zoning decisions to an adopted comprehensive plan, arguing that the link must be stronger than a mere conclusory statement that such a connection exists.

See all Amicus Curiae Briefs