Which type of power involves the ability to enforce land use regulations?

The ability to enforce land use regulations falls under the category of police power. This term refers to the inherent authority of state and local governments to enact laws and regulations that promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the public. This includes zoning laws, building codes, and other land use regulations designed to manage how land can be developed and utilized.

Police power enables authorities to control land use to prevent harmful development, ensure adequate infrastructure, and protect environmental resources, thereby maintaining order and enhancing community well-being. It is a critical tool used to manage urban growth, protect residential areas, and ensure that land is used in a way that benefits the overall community.

In contrast, eminent domain refers to the government's right to acquire private property for public use, albeit with compensation to the owner. Taxation involves the government's ability to levy taxes on property and income, while escheat refers to the process by which unclaimed property reverts to the state. While all these powers play a role in land management and property rights, only police power is specifically concerned with enforcing regulations that control land use.