Final answer:
The illegal practice in zoning known as spot zoning benefits specific property owners at the expense of the surrounding community's needs and regulations. It can be challenged in court, particularly when it is arbitrary or discriminatory. Zoning laws are meant to serve the wider public interest, not just individual property owners.
Step-by-step explanation:
The illegal practice of favoring certain property owners in terms of zoning is known as spot zoning. Spot zoning occurs when a single parcel of property is zoned in a manner that is different from the surrounding properties, mainly to benefit the property owner’s private interests. This can be challenged legally unless there is a significant and reasonable basis for distinguishing the zoned parcel from those around it. Racial, religious, or occupancy-based discriminatory restrictions in zoning are not permitted, and can only be upheld in extremely rare cases where a state's overwhelming interest is demonstrated. A comprehensive plan is typically behind zoning to ensure the benefit of the entire community.
Zoning regulations are necessary as they promote public health, safety, comfort, morals, and general welfare of a community. Land-use and zoning regulations are implemented by municipalities to regulate property within their borders. Legal challenges may occur against zoning ordinances when they are deemed unreasonable or arbitrary, and do not serve the community's general welfare effectively.
Government regulations on property and business ownership carry both costs and benefits. While property owners have the right to own, use, and dispose of property, they must also adhere to these regulations. Yet, when governmental actions like eminent domain are misused for economic development, and not for public use, this leads to significant controversy and legal challenges, as in the case of Kelo v. City of New London.