Why does Euclidean zoning make walkable communities more difficult to develop?

Euclidean zoning, also known as single-use zoning, hinders the development of walkable communities by strictly separating different types of land use—such as residential, commercial, and industrial areas—to prevent perceived incompatibilities.1

While the practice was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Company (1926), it creates physical barriers to walkability. Because homes are restricted to specific residential zones, they are often situated deep within housing tracts far from essential destinations like schools, stores, and workplaces. This spatial segregation forces residents to rely on automobiles for daily travel, whereas older, more walkable neighborhoods typically feature a diverse mix of land uses interspersed within the same area.1

It is important to clarify that "Euclidean zoning" refers to this specific land-use planning practice and is distinct from the mathematical concept of Euclidean space, which relates to geometry and coordinate systems.12