Eminent Domain

Property owners will find it beneficial to know their rights and how they can protect their interests in the event they find themselves in a land-use dispute. One way this happens is through the application of eminent domain, a legal principle that gives the...

Many state and local governments reserve the authority to seize and condemn private property for projects that will benefit the general public. In fact, the U.S. Constitution allows the seizure of property by governments provided the property owner receives fair...

Most people think of dangerous buildings when they hear the word “condemned.” However, condemning a property is often a step in the process of eminent domain. When property owners learn that the government intends to seize their land using eminent domain, it may be a...

The rules of eminent domain allow a government entity, whether a local government, state agency or federal interest, to acquire someone’s private property for a project that is deemed to benefit the public good. The landowner should receive fair compensation for the...

Eminent domain is a legal concept many property owners fear because it means the government or one of its agents may take their land for its purposes. Even though the entity or agency may offer compensation for the land, in some cases, that compensation will not...

What to do with trash is a problem for which many jurisdictions must find solutions. One Texas city has proposed a new landfill in a wide, rural area and has already spent over $5 million to purchase the 1,200 acres for the landfill and a buffer zone surrounding it....

While trying to determine the value of your land, you may wonder if amounts people offer you take into account fair market value.  By looking at the unique features of your domain and calculating what it is worth, you can determine if you are getting a respectable...

Eminent domain, also called condemnation, gives the government the right to take private land for public use. However, Texas homeowners have certain rights in this situation as documented by the state's Landowner's Bill of Rights. These are the key things to know...

Under the U.S. Constitution, government can enforce eminent domain to take ownership of your property and convert it for the public's use. A complete taking, however, usually includes paying "just compensation" for your property.  Both local and federal agencies have...