When Can the Government Use Eminent Domain?

The government can most certainly use eminent domain whenever it requires the use of someone’s personal property for public use. However, the better question is, “When does the government typically use eminent domain?” Remember, the government must only exercise eminent domain when the taking is for public use and just compensation is given for that taking.

            Most scenarios typically involve the government exercising eminent domain in the context of general public use. In other words, the public use requirement is evident by the nature of the project itself. For example, taking for a public highway would naturally be for public use since the public would be able to use that highway for commerce and travel. Some of the more common instances where eminent domain is exercised include building a school, highway, greenway, park, water lines, natural gas lines, and hospitals.

            The process involves the government first determining that the project is necessary for whatever reason beyond that of “public use.” This is typically done in the legislature. However, once the project is deemed necessary, the government must follow certain procedures to adequately exercise the right to take the property. The government is normally required to make an offer for the property in order to avoid any legal battles in court. However, if an agreement with the government cannot be reached, the government may exercise the right of eminent domain by filing a condemnation suit in the court where the property is located.

            In any event, the government is required by law to provide property owners with notice of their intent to condemn the property at least 30 days BEFORE filing an action in court. This does not apply to all takings. However, it generally does.

Our firm focuses on three practice areas: Disability, Personal Injury, and Eminent Domain. Every practice area has attorneys who have expertise in their respective area of practice. 

Chad Brown is a North Carolina Board Certified Social Security disability law specialist. Mr. Brown helps Social Security disability claimants at all stages of the disability process. He also works with people that have Long Term Disability denials and with people that are injured by drugs and defective medical products.

Your Questions Answered

Where Does Eminent Domain Come From?

The government’s right of eminent domain does not come from the United States Constitution as some might think. It is also not an invention of the America’s Founding Fathers. Instead, the right of eminent domain is an ancient principle that goes back to the days of...

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What Is the Process of Eminent Domain?

          The eminent domain process in North Carolina will always be initiated by one of two entities-the government or private entities that perform a public function. (The most common private entity would be a power...

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What Does Eminent Domain Mean?

Eminent domain is an inherent right of a government to take private property and use it for public use. This right is deemed to be inherent because governments are typically sovereign over all the land within their borders. Therefore, given the superior dominion that...

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