The state of California and its political subdivisions such as counties and municipalities have a broad power called “eminent domain.” Many people use the term “condemnation” instead of the formal legal title to refer to this power, but the end result is the same: by...
Month: March 2020
What agencies should know about California Senate Bill 1079
If California passes Senate Bill 1079, cities, counties and government agencies can seize private residential properties after 90 days of vacancy. This law applies to apartment complexes and other residential buildings owned by corporations or limited liability...
CEQA, EIRs, and the “substantial impact”
Environmental issues are huge when it comes to initiating any sort of construction in California. This is primarily due to limitations imposed by the California Environmental Quality Act. One of the biggest components of CEQA is the Environmental Impact Report, often...
A quick look at CEQA and Environmental Impact Reports
Government entities have a lot of red tape they have to clear before they can move forward with most of their projects, especially when it comes to real property. Whether its extending utility infrastructure, building new roads, or developing structures, governments...
The valuation approaches in eminent domain cases
If you’re in the process of exercising eminent domain, then you need to know the law and how to use it to your advantage. This is especially true when it comes to addressing matters related to just compensation, where one bad move could cost you or your agency A...
What factors go into a “just compensation” determination?
Under the U.S. Constitution, the government is allowed to take private property in furtherance of the public interest. In exchange, the government is required to provide the landowner with “just compensation.” In an ever-growing area like Los Angeles and surrounding...
