B. Joan Davis Zoning, Planning and Land Use Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Condemnation or eminent domain simply means that the government (the State, County or City) is taking private land for a public purpose. Usually the government is taking full ownership of the property, but there are times when the government takes a lesser interest in the land, such as a utility easement or a temporary construction easement.

The most common uses of property taken by eminent domain are for public utilities, road widening, highways, and railroads, but the government may take private land for any “public use” including, parks, greenways, airports, prisons etc. The laws of North Carolina require that the government pay you “just compensation” for your land. The law also generally requires that the government offer to purchase the property before resorting to the use of a legal action to take the land.  It is wise to consult with a Raleigh business law attorney before negotiating or accepting an offer from the government for your condemned land.

Article Provided By:
Howard, Stallings, From & Hutson
5410 Trinity Road Suite 210
Raleigh, NC 27607