Mark K
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2004
- Professional Status
- Certified Residential Appraiser
- State
- Indiana
The city can, and will if necessary, condemn using eminent domain for a utility easement.
If the owner and city cannot come to terms, the city will begin condemnation proceedings for the easement area only; they don't have to condemn the entire property. I've been involved in several court cases involving condemnation for sewer easements.
An easement will take certain rights from the owner and convey them to someone else. The extent of the effect on value is based on the restrictions in the easement document. Many times the only rights to the real estate retained by the owner are the right to cut the grass and pay taxes on the land.
If the owner and city cannot come to terms, the city will begin condemnation proceedings for the easement area only; they don't have to condemn the entire property. I've been involved in several court cases involving condemnation for sewer easements.
An easement will take certain rights from the owner and convey them to someone else. The extent of the effect on value is based on the restrictions in the easement document. Many times the only rights to the real estate retained by the owner are the right to cut the grass and pay taxes on the land.