Eminent Domain Report

During the past several years, California legislators have been pushing through new legislation to increase potential housing opportunities in California. In October, Governor Newsom signed California Senate Bill 79 (SB 79), which opens up new residential developments near rail and bus stations in major California communities. Specifically, SB 79 creates rules to override local zoning regulations related to height and density for sites near transit-oriented development stops and applies to the “urban transit communities” of Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Alameda ...

When public agencies or utilities move forward with infrastructure projects, one of the most critical steps is determining exactly what property rights must be acquired. Too often, agencies focus solely on the permanent footprint of the project, only to discover late in the process that they lack authority for construction activities, staging areas or access. Early project planning on the front end helps avoid costly delays, litigation and redesign.

Existing Rights

The first analysis should always be – what rights are already in place? Many agencies or utilities hold ...

In the wake of devastating 2025 wildfires, Assembly Bill 254 stands poised to reshape California's wildfire prevention, mitigation and funding strategies. From a groundbreaking $18 billion infusion into the state’s Wildfire Fund to new rights of first refusal for insurance subrogation claims, this legislation could have sweeping implications for utility companies, insurers, and wildfire-affected communities. A host of additional provisions also target transmission infrastructure upgrades, wildfire risk reduction and clean energy innovations.

Stay tuned as we break ...