Eminent Domain Report

We’ve reported in the past that public agencies are more frequently demanding certain off-site public improvements to accommodate proposed private developments as a condition of entitlement approval.  These can range from street widenings to accommodate additional traffic, pump stations for additional water capacity, or flood improvements to address drainage or run-off concerns.  Additionally, a new condition facing California developers is dedicating or acquiring open space to mitigate wildfire risk. … 

We haven't provided much in the way of updates recently on California infrastructure projects requiring eminent domain.  Either we've been too busy to notice or it's been surprisingly quiet recently.  But, some headlines did just catch our attention, so we thought we'd provide an update to our readers.

• San Luis Obispo to Institute Eminent Domain:  according to a recent article in the Tribune, City Council approves temporary easement on private land for work in congested area, the San Luis Obispo City Council unanimously adopted a resolution of necessity, approving the use of ...

Two recent news articles caught my eye about a project taking place in San Diego County.  A North County Times article, ESCONDIDO: Eminent domain hearing set for Bear Valley properties, reports that the San Diego County Board of Supervisors was set to vote this week on potentially using eminent domain to acquire necessary properties for the expansion of Bear Valley Parkway.  While the project would widen the busy roadway from two to four lanes, add a center median and bicycle lanes, it would also necessitate the demolition of 18 homes and the taking of 32 slices of property -- mostly ...