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In general, government entities have the right of eminent domain in Texas – federal, state, county, municipal, water districts, and school districts. Public utilities may also be able to use private property for power lines, pipelines and other alleged ‘public uses.’
Read more about who can take private property through eminent domain in Texas
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While a landowner has every right to negotiate with a condemning authority on their own, in most cases it is NOT in the landowners’ best interest to do so. Talking to an experienced eminent domain attorney can help you avoid about potential pitfalls before beginning negotiations. Condemnation rules are very complicated, and anything you say can impact your ultimate recovery. Given the complexity of condemnations and litigation appraisal rules, a landowner stands to benefit from at least talking to experienced counsel before beginning talks with the adversary — which is what Condemnors hope you don’t do.
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Most projects that lead to eminent domain are infrastructure construction or expansion projects, such as highways, electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipelines, water pipelines, roads, municipal infrastructure, rail lines, lakes, parks, and public buildings.
Read more about common reasons for taking land through condemnation in Texas
IT’S YOUR RIGHT TO SPEAK WITH AN EMINENT DOMAIN LAWYER IN TEXAS
The eminent domain condemnation process in Texas is complex and very different from other types of property dispute cases. If you are a Texas property owner faced with condemnation of their land by an entity with eminent domain authority, it is important to understand your rights during the condemnation process. It is of the utmost importance that you contact an experienced eminent domain attorney early on in the process in order to adequately protect your rights in any eminent domain condemnation process.
Our knowledge and expertise will ensure your interests are fully represented. We’ll make sure the condemning entity follows the letter of the law during the eminent domain condemnation process. We will recover the full compensation you are owed for your land. We will also negotiate with the condemning entity early in the process for you to ensure you are fully protected. We serve land owners all over the state of Texas.
How Does the Eminent Domain Condemnation Process Begin in Texas?
Eminent Domain gives certain entities the authority to take private property for use in public projects. Both the U.S. and Texas state constitutions give the government the right to obtain land in this matter. However, the property owner must be fairly compensated for their land.
In Texas, private property can only be taken by an entity authorized by the state to do so. It can only be taken for a purpose or use that serves the general public. Texas law prohibits using eminent domain to acquire property to enhance tax revenues or foster economic development. In addition to receiving a market value for their property, landowners are also entitled to compensation for damages to remaining land caused by the acquisition.
The eminent domain condemnation process begins when a condemning entity makes plans for a public project, such as expanding a highway or building a new school. The projects’ location will determine which properties will be affected.
A BONA FIDE OFFER, PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL AND THE TEXAS LANDOWNER’S BILL OF RIGHTS
An entity with eminent domain authority that wants to acquire property for public use must make a bona fide offer to acquire the property from the property owner voluntarily. Before making their offer, the entity must obtain a written appraisal from a certified appraiser. It must state the value of the property and the damages, if any, to the landowner’s remaining property.
This offer must be equal to or greater than the appraisal amount.
When they make their written, bona fide offer, the condemning entity must also provide the property owner with copies of:
All written appraisals the condemning authority has obtained
The deed, easement, or other instrument conveying the property sought to be acquired
The State of Texas’ landowner’s bill of rights
NOTE: The Texas property code specifically prohibits the condemning entity from including any non-disclosure provisions in its offer to a property owner. They are required to inform you that you have a right to discuss the offer or agreement with others. This means you have a right to hire legal representation to review the offer and represent your interests.
You have 14 days to respond to the offer. Before accepting or rejecting the offer, it’s important to seek the professional advice of an experienced Texas eminent domain lawyer.
If you decide to accept the offer, you are paid for your land. The deed is transferred to the condemning entity, and the process is complete.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DECIDE YOU DON’T WANT TO ACCEPT THE BONA FIDE OFFER?
If you do not reach an agreement on the value of your property, the entity will begin condemnation proceedings. The entity begins the condemnation proceeding by filing a petition in the proper court. Usually it is filed in the county where the property is located.
After the condemnation claim is filed in court, the judge will appoint three local landowners to serve as special commissioners. The special commissioners will issue a written award stating an amount that the condemning entity has to deposit into the registry of the court in order to take possession of your property.
If you or the condemning entity isn’t pleased with the amount of the commissioners’ award, either side can appeal the commissioners’ decision and has the right to request a trial by a judge or jury. If you question whether the condemning entity actually has the authority to condemn your property through the eminent domain condemnation process, you can also appeal the decision of the commissioners and ask the court to determine whether the entity has the power to condemn through the eminent domain condemnation process.