Land use often turns into a tug of war in fast-growing Georgia. You might run a nonprofit animal shelter that serves your community daily. Yet developers or officials may label your land as "unnecessary." They often push for new roads, utilities or private projects....
When tree trimming crews show up without warning, many property owners feel caught off guard. One day, the land looks familiar. The next, crews cut back mature trees, scatter branches and remove privacy or shade. Property owners in North Georgia communities often face...
Receiving an official-looking envelope from the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) with an offer to buy your land can be intimidating. While you might feel pressured to accept it, that first offer is almost never their best. The reason is simple. The...
Projects for public benefit sometimes require government intervention. State statutes in Georgia allow government authorities and businesses hired to complete major projects for public benefit to purchase real property. Under eminent domain statutes, property owners...
Eminent domain laws protect the rights of the public and the government at the expense of individuals. When a large project requires real property, eminent domain laws allow for the forced sale of private property. The organization preparing for a highway expansion or...
Homeowners and businesses located near a busy road or highway may initially feel excited about a newly-announced expansion project. More traffic could mean an increase in property values or revenue for the business. However, highway expansions and similar projects can...
Those who own real property usually have the right to decide when to sell that property to another party. Occasionally, the law does allow government entities to force the sale of a property for the completion of certain projects. Projects intended for the public...
People often think of real property ownership rights as immutable. Once someone takes title to a parcel, residential property or commercial space, they likely expect to continue owning that property until they die or decide to sell. However, there is a third scenario...
Families throughout Georgia are getting letters from railroad companies claiming that they need to use their land to expand their lines. They may argue that the move is beneficial for the community, but is it? And can these companies move forward with their plans and...
Eminent domain is the legal system that allows the government to lay claim to the real property of an individual or business. Either through a negotiated sale or a condemnation, the state government can effectively force a property owner to transfer ownership to...
