Table Of Content

Eminent Domain in Montana Produced by Krista Lee Evans ………… May 2001………… Published by Legislative Environmental Policy Office Environmental Quality Council P.O. Box 201704 Helena, MT 59620-1704 Ph: 406/444-3742, F: 406/444-3971 E-mail: [email protected] MEMBERS AND STAFF Environmental Qualit y Council Members House Members Senate Members Representative Paul Clark Senator Mack Cole* Representative Kim Gillan, Vice Senator William Crismore, Chair Chair Senator Bea McCarthy Representative Monica Lindeen* Senator Ken Mesaros Representative Doug Mood Senator Barry "Spook" Stang* Representative Bill Tash* Senator Jon Tester Representative Cindy Younkin Public Members Mr. Tom Ebzery* Ms. Julia Page* Mr. Jerry Sorensen* Mr. Howard F. Strause Law, Justice, and Indian Affairs Committee Members on Eminent Domain Subcommittee Representative Gail Gutsche* Representative Dan McGee* Representative Jim Shockley* *Eminent Domain Subcommittee members Legislative Environmental Policy Office Staff Todd Everts, Legislative Environmental Analyst; Larry Mitchell, Resource Policy Analyst; Mary Vandenbosch, Resource Policy Analyst; Krista Lee Evans, Resource Policy Analyst; Maureen Theisen, Publications Coordinator State Capitol, P.O. Box 201704, Helena, MT 59620-1704; (406) 444-3742; http://leg.state.mt.us/ i ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Eminent Domain in Montana handbook was developed by the legislative Environmental Quality Council (EQC) in an effort to help Montana's citizens better understand our eminent domain laws. The information contained in this handbook is the result of input and review from legislators, industry representatives, and special interest groups. This handbook is not all-inclusive, rather it provides a brief overview of the eminent domain laws in Montana. iii iv DISCLAIMER This handbook should not be used as a legal reference. This handbook was developed to serve solely as an education tool. When in doub t, always refer to the statutes (Title 70, chapter 30, MCA), case law, or seek legal counsel. v vi TABLE OF CONTENTS MEMBERS AND STAFF..................................................................................i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS..............................................................................iii DISCLAIMER...................................................................................................v FOREWORD....................................................................................................1 EMINENT DOMAIN IN GENERAL.................................................................3 What is eminent domain?................................................................................3 Where are the eminent domain laws found?..................................................3 For what purposes can eminent domain be exercised?................................4 What property may be taken through eminent domain actions?...................7 What estates and rights in land may be taken? .............................................8 How is the survey and location of property to be taken conducted?.............9 When is the survey conducted?...................................................................10 What facts must be found before condemnation can occur?.....................10 THE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCESS..........................................................11 The Preliminary Process............................................................................12 What is a preliminary condemnation proceeding?......................................12 Where are the proceedings for eminent domain cases heard by the court? ..............................................................................................................12 How are the court proceedings started?......................................................12 What is a preliminary condemnation order?................................................12 What powers does a preliminary condemnation order give?......................13 What information must the condemnor provide in the complaint to meet the burden of proof required to receive a preliminary condemnation order?...................................................................................................13 What are the powers of the court with regard to the preliminary condemnation order? .........................................................................14 Hearing and Judgment...............................................................................16 Condemnation commissioners.....................................................................16 In a condemnation hearing, what are the roles of the judge and the condemnation commissioners? .........................................................17 How is compensation assessed? ................................................................18 What is the final report and award of the commissioners?.........................20 What if at least two commissioners can't agree?........................................20 vii Optional Steps ............................................................................................22 Can the assessment of the commissioners be appealed?.........................22 Is the condemnor allowed to make a final offer upon appeal?...................23 Litigation expenses.......................................................................................23 COMPENSATION.........................................................................................24 When and how is the payment of compensation made?............................24 When is a bond necessary?.........................................................................24 What is current fair market value?.............................................................. 25 FINAL CONDEMNATION............................................................................26 What is a final order of condemnation?...................................................... 26 Can the final order of condemnation be appealed?.................................. 26 Does an appeal to the Supreme Court prohibit further proceedings?........26 When can the condemnor take possession of the condemned property? 27 Is there a limit on landowner liability............................................................28 Who is responsible for the control of weeds on condemned property?.....29 How are the taxes calculated for property taken?.......................................29 ABANDONMENT OF USE...........................................................................30 When a use is abandoned on property taken through condemnation, how is the property disposed of?.................................................................. 30 What rights does the original landowner or successor in interest have when a use is abandoned?....................................................... 30 CONCLUSION..............................................................................................32 GLOSSARY..................................................................................................33 INFORMATION RESOURCES....................................................................38 viii