Monthly Archives: April 2021

What’s happening? The US Supreme Court is hearing a case between the State of New Jersey and a Pipeline on whether the pipeline can take state land for its project. I want to say this a goose and gander situation, but I’ll withhold. Why is this important? Eminent Domain cases getting tricky the multiple constitutional […]

What is happening? Florida passed legislation to limit developer impact fees.  Impact fees are fees paid by developers to help local governments shoulder the cost of roads and other infrastructure associated with new growth. H337 (2021 | FL) Why is this important? Critics say this only harms local control. How will this be important? A […]

What is happening? North Carolina is considering HB 401 (2021 | NC) that would require local zoning codes to include middle housing in residential zoning. Middle Housing is duplexes, townhomes, triplexes, & quadplexes in single family residential zoning. It also requires local governments to allow at least one accessory dwelling for single-family resident. These accessory […]

What’s happening? North Carolina Legislature is considering House Bill 496 (2021 | NC), the Property Owners’ Rights/Tree Ordinances Act, that would require state legislature approval of any local government tree removal ordinance. Why is this important? The mix of policy considerations is what makes this interesting. The State protecting a property owner’s right to use […]

What is happening? Missouri is considering SB 508 which would require that a project that uses eminent domain is overseen by the Missouri Public Service Commission would have to present resolutions from each county that has a portion of the project to the Commission for approval. Why is this important? In Texas, there have been […]

What is happening? North Carolina Legislature is moving HB271 (2021 | NC) that will eliminate public benefit from eminent domain considerations in the state. Why is this important? North Carolina is looking to make the change statutorily and constitutionally. Numbers and data on eminent domain support coming your way after that election. How will this […]

What is happening? Plano, TX city council declined an initiative petition that sought to limit eminent domain in the city. The petition was declined because the signatories could not be verified or did not provide information for verification. Why is this important? Looking for an eminent domain ban? Look to your local officials. How will […]

What is happening? The new economy has increased use of delivery services, ridesharing and micromobility. All of which make curb space more valuable. Why is this important? Cities are using curbside kiosks to collect video data, auto type and license plate information to time how long the vehicle stays at the curb. Aspen is using […]

What’s happening? LD 1377 (2021 | ME) would generate revenue to develop affordable housing, provide property tax relief & encourage more units to be used as permanent housing Why is this important? Maine is pretty much following what D.C. did with some added help for low and middle income households How will this be important? […]

What’s happening? The Iowa Legislature is considering another “AG Gag” bill. HF 755 (2020 | IA) would make knowingly entering private property without the owner’s consent and taking soil and water samples or samples of an animal’s bodily fluids or other animal products would become an aggravated misdemeanor on the first offense. Same penalties for […]