Mooresville Eminent Domain Lawyer & Law Firm

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Eminent Domain Attorney in Mooresville, NC

A Mooresville eminent domain lawyer can help when government projects infringe upon your property rights. At Parker, Parker & Pittman, we have served North Carolina communities since 1991. Our attorneys are residents of the state who have worked hard to establish and maintain long-term relationships in their communities and beyond.

As a full-service litigation firm with over three decades of community and property-based advocacy, we are dedicated to explaining the law in understandable terms, protecting your interests, and holding agencies accountable to laws that determine how and when property owners are entitled to compensation.

Hire an Eminent Domain Lawyer

In 1991, the Parker family established Parker, Parker & Pittman, a small-town, full-service law firm that was created with community first in mind. Stable leadership, reliable advocacy, and a long history in Iredell County have all played a role in why the firm has become synonymous with dependability to clients and legal peers.

The firm’s lengthy history has given its attorneys diverse litigation experience. Attorneys with an in-depth understanding of the community are well prepared and are internally driven to advocate for property rights and communities.

North Carolina Eminent Domain and Your Property Rights

Eminent domain empowers state and local agencies to take private property for public use, but owners have rights before, during, and after a condemnation action. North Carolina’s population grew by approximately 1.5% from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024, marking the eighth-fastest growth rate among U.S. states. The increase has helped to fuel even more roadway and infrastructure projects.

During the development of transportation routes, utilities, or public buildings, agencies frequently adhere to quickly approaching deadlines. Owners deserve a complete understanding of procedures, required notices, and timelines to respond strategically, and we can help you to do that before you accept any offer or sign away valuable rights.

Defending Your Rights in Eminent Domain Cases

The impact of an eminent domain taking can be far-reaching, so it is important to value your property accurately and negotiate justly. The initial offer from a government agency may not fully account for impacts like loss of access, use restrictions, or loss of business value.

According to its latest overview, the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management said the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Highway Trust Fund produced $1.835 billion in revenue during FY 2022-23. This revenue allows for the continuation of transportation projects that often impact residential and commercial property owners.

Fair market value is important, but a full valuation should also consider severance damages, business interruption, and the overall impact of the project on your property’s long-term value. Key valuation considerations include:

Changes to property access
Impact on remaining land
Zoning or use limitations

Litigation and Procedure in Eminent Domain Cases

If an agency files a condemnation action or negotiations have stalled, litigation and procedure become important tools to resolve a dispute. Parker, Parker & Pittman’s long track record in Iredell County means we know what the local courts expect and understand the nuances of litigating in this venue.

Whether through professional testimony, appraisal challenges, or questioning the public purpose, many cases turn on key facts and technical points of law. The earlier you prepare evidence and understand the procedural path forward, from deposits to commissioners’ hearings, the more likely you are to secure better compensation and leverage for settlement.

If negotiations break down or an agency files a condemnation action, litigation may be necessary. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) apportioned $52.5 billion in Federal Aid Highway Program funds to the states in FY 2022, an increase of over 20% over 2021. The figure illustrates the number of new projects that can affect private property owners

Local Development: Mooresville and Iredell County

Iredell County’s population is growing, with Mooresville and neighboring communities attracting residential and business development.

Per estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Iredell County increased by about 3% from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024, amounting to a total population of 206,361. This increase coincides with an uptick in transportation upgrades, utility expansion, and public facility construction projects. These projects have the potential to transform neighborhoods, take farmland, and disrupt small businesses.

A local perspective matters when valuing your property and understanding how a specific project fits into this larger context. Knowledge of the area’s history, upcoming construction timelines, and county planning initiatives can help property owners see how a taking will impact their land use goals.

FAQs

What Should I Do First After Receiving an Eminent Domain Notice?

Carefully read the eminent domain notice, pay attention to what it requires you to do, and note the deadline for your response. This will help you understand the agency’s plans and avoid giving up important rights before you have a chance to speak to an attorney about your legal options.

How Can I Challenge the Government’s Valuation of My Property?

Identify any potential issues with the agency’s valuation of your property by considering how the agency arrived at its number and whether it considered all relevant factors that could impact the value. For example, independent appraisals, access changes, or long-term land use issues may be relevant in your case. An attorney will be able to help identify weaknesses in the initial valuation.

What Happens if I Disagree With the Reason for the Taking?

Disagreeing with the reason for the taking means that you and your attorney must figure out whether the project satisfies the legal definition of public use. Hire an eminent domain attorney who can help review the agency’s stated reason for the taking and determine whether it meets the applicable standard under state law.

Do I Have Options if Taking Impacts Only Part of My Property?

Although only a portion of a property has been taken, this still raises important questions about the effects on the remainder of the land. You should work with your attorney to evaluate the access changes, future usability, and any other potential restrictions to understand the full extent of the impact.