Local and state governments, and some private utilities, all have the right to take private property for public use.  Public use could be a new street, a sewer or waterline, property for a storm sewer drainage system or pond, electric or gas lines, or even redevelopment of the property into what the government has concluded would be a higher or better use.

When this process begins, often the condemning authority will make an informal contact with those who have an interest in the property to be condemned.  Those interests could be one of ownership or one of being a tenant.  We strongly encourage our clients to call us upon that first contact.  We can advise you how this process works, when the condemning authority is probably going to commence legal action to acquire your interest in this property, and what you can expect from the process.  We only charge you a percentage of the additional damages we can obtain for you over and above what the condemning authority offers you, so you literally have nothing to lose by bringing your condemnation action to us.

Additionally, many of our clients deal with cities and counties regarding issues of zoning, conditional use permits, variances, and the subdivision or platting of the property they own.  Such land use issues, which 20 years ago were relatively simple, have become exceedingly complex.  As with condemnation, our background in land use issues goes back over 35 years in the metropolitan area, elsewhere in Minnesota and, indeed, throughout the country.  We would be delighted to provide you the benefit of our experience.