Land use controls

eminent domain

the governments power to take private land for public use (condemnation)

inverse condemnation

The governments takes private property but fails to compensate the owner; property owners are forced to file suit to obtain compensation. The taking may be physical through occupation, or regulatory, where government regulations cause the property to lose economic value

escheat

the states power to take the property of a decedent who dies without a will, heirs, or creditors

special use permit

allows a use that’s not normally permitted but is considered an “allowable” use within that zoning, such as a church within a residentially zoned area

variance (use variance)

permitted deviation in the zoning ordinance requirements; typically granted when the zoning has created a hardship or burden on the property owner. Both special use permits and variances require a public hearing before they’re granted