Permanent Physical Occupation

What is permanent physical occupation and why is it considered inverse condemnation?

Physical Occupation, or inverse condemnation, is when private property is occupied either permanently or temporarily by a government agency. It can sometimes be described as inverse condemnation because the government entity is not physically taking or condemning the property, but is depriving the property owner of their right to enjoy or use their property and is, therefore, a taking. In the case of a physical occupation, just compensation would be owed to the property owner to the extent of the occupation by the government entity (State of Utah Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman, Takings, n.d.). The term “permanent” is not always the case, in the case of First English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Glendale v. County of Los Angeles, the court determined that physical occupation is considered a taking, even if it is only temporary (First English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Glendale v. County of Los Angeles, 1987).

Notes:

1. This article is part of a greater analysis, that analysis can be found in it's entirety here.

2. Disclaimer: The author of this article is NOT an attorney. The information provided in this document is provided for educational purposes only and is NOT considered legal advice.

References

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