News
Top NC court will consider Brunswick Co. takings claim against DEQ
The North Carolina Supreme Court will consider a Brunswick County developer’s takings claim against state environmental regulators.
News
Top NC court wrestles with two Map Act cases
The North Carolina Supreme Court heard two Map Act cases Tuesday pitting property owners against the state Department of Transportation. DOT has warned that the cases could lead to payments “multiple times higher” than the state has faced in previous Map Act disputes. Plaintiffs have accused the department of “confusing” and “misleading” state courts.
News
Court to decide if billboard company can seek DOT damages for rejected permits
The North Carolina Court of Appeals will decide whether a billboard company can seek damages, attorneys’ fees, and court costs from the state Department of Transportation in a permit dispute. The court heard oral arguments Tuesday in the case.
News
Map Act disputes heading to highest NC court
The North Carolina Supreme Court will take another look at cases springing from the Map Act. That now-repealed state law allowed the state Department of Transportation to limit development of properties in designate
Opinion
Is compensatory wetland mitigation the smoking gun of a constitutional taking?
Of the twelve disciples, by my count, at least seven were fishermen. I believe Jesus chose fishermen because they were all too familiar with what we call “real.” Granted, there was plenty of “real” in Jesus’ time, but the “real” associated with the men of the sea is a concept that has endured the ages....
Opinion
North Carolina bureaucrats are about to learn a lesson in the importance of property rights
When is losing the entire value of your property due to government regulation, not an “undue hardship”? According to the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission, the answer is whenever your home is on the coast. In October 2016, Michael and Cathy Zito’s Nags Head beach house burned to the ground. Luckily no one was hurt, but the bureaucratic nightmare they faced as they attempted to rebuild was incredibly painful....
Opinion
Compensate victims of regulation
About 300,000 fewer North Carolinians have jobs today than in February. Thousands face bankruptcy or eviction. Some restaurants and other small businesses have already closed.
Opinion
Beginning Of The End For The Map Act?
Thirty-seven states manage to build highways without abusing property owners using Map Acts. North Carolina can, too.
Opinion
Beginning of the End for the Map Act?
A ruling from the N.C. Court of Appeals takes aim at a law that has thwarted property rights for years.
Opinion
When Property Rights Are History
Compulsory historic preservation resembles other government programs in a basic sense: it involves a group with political power seeking to receive benefits without paying the cost.
Opinion
Striking a Welcome Blow for Property Rights
The NC House has tentatively passed a bill to protect property owners against local governments that seek to remove their buildings or signs without compensating them. It's a welcome application of constitutional principle.
