Eminent domain
Article I states that the North Carolina Planned Community Act is applicable only to a planned community created on or after January 1, 1999. Planned communities created before January 1, 1999 can operate under the statute if they express it in their community declaration. The law does not apply to communities that contain less than 20 lots or are not for residential use, unless agreed to in the community declaration. The statute cannot be changed by agreement or exploited by its limitations. Article I also protects planned communities against zoning discrimination. It is illegal to impose any zoning, building, or real estate codes that have not been imposed on other non-planned residential communities. Eminent domain is a hot button issue that has affected the relationship between the government and its citizens. The North Carolina Planned Community Act provides a payment allocation plan for lots taken by eminent domain. If a portion of the lot was taken, the lot owner is to be compensated for the loss the property value.