Opinion ID: 1720633
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Repetition of all allegations contained in the subject pleading and motion to dismiss is unnecessary.

Text: In brief the petition charges defendant willfully, illegally and unlawfully trespassed on plaintiff's property; installed cables thereon, and upon a roadway leading thereto; that defendant has refused to remove same; and plaintiff has been resultantly damaged. The motion to dismiss asserts, in material part, Code chapter 488, relative to eminent domain, provides an exclusive procedure for assessment of damages and, under the circumstances here involved, an action for trespass is not cognizable in this state. In substance defendant takes the position plaintiff's only remedy is to compel institution of condemnation proceedings. Defendant's right to lawfully place its cables on property owned by, or in which plaintiff holds a legally recognized interest, is not here questioned. See in that regard Code sections 488.1, 488.4 and chapter 472; Elk Run Telephone Co. v. General Telephone Co., Iowa, 160 N.W.2d 311, 314-315; Browneller v. Natural Gas Pipeline Co., 233 Iowa 686, 697, 8 N.W.2d 474; State ex rel. Fletcher v. Northwestern Bell Tele. Co., 214 Iowa 1100, 1109, 240 N.W. 252; 29A C.J.S. Eminent Domain section 23, page 224, section 44, page 283; 26 Am.Jur. 2d, Eminent Domain section 20, page 663, section 58, page 714. See also Harrison-Pottawattamie Drainage Dist. No. 1 v. State, Iowa, 156 N.W.2d 835, 838; Batcheller v. Iowa State Highway Comm., 251 Iowa 364, 368-371, 101 N.W.2d 30; and Liddick v. City of Council Bluffs, 232 Iowa 197, 214-238, 5 N.W.2d 361. It is, of course, understood private property may not be taken by defendant utility without payment of just compensation. Article 1, section 18, Constitution of Iowa, and Code section 488.3. There can be no doubt as to plaintiff's right, by mandamus, to compel proceedings in eminent domain where, as here, it appears there is an asserted taking of private property for public use without just compensation. Harrison-Pottawattamie Drainage Dist. No. 1 v. State, supra, loc. cit., 156 N.W.2d 838.