Opinion ID: 2234355
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Statutory Requirements of Condemnation.

Text: Although eminent domain, the power to seize private property, is typically exercised by governmental bodies, the legislature has conferred a narrow power of eminent domain upon private citizens in Iowa. That power is codified in Iowa Code section 6A.4(2). While that section outlines the limited availability of private condemnation, it also provides guidance for courts in determining the appropriate route to be condemned. Section 6A.4(2) provides: The condemned public way shall be located on a division, subdivision or forty line, or immediately adjacent thereto, and along the line which is the nearest feasible route to an existing public road, or along a route established for a period of ten years or more by an easement of record or by use and travel to and from the property by the owner and the general public. Iowa Code § 6A.4(2) (second and third emphasis added). In determining the appropriate route of condemnation in this case, we must determine (1) what constitutes an existing public road and (2) whether the costs of acquiring the condemned property can be considered in determining the nearest feasible route.