N.J. Stat. § 20:3-1 Short title
This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Eminent Domain Act of 1971." L.1971, c. 361, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. tit. 20, ch. 3
N.J. Stat. tit. 20, ch. 3
in effectN.J. Stat. § 20:3-2 Definitions
When used in this act, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed to them under this section: (a) "Condemn" means to take private property for a public purpose under the power of eminent domain; (b) "Condemnor" means the entity, public or private, including the State of New Jersey, which is condemning private property for a public purpose under the power of eminent domain; (c) "Condemnee" means the owner of an interest in the private property being condemned for a public purpose under the power of eminent domain; (d) "Property" means land, or any interest in land, and (1) any building, structure or other improvement imbedded or affixed to land, and any article so affixed or attached to such building, structure or improvement as to be an essential and integral part thereof, (2) any article affixed or attached to such property in such manner that it cannot be removed without material injury to itself or to the property, (3) any article so designed, constructed, or specially adapted to the purpose for which such property is used that (a) it is an essential accessory or part of such property; (b) it is not capable of use elsewhere; and (c) would lose substantially all its value if removed from such property; (e) "Court" means Superior Court of New Jersey; (f) "Rules" means the applicable rules governing the courts of the State of New Jersey as promulgated from time to time by the Supreme Court of New Jersey; (g) "Action" means the legal proceeding in which (1) property is being condemned or required to be condemned; (2) the amount of compensation to be paid for such condemnation is being fixed; (3) the persons entitled to such compensation and their interests therein are being determined; and (4) all other matters incidental to or arising therefrom are being adjudicated. (h) "Compensation" means the just compensation which the condemnor is required to pay and the condemnee is entitled to receive according to law as the result of the condemnation of property; (i) "Award" means the award of compensation made by the commissioners provided for herein; (j) "Judgment" means the adjudication by the court of any issue of fact or law, or both, arising under this act. The adjudication of the right to condemn shall be a final judgment. All other judgments shall be interlocutory or final, according to law, or as may be prescribed by the rules; (k) "Recording office" means the county office of each county in which the property being condemned, or any part thereof, is located, in which office conveyances of real property may be recorded; (l) "Days" means calendar days, calculated in accordance with the rules of court; (m) "Public utility" means and includes every public utility, as the same are enumerated in Revised Statutes 48:2-13, and every natural gas pipeline utility as defined in P.L.1952, chapter 166 (C. 48:10-2 et seq.) vested with the power of eminent domain and subject to regulation under State or Federal law. (n) Words used in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. Words used in the neuter gender shall include masculine and feminine gender, as the case may be. L.1971, c. 361, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-3 Severability
If any provision or clause of this act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the act, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this act are declared to be severable. L.1971, c. 361, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-4 Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately following the approval thereof, and shall apply to all actions instituted thereafter, and to all proceedings taken subsequent thereto in all actions pending on such effective date; except that judgments theretofore entered or awards theretofore made pursuant to law from which no appeal is pending on such effective date, shall not be affected by the provisions hereof. L.1971, c. 361, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-5 Jurisdiction
The court shall have jurisdiction of all matters in condemnation, and all matters incidental thereto and arising therefrom, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, jurisdiction to determine the authority to exercise the power of eminent domain; to compel the exercise of such power; to fix and determine the compensation to be paid and the parties entitled thereto, and to determine title to all property affected by the action. L.1971, c. 361, s. 5.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-6 Application of act
Whenever any condemnor shall have determined to acquire property pursuant to law, including public property already devoted to public purpose, but cannot acquire title thereto or possession thereof by agreement with a prospective condemnee, whether by reason of disagreement concerning the compensation to be paid or for any other cause, the condemnation of such property and the compensation to be paid therefor, and to whom payable, and all matters incidental thereto and arising therefrom shall be governed, ascertained and paid by and in the manner provided by this act; provided, however, that no action to condemn shall be instituted unless the condemnor is unable to acquire such title or possession through bona fide negotiations with the prospective condemnee, which negotiations shall include an offer in writing by the condemnor to the prospective condemnee holding the title of record to the property being condemned, setting forth the property and interest therein to be acquired, the compensation offered to be paid and a reasonable disclosure of the manner in which the amount of such offered compensation has been calculated, and such other matters as may be required by the rules. Prior to such offer the taking agency shall appraise said property and the owner shall be given an opportunity to accompany the appraiser during inspection of the property. Such offer shall be served by certified mail. In no event shall such offer be less than the taking agency's approved appraisal of the fair market value of such property. A rejection of said offer or failure to accept the same within the period fixed in written offer, which shall in no case be less than 14 days from the mailing of the offer, shall be conclusive proof of the inability of the condemnor to acquire the property or possession thereof through negotiations. When the holder of the title is unknown, resides out of the State, or for other good cause, the court may dispense with the necessity of such negotiations. Neither the offer nor the refusal thereof shall be evidential in the determination of compensation. L.1971, c. 361, s. 6.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-7 Procedure in actions
(a) Rules of procedure. The procedure governing the action shall be in accordance with the rules. (b) Multiple proceedings. The condemnation of 10 or less parcels of property lying wholly within the same county may be joined in one action; provided that a separate award, judgment and appeal shall be made, entered and taken with respect to each parcel more than 10 parcels may be joined in one action only with leave of court. (c) Amendments. Amended and supplemental pleadings, descriptions, surveys, plans, declarations of taking and the like, may be permitted and parties added or eliminated, in accordance with the rules. L.1971, c. 361, s. 7.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-8 Commencement of action
The action shall be instituted by filing of a verified complaint in form and content specified by the rules and shall demand judgment that condemnor is duly vested with and has duly exercised its authority to acquire the property being condemned, and for an order appointing commissioners to fix the compensation required to be paid. L.1971, c. 361, s. 8.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-9 Process
After the filing of the complaint, the condemnor shall issue and with due diligence, cause process to be served or published in accordance with the rules. Notice given and process served or published in accordance with the rules shall be effective to bind all condemnees. L.1971, c. 361, s. 9.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-10 Lis pendens
Within 14 days after the filing of the complaint, the condemnor shall cause to be filed and recorded in the recording office, a notice of the pendency of the action, in form and content specified by the rules. Such notice shall include the title of the action; the docket number thereof, if known; the date of the commencement of the action, a description of the property and the interests therein being condemned, as set forth in the complaint; and the names and addresses of all condemnees known to the condemnor and the nature of their alleged interests in said property. The lis pendens shall be indexed by the recording official, listing the condemnees as grantors and the condemnor as grantee. In default of such record, persons acquiring an interest in or lien upon the property without actual notice of the action, shall not be bound thereby but the failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall not otherwise affect such proceedings. L.1971, c. 361, s. 10.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-11 Denial of authority to condemn
Failure to deny the authority of the condemnor to condemn in the manner provided for by the rules, shall constitute a waiver of such defense. When the authority to condemn is denied, all further steps in the action shall be stayed until that issue has been finally determined. L.1971, c. 361, s. 11.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-12 Appointment of commissioners and hearings
(a) Waiver of appointment of commissioners. By stipulation filed in the cause, the condemnor and all condemnees may waive the appointment of commissioners and in such event, the action shall proceed to trial before the court. (b) Appointment and qualification of commissioners. Upon determination that the condemnor is authorized to and has duly exercised its power of eminent domain, the court shall appoint 3 commissioners to determine the compensation to be paid by reason of the exercise of such power. Such commissioners shall be residents of the county in which any part of the property being condemned is located or, in the case of the commissioner who must be an attorney, be actively engaged in the practice of law in the county. One of such commissioners shall be an attorney, admitted to practice in this State for at least 10 years, who shall preside at all hearings and rule on all questions of evidence and procedure, subject to a review by a majority of the commissioners. The commissioners shall take and subscribe an oath faithfully and impartially to perform their duties, and to make a true award to the best of their skills and understanding, which oath shall be filed with their award. Should a commissioner die, become disqualified, unable, neglect or refuse to act, the remaining 2 commissioners shall perform the duties of office with the same authority as if all commissioners were acting. The court may fill any vacancy in office, and for cause, may vacate any appointment and appoint a successor in office. (c) Hearings--subpoena. Upon notice of at least 10 days, the commissioners shall hold hearings at which the parties and their witnesses may be heard, under oath, administered by any commissioner. The conduct of the hearings shall be governed by the rules of evidence except that testimony as to comparable sales shall be considered an exception to the hearsay rule. The compulsory attendance of witnesses and production of records thereat may be compelled by the commissioners. At the request of any party, and at his expense, a stenographic record of the hearing shall be maintained. A majority of commissioners shall be in attendance at all hearings. (d) Limited discovery. At least 15 days prior to the hearing the parties shall exchange a list of comparable sales intended to be introduced by them setting forth as to each comparable sale the following information: name of seller and purchaser; location of property by block, lot and municipality; date of sale; the consideration; and book and page of recording. No party shall be permitted to offer testimony of any comparable sale not set forth in said list unless consented to by all other parties. There shall be no discovery on the issue of the authority to condemn except by leave of court. (e) Proof. At the hearing, the condemnor shall proceed first to offer proof of the nature and extent of the taking, and its opinion of the compensation payable by reason thereof. (f) Inspection of property. Commissioners may inspect the property being condemned, and shall so inspect when requested by any party, and in addition, when requested by any party, the commissioners shall inspect two of the comparable sales testified to by said party. Such inspection may be in the absence of the parties, unless attendance at inspection is requested by the parties, or any of them. This right of inspection shall exist notwithstanding that the structures on the property may have been demolished and the site altered. (g) Award of commissioners. Within 4 months next following their appointment, or within any extended period in accordance with the rules, the commissioners, or a majority of them, shall make and file in form and content fixed by the rules, an award fixing and determining the compensation to be paid by the condemnor. The requirements respecting the time of filing of such award shall be directory and not mandatory, and a failure to make and file the same within the time specified, shall not invalidate the award or oust the commissioners of jurisdiction to complete their duties. Upon its own motion, or on application of any party, made within 60 days after the filing of the award, the court may authorize the commissioners to amend, supplement, modify, or correct their award. (h) Judgment. Any award as to which no appeal is taken in accordance with the rules, shall become final as of course, and shall constitute a final judgment. If not paid within 60 days after final judgment, execution may issue as in other actions at law. (i) Commissioners' fees and expenses. The court, upon application of any party, including the commissioners, shall fix reasonable fees, costs and expenses of the commissioners, clerks and other persons performing any of their duties, all of which shall be paid by the condemnor. L.1971, c. 361, s. 12.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-13 Appeal
(a) Parties Any party who has appeared at the hearings of the commissioners, either personally or through an attorney, may appeal from the award of the commissioners. Such appeal shall be taken within the period and in the manner provided by the rules. The necessary parties to the appeal shall be only such parties who have appeared at the commissioners' hearings. Other parties may be admitted by the court pursuant to the rules. (b) Hearing on appeal The hearing on appeal shall be a trial de novo, as in other actions at law, without a jury, unless a jury be demanded. The award of the commissioners shall not be admitted in evidence. (c) Limited discovery A valuation expert who has not testified at the hearing before the commissioners shall not be permitted to testify at the trial de novo, unless, within 15 days before trial the party offering such testimony gives notice to the other parties to the appeal of the name and address of such expert and his opinion of the amount of compensation and information relative to comparable sales as required by the rules. The information required by the rules shall be supplied as to all additional comparable sales not previously testified to before commissioners. (d) Payment of amount of judgment on appeal; right to possession; lien; other remedies The amount of the judgment on the appeal, or so much thereof as shall not have been paid, shall be paid to the parties entitled thereto or paid into court. If possession shall not have been taken theretofore, the condemnor, upon payment as aforesaid, may notwithstanding any further appeal or other proceedings, take possession of the lands or other property for the purposes for which the same was authorized to be taken. L.1971, c. 361, s. 13.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-14 Agreement as to compensation
At any time during the pendency of the action, the condemnor and the condemnees may agree upon all or any part or any item of compensation to be paid, and then proceed to have those parts or items not agreed upon, fixed and determined as herein provided. The condemnor may make payment of any part or item thereof agreed upon, and condemnees may accept such payment, without prejudice, and proceed to fix and determine the parts and items remaining in dispute. L.1971, c. 361, s. 14.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-15 Exclusion
The provisions of this article shall not apply to individuals or private corporations vested with the authority of condemnation. L.1971, c. 361, s. 15.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-16 Preliminary entry
Prior to the commencement of any action, a prospective condemnor and its employees and agents, during reasonable business hours, may enter upon any property which it has authority to condemn for the purpose of making studies, surveys, tests, soundings, borings and appraisals, provided notice of the intended entry for such purpose is sent to the owner and the occupant of the property by certified mail at least 10 days prior thereto. No tests, soundings or borings shall be made on property in which there exists a pipeline or other underground utility installation except in the presence of a representative designated by the public utility owning or using the same. If an action to condemn is not commenced within 2 years after such preliminary entry, any damages sustained as a result thereof, shall be paid by the condemnor to the person or persons so damaged. The amount of such damages, if any, and the person or persons entitled thereto, shall be determined by the court in a summary action pursuant to the rules. L.1971, c. 361, s. 16.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-17 Possession of property and declaration of taking
At any time contemporaneous with or after the institution of an action and service of process, the condemnor may file in the action, when empowered to do so by law, and if so filed, shall also file in the recording office, a declaration of taking, duly executed by an executive official of the condemnor, in form and content specified by the rules, including the following: (a) a statement that possession of all or some part of the property being condemned is thereby being taken by the condemnor; (b) a specific reference to the statute, article and section thereof, under which the action and declaration of taking is authorized; (c) a description and plot plan of the property being condemned, and, if not the entire property, the portion thereof of which possession is being taken, sufficient for identification thereof, specifying the municipality or municipalities in which the same is located; the street number of the property, if any; the lot and block number of the property as designated upon the current assessment map, if any. In case of a partial taking, the information above specified shall include the entire property of the condemnee, and the portion thereof being taken; (d) the names and addresses of all condemnees known to the condemnor after reasonable investigation, and the nature of their interests in the property; (e) a statement of the estate or interest therein being condemned; (f) a statement of the sum of money estimated by the condemnor to be just compensation for the taking, which sum shall be not less than the amount of the offer, in writing, provided for in section 6 hereof. (g) Any other matter required by the rules. L.1971, c. 361, s. 17.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-18 Deposit of estimated compensation
Simultaneously with the filing of the declaration of taking, the condemnor shall deposit the amount of such estimated compensation with the clerk of the court. The amount so deposited shall be not less than the amount offered pursuant to section 6 hereof, and if an award has been made by commissioners hereunder, or a judgment determining compensation has been entered at the time of the filing of such declaration, the amount so deposited shall be not less than the amount of such award or judgment. Any amount so deposited shall not be subject to the fees set forth in N.J.S. 22A:2-20. L.1971, c. 361, s. 18.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-19 Right to possession and vesting of title
A copy of the declaration of taking and notice of the filing thereof and of the making of the aforesaid deposit, shall be served upon the condemnee and all occupants of the property in accordance with the rules, and proof of such service shall be filed in the action. Thereupon, the right to the immediate and exclusive possession and title to the property described in the declaration of taking shall vest in the condemnor, free and discharged of all right, title, interest and liens of all condemnees without the necessity of further process provided however, that the court may, upon application and good cause shown, stay the taking of possession of the land or other property, or authorize possession to be taken upon prescribed conditions. A property owner who refuses to vacate said property or yield possession and remains in possession more than 20 days after service of notice shall be deemed a trespasser and shall be then liable for rents, issues and profits 20 days after service. The court, upon notice and after determining that the property owner has had adequate opportunity to obtain any funds payable to him under sections 23 and 26 of this act and any other expenses to which he may be entitled to as a matter of law, shall enter an order for possession directed to the sheriff of the county in which the property is located. If the owner or tenant occupies the property with the condemnor's permission on a rental basis for a short term or for a period subject to termination on short notice, the amount of rent required shall not exceed the fair rental value of the property to a short term occupier. Such right, title and interest shall be transferred and shall attach to the compensation determined to be payable hereunder, to the same extent and in the same order of priority as existed at the date of vesting of title in condemnor. The pendency of an appeal from an award or judgment hereunder shall not interfere with such vesting of title. L.1971, c. 361, s. 19.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-20 Nature of title condemned
The title to property condemned and acquired by the condemnor hereunder, shall be a title in fee simple, free and discharged of all right, title, interest and liens of all condemnees, and shall include all the right, title and interest of each condemnee therein, provided, however, that if the complaint or any amendment thereof shall specify a lesser title, the lesser title so specified shall be the title condemned and acquired. L.1971, c. 361, s. 20.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-21 Date of vesting of title
Title to the property condemned shall vest in the condemnor as of the earliest date of the happening of any of the following events: (a) Filing and recording the declaration of taking and depositing funds pursuant to sections 17 and 18 of this act; (b) Filing and recording in the recording office of the report of commissioners and payment of the award; (c) Filing in the action and recording in the recording office, an agreement between condemnor and condemnee fixing the date as of which title shall vest; (d) Paying and satisfying of record a final judgment fixing compensation payable hereunder. L.1971, c. 361, s. 21.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-22 Appeal not to affect right to possession and vesting of title
The pendency of an appeal with respect to any issue other than the authority to condemn, shall not affect the right to possession and vesting of title in the condemnor. L.1971, c. 361, s. 22.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-23 Withdrawal of funds
Upon application of any condemnee, or any other party in interest, and on notice to all parties to the action, including the condemnor, the court may direct that the estimated compensation on deposit, or any part thereof, be paid to the person or persons entitled thereto, on account of the compensation to which they may be entitled in the action; provided, that if the award or judgment fixing such compensation be less than the amount paid pursuant hereto, the person to whom such payment has been made shall repay the same, together with interest at a rate to be fixed by the court from the date of payment to such person, and the court, after hearing in a summary manner, may enter judgment therefor; and provided, further, that if the award or judgment fixing such compensation be more than the amount deposited, condemnor shall pay the excess to the condemnee entitled thereto, with interest at a rate to be fixed by the court from the date of the deposit, and the court, after hearing in a summary manner, may enter judgment therefor against the condemnor. The court, upon notice to all parties, shall enter appropriate orders distributing any balances on deposit. L.1971, c. 361, s. 23.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-24 Revesting of title and restoration of possession
If, after the filing of a declaration of taking, a judgment shall be entered dismissing the action, title to and possession of the property shall revest in the condemnee, subject to the same right, title, interest and liens as existed as of the date of the filing of the declaration of taking. In such event, condemnor shall file and record the judgment and pay any damages sustained by the condemnee as a result of the action of the condemnor, and the expenses of the condemnee. L.1971, c. 361, s. 24.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-25 Compelling condemnor to file declaration of taking
If within 6 months from the date of appointment of commissioners, the condemnor fails to file a declaration of taking, the court, upon application of any condemnee, and on notice to all parties in interest, may require the condemnor, at its election, to either file a declaration of taking and make the deposit hereinabove provided, or abandon the proceedings pursuant to section 35 hereof. For good cause and upon terms, the court may extend the time for the filing of such declaration of taking, but not more than 3 months after the commencement of the action. L.1971, c. 361, s. 25.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-26 Owner reimbursement by condemnor
a. The condemnor, as soon as practicable after the date of payment of the acquisition price or the date of deposit in court of funds to satisfy the award of compensation, whichever is earlier, shall reimburse the owner for actual expenses he necessarily incurred for (1) recording fees, transfer taxes and similar expenses incidental to conveying such real property to the condemnor; and (2) the pro rata portion of real property taxes paid which are allocable to a period subsequent to the date of vesting title in the condemnor, or the effective date of possession of such real property by the condemnor, whichever is earlier; and (3) Penalty costs for prepayment of any mortgage entered into in good faith encumbering real property if the mortgage is on record or has been filed for record as provided by law on the date of approval by the taking agency of the location of the project. As used in this subsection "taking agency" means an "agency" as defined under section 3 of P.L.1972, c.47 (C.27:7-74). b. If the court renders final judgment that the condemnor cannot acquire the real property by condemnation or, if the condemnation action is abandoned by the condemnor, then the court shall award the owner of any right, or title to, or interest in such real property, such sum as will reimburse such owner for his reasonable costs, disbursements and expenses actually incurred, including reasonable attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees. c. When a plaintiff shall have brought an action to compel condemnation against a defendant having the power to condemn, the court or representative of the defendant in case of settlement shall, in its discretion, award such plaintiff his reasonable costs, disbursements, and expenses, including reasonable appraisal, attorney and engineering fees actually incurred regardless of whether the action is terminated by judgment or amicable agreement of the parties. L. 1971, c. 361, s. 26; amended 1989,c.50,s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-27 Deposit and withdrawal of funds not prejudicial
Neither the making of the deposit nor any withdrawal thereof pursuant to this article, shall affect or prejudice the rights of either the condemnor or the condemnee in the determination of compensation. The amount of such deposit and any withdrawal thereof, shall not be evidential in such determination. L.1971, c. 361, s. 27.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-28 Fees of clerk of the court
Where the clerk of the court is authorized to charge and deduct statutory fees or commissions by reason of the deposit and disbursement of funds pursuant to this article, such fees and commissions shall be paid by the condemnor. L.1971, c. 361, s. 28.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-29 Compensation
The condemnee shall be entitled to compensation for the property, and damages, if any, to any remaining property, together with such additional compensation as provided for herein, or as may be fixed according to law. L.1971, c. 361, s. 29.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-29.1 Compensation for loss of income
The condemnor of agricultural or horticultural land which is eligible for valuation, assessment, and taxation under the "Farmland Assessment Act of 1964," P.L. 1964, c. 48 (C. 54:4-23.1 et seq.), shall compensate the condemnee for any loss of income resulting from the interference of the condemnation proceeding with the harvesting of any standing crops or other agricultural commodities in an amount determined according to their appropriate time of harvest, and for the remainder of their average productive life, separate and apart from compensation for the fair market value of the land. This act shall apply to all actions instituted hereafter, and to all proceedings taken subsequent hereto in all actions pending on the effective date of this act; except that judgments heretofore entered or awards heretofore made pursuant to law from which no appeal is pending on the effective date of this act are not affected by the provisions hereof. L. 1986, c. 53, s. 1, eff. July 17, 1986.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-30 Determination date of just compensation
30. Just compensation shall be determined as of the date of the earliest of the following events: (a) the date possession of the property being condemned is taken by the condemnor in whole or in part; (b) the date of the commencement of the action; (c) the date on which action is taken by the condemnor which substantially affects the use and enjoyment of the property by the condemnee; or (d) the date of the declaration of blight by the governing body upon a report by a planning board pursuant to section 38 of P.L.1971, c.361 (C.20:3-38), or, in the case of a property being maintained as an abandoned property for failure to remove the property from the abandoned property list, as provided pursuant to subsection c. of section 37 of P.L.1996, c.62 (C.55:19-56), if there was no declaration of blight, as of the date of expiration of the condemnee's right to appeal inclusion of the property on the abandoned property list. L.1971, c.361, s.30; amended 1996, c.62, s.42.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-31 Payment of interest
Interest as set by the court upon the amount of compensation determined to be payable hereunder shall be paid by the condemnor from the date of the commencement of the action until the date of payment of the compensation; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from the amount upon which interest shall be calculated, all moneys deposited pursuant to Article V hereof; and provided, further, that interest payable hereunder shall be subject to abatement for rents and profits derived from the property by the condemnee during the period for which interest is payable hereunder, and/or for the fair rental value of such property or any portion thereof occupied by the condemnee during such period. L.1971, c. 361, s. 31.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-32 Disputes as to interest
Unless agreed upon by the parties, the amount of such interest shall be fixed and determined by the court in a summary manner after final determination of compensation, and shall be added to the amount of the award or judgment, as the case may be. L.1971, c. 361, s. 32.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-33 Possession by individuals or private corporations
Individuals and private corporations vested with the authority of condemnation may, upon the filing of the report of the commissioners and upon payment, to the parties entitled thereto or into court, of the amount awarded as provided in this act, take possession of the land or other property for the purposes for which the same was authorized to be taken. The report of the commissioners, together with the order or judgment appointing them, or a copy thereof certified by the clerk of the court, and proof of such payment of the amount awarded shall be plenary evidence of the right of the condemnor to have, hold, use, occupy, possess and enjoy the land and other property. L.1971, c. 361, s. 33.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-34 Deposit of funds where ownership in dispute
If the condemnee entitled to receive the award or judgment upon tender thereof, shall refuse to receive the same, or shall be out of the State, or under any legal disability; or in case several condemnees interested in the fund shall not agree as to the distribution thereof; or in case the property condemned shall be encumbered by mortgage, judgment or other liens; or if for any other reason the condemnor cannot reasonably pay the award or judgment to any person, the amount thereof may be deposited with the clerk of the court, to be distributed to the parties entitled thereto according to law. The procedure for distributing the funds shall be in accordance with the rules. L.1971, c. 361, s. 34.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-35 Abandonment of proceedings
Any action hereunder may be abandoned at any time before or within 30 days after the filing of the award of commissioners; or in the event of an appeal from such award, at any time before or within 30 days after the entry of judgment; or in the event that a hearing before commissioners shall have been waived, at any time before or within 30 days after judgment has been entered in said action; provided, however, that no such action shall be abandoned after the filing of a declaration of taking pursuant to Article V hereof, or after the vesting of title in any condemnor pursuant hereto; and provided further, that (a) a discharge of the notice of lis pendens is filed, and (b) the condemnor shall pay the expenses of all condemnees who have appeared in the action. Nothing herein shall preclude abandonment at any time by mutual consent of the parties. L.1971, c. 361, s. 35.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-36 Method of abandonment
The abandonment shall be effected by filing and serving notice of abandonment. L.1971, c. 361, s. 36.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-37 Uneconomic remnants
If as a result of a partial taking of property, the property remaining consists of a parcel or parcels of land having little or no economic value, the condemnor, in its own discretion or at the request of the condemnee, shall acquire the entire parcel. L.1971, c. 361, s. 37.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-38 Blighted areas
The value of any land or other property being acquired in connection with development or redevelopment of a blighted area shall be no less than the value as of the date of the declaration of blight by the governing body upon a report by a planning board. L.1971, c. 361, s. 38.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-39 Housing authority or redevelopment agency; declaration of taking
Upon the institution of an action by a housing authority or redevelopment agency to fix the compensation to be paid, or at any time thereafter, a duly authorized officer or agent of the housing authority or redevelopment agency may file with the Clerk of the Superior Court a declaration of taking in the manner provided by this act. L.1971, c. 361, s. 39.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-40 Acquisitions by State colleges; declaration of taking
Whenever a State college is authorized by law to acquire lands or rights therein, the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property may acquire such lands or right therein by gift, devise, purchase, or by condemnation in the manner provided by this act. L.1971, c. 361, s. 40.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-41 Lands etc. needed for defense or for airports; declaration of taking
Whenever the State or any commission, official, board or body thereof or any county or municipality shall determine to acquire lands, easements, rights-of-way or other property to be used by the United States of America, the State of New Jersey or said county or municipality, for furthering national or State defense, or for developing or building airports or providing surface or aerial approaches thereto, by condemnation pursuant to this act, and shall represent to the court that it is necessary for such purposes that the plaintiff enter into possession of the same immediately, the plaintiff may, with leave of court, file with the Clerk of the Superior Court a declaration of taking in the manner provided for by this act. L.1971, c. 361, s. 41.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-42 Recovery of taxes or other municipal liens or charges
The provisions of this act shall not be construed to prevent any municipality from retaining from or recovering out of any moneys paid by it into court, under this act, any sum or sums due to such municipality, for taxes or other municipal liens or charges against any property taken in condemnation. L.1971, c. 361, s. 42.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-43 Right of owner to recover amount awarded; lien
The report of the commissioners together with the order or judgment appointing them, or a copy thereof certified by the clerk of the court, shall be plenary evidence of the right of the owner of the land or other property taken to recover the amount awarded with interest and costs, in the action or in an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to be instituted against the plaintiff after failure to pay the same for 20 days after the filing of the report, and shall from the time of filing the report be enforceable as a lien upon the land or property taken and any improvements thereon. L.1971, c. 361, s. 43.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-44 Payment of amount of judgment on appeal; right to possession; lien, other remedies
The amount of the judgment on the appeal, or so much thereof as shall not have been paid, shall be paid to the parties entitled thereto or paid into court as provided in section 34 of this act. If possession shall not have been taken theretofore, the plaintiff, upon payment as aforesaid, may, notwithstanding any further appeal or other proceedings, take possession of the lands or other property for the purposes for which the same was authorized to be taken. The persons entitled to receive payment of the judgment shall be entitled to the same lien as is provided in section 34 of this act for the collection of awards of commissioners and shall have such other remedies as may be appropriate for the recovery of the same. L.1971, c. 361, s. 44.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-45 Condemnation of public utility property by municipality; after acquired property and improvements
Where an award has been made in an action by a municipality for the condemnation of property of a public utility company and the award has been paid to the parties entitled thereto or the amount thereof paid into court, the municipality, in addition to having the right to take possession of the property so condemned, may take possession of such other property as the company has acquired, and any improvements made in its plant, since the commencement of the action, in advance of making compensation therefor, provided the municipality cannot acquire said property and improvements by agreement with the owner, either by reason of disagreement as to price, or the legal incapacity or absence of the owner, or his inability to convey valid title, or by reason of any other cause. Upon a municipality exercising this right and entering upon and taking the after-acquired property and improvements in advance of making compensation therefor, the municipality shall apply to the commissioners therefore appointed in the action to fix the compensation to be paid the persons interested for the after-acquired property and improvements. Thereupon the commissioners shall make a just and equitable appraisement of the value of all such after-acquired property and improvements and damages if any, in accordance with this act. Upon the making of the award the municipality shall pay the amount thereof unless an appeal is taken therefrom to the Superior Court as provided for in section 13 of this act, in which case the amount of the award shall be paid upon final determination thereof. L.1971, c. 361, s. 45.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-46 Sidewalks; lands condemned for highways to include; condemnation of lands for sidewalks
Unless otherwise particularly specified in the resolution, map, complaint and other proceedings for the acquiring of land or rights-of-way, or both, for public highways in the manner set forth in this act the boundary lines of the said road and highways, or portion thereof so taken and acquired, shall include within the boundaries thereof all land necessary and desired for the locating of sidewalks or other space then needed, or thereafter to be utilized as sidewalk, and whether the same shall then or thereafter be intended to be paved for use by pedestrians as sidewalks. All land lying outside of and adjoining the outer boundary lines of any public road or highway, the boundaries of which have been established according to law prior to April 28, 1931, and which lands or the use thereof shall be required for the purpose of laying out, grading and constructing sidewalks for the use of pedestrians, shall be taken, acquired and occupied from and as against the rightful owner thereof, only in accordance with this act and upon paying compensation therefor, to be fixed and determined in the manner prescribed by this act. Nothing in this section shall limit or impair or deprive any municipality or county of the right to ordain or order the grading and the construction of a paved surface for any sidewalk above referred to, and the assessing of the proportionate cost thereof, against the owner of the property thereby improved as a local public improvement in the manner now provided by law. L.1971, c. 361, s. 46.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-47 Improvement with payment for property taken by assessments against improvement; election to proceed under separate statute
Where land or other property is taken or to be taken by a municipal corporation or other public body for public improvement and payment of the compensation for the land or other property and damages is authorized by statute to be set off against or made wholly or partially in benefits to be assessed for the same improvement, the municipal corporation or other body may elect to proceed under such statute and on such election the proceeding shall not be governed by this chapter, except as provided by such statute. L.1971, c. 361, s. 47.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-48 Reference to prior law as reference to this act
Any reference to Title 20 of the Revised Statutes or to any section or sections thereof or any amendment or supplement thereof in any other statute, in effect on the effective date of this act, shall hereafter be given effect as though reference therein were made to this act or the applicable provisions thereof. L.1971, c. 361, s. 48.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-49 Repeal of chapter 1 of Title 20 and P.L.1942, chapter 14
Chapter 1 of Title 20 of the Revised Statutes and P.L.1942, chapter 14 are repealed as of the effective date hereof; provided, however, that this act shall not affect statutes insofar as they regulate the ascertainment and payment of compensation for property condemned or taken by bodies organized and administered as a result of or under compacts between States. L.1971, c. 361, s. 49.
N.J. Stat. § 20:3-50 Repeal of inconsistent acts; application of act to agencies, utilities, etc. with power of eminent domain
All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with any of the provisions of this act are, to the extent of such inconsistency, hereby repealed. This act shall apply to every agency, authority, company, utility or any other entity having the power of eminent domain exercisable within the State of New Jersey except as exempted in section 49 of this act. L.1971, c. 361, s. 50.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026