Indiana § 36-10-4-21 - Eminent domain; damages; prior public use

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 36-10-4-21 — Eminent domain; damages; prior public use, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 36-10-4-21. Eminent domain; damages; prior public use

Sec. 21. (a) The board may exercise the power of eminent domain for the purposes of this chapter:

(1) within the corporate boundaries of the city; and

(2) before July 1, 2019, outside of the city within:

(A) ten (10) miles; or

(B) five (5) miles if the city adopted this chapter by ordinance under IC 19-7-9 (before its repeal on September 1, 1981);

of the corporate boundaries of the city and within the county in which the city is located.

The board may award damages to landowners for real property and property rights appropriated or injuriously affected and assess benefits to property beneficially affected. If the board cannot agree with the owners, lessees, or occupants of any real property selected by the board for the purposes of this chapter, the board may condemn the property as provided in this chapter, and, when not inconsistent with this chapter, may proceed under statutes governing the condemnation of land and rights-of-way for other public purposes.

(b) If the land or surface of the ground on, over, or across which it is necessary or advisable to establish, construct, or improve a boulevard, parkway, or pleasure driveway is already in use for another public purpose or has been condemned or appropriated for a use authorized by statute and is being used for that purpose by the entity appropriating it, the public use or prior condemnation does not bar the board from condemning the use of the ground for park purposes. However, the use by the board does not permanently prevent the use of the land or the surface of the ground for the prior public use or by the entity condemning or appropriating it. In a proceeding prosecuted by the board to condemn the use of land or the surface of the ground for purposes permitted by this chapter, the board must show that its proposed use will not permanently or seriously interfere with the continued use of the land or the surface of the ground.

[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 19-7-9-8; 19-7-30-15.]

As added by Acts 1981, P.L.309, SEC.111. Amended by Acts 1981, P.L.320, SEC.16; P.L.3-1990, SEC.141; P.L.277-2019, SEC.16; P.L.156-2020, SEC.151.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 36-10-4-21

What does Indiana Code § 36-10-4-21 cover?

Section 36-10-4-21 ("Eminent domain; damages; prior public use") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 36-10-4-21?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 36-10-4-21" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 36-10-4-21 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.