North Dakota § 32-15-04 - What property may be taken
Full text of North Dakota North Dakota Century Code § 32-15-04 — What property may be taken, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-15-04. What property may be taken
The private property which may be taken under this chapter includes: 1. All real property belonging to any person. 2. Lands belonging to this state or to any county, city, or park district, not appropriated to some public use. 3. Property appropriated to public use, but such property shall not be taken unless for a more necessary public use than that to which it has been appropriated already, and use by a public corporation shall be deemed a more necessary public use than use for the same purpose by a private corporation or limited liability company, and whenever a right of way shall have been taken and the person, firm, corporation, or limited liability company taking such right of way shall fail or neglect for five years to use the same for the purpose to which it had been appropriated, the attempt by another person, firm, corporation, or limited liability company to appropriate such right of way shall be considered a more necessary public use. 4. Franchises for toll roads, toll bridges, ferries, and all other franchises, but such franchises shall not be taken unless for free highways, railroads, or other more necessary public use. 5. Any system of waterworks, electric light and power plant, wells, reservoirs, pipelines, machinery, franchises, and all other property of any character whatsoever comprising a waterworks system or an electric light and power system. 6. 7. All rights of way for any and all the purposes mentioned in section 32-15-02 and any and all structures and improvements thereon, and the lands held or used in connection therewith, shall be subject to be connected with, crossed, or intersected by any other right of way or improvement or structure thereon. They also shall be subject to a limited use in common with the owner thereof when necessary, but such uses, crossings, intersections, and connections shall be made in the manner most compatible with the greatest public benefit and the least private injury. All classes of private property not enumerated may be taken for public use when such taking is authorized by law.
Source: official North Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota § 32-15-04
What does North Dakota Century Code § 32-15-04 cover?
Section 32-15-04 ("What property may be taken") is part of the North Dakota Century Code, the codified statutory law of North Dakota. 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 North Dakota § 32-15-04?
A common citation format is "North Dakota Century Code § 32-15-04" (North Dakota). 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 North Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Dakota attorney.
How does North Dakota § 32-15-04 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Dakota 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 North Dakota.