Us Code § 251h - Property retention rights; compensation at fair market value; "improved property" defined

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 251h — Property retention rights; compensation at fair market value; "improved property" defined, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 251h. Property retention rights; compensation at fair market value; "improved property" defined

(1) Any owner or owners of improved property within the boundaries of the park, as revised by and pursuant to sections 251e to 251m of this title may, on the date of its acquisition, retain for themselves and their successors or assigns a right of use and occupancy of the property for such noncommercial residential purposes as existed on or before January 1, 1976, for twenty-five years, or, in lieu thereof, for a term ending at the death of the owner or his spouse, whichever is later. The Secretary shall pay to the owner the fair market value of the property on the date of such acquisition, less the fair market value on such date of the right retained by the owner.

(2) As used in sections 251e to 251m of this title, the term "improved property" shall mean any single-family dwelling on which construction was begun before January 1, 1976, together with so much of the land on which the dwelling is situated (such land being in the same ownership as the dwelling) as shall be reasonably necessary for the enjoyment of the dwelling for the sole purpose of noncommercial residential use, as the Secretary shall designate. The amount of the land so designated shall in every case be not more than three acres in area: Provided, That the Secretary may exclude from the land so designated any beach or water, together with so much of the land adjoining any such beach or water, as he may deem necessary for public access thereto.

(Pub. L. 94–578, title III, §320(e), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2740.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 251e to 251m of this title, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act" and "this title", meaning Pub. L. 94–578 and title III of Pub. L. 94–578, respectively.

About This Section

16 U.S.C. § 251h is part of Title 16 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 16 U.S.C. § 251h. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 251h

What does United States Code § 251h cover?

Section 251h ("Property retention rights; compensation at fair market value; "improved property" defined") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. 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 Us Code § 251h?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 251h" (Us Code). 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 Us Code law?

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

How does Us Code § 251h apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code 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 Us Code.