If your business is under threat of condemnation due to eminent domain, there will be multiple partners involved in relocating your business and ensuring you get fair compensation under the Uniform Relocation Act.
These partners will include a firm that represents the government agency and project owner. You’ll also need a partner that advocates for you. Here’s everything you need to know about the partners and process when a publicly-funded project forces your business to relocate.
What is Eminent Domain Business Relocation?
Eminent domain is when the government exercises its power to take private property for public use. This could be for a road, a new government building, public housing, or necessary infrastructure.
This can happen to a business or an individual — however, the government can’t just seize your property without fair compensation, which is typically based on appraisals and fair market value.
However, if you find yourself on the receiving end of eminent domain, you’ll need to relocate your business. There are measures in place to ensure that your business relocation process is as successful as possible This includes relocation assistance under programs like the Uniform Relocation Act.
What is a Specialized Relocation Contractor?
There are two types of organizations that offer support services during business relocation due to eminent domain. The first is a right of way agent. This type of organization works with the government to facilitate the transaction of your property, and help provide research, feasibility studies, and negotiation for both parties.
A specialized relocation contractor helps your business move and works on your behalf to ensure your needs are getting met and that your relocation is successful. Both are vital to a successful relocation!
Why Is SeaCon Washington’s Premier Eminent Domain Relocation Specialist?
SeaCon advocates for your business, and we take our job very seriously. While right of way agents have your best interest at heart as well, their primary job is to ensure all regulations are adhered to, every standard is followed, and everything is done by the book. The sheer volume of information and process required to handle the transaction means that they can offer you a fair deal, but it may not be the best possible deal.
That’s where SeaCon comes in. We provide many of the same services, but act on your behalf to ensure the best possible outcome. We can help with feasibility, move planning, assessment and the actual move itself. Our track record and efficiency moving business — including businesses with heavy machinery like autoshops and restaurants.
Think of it like this: the right of way agent provides the first part of the process on the behalf of the government — informing you of your need to relocate and helping you take the first steps, and distributing the benefits from the government agency. SeaCon, or your specialized relocation contractor, works for you, provides business relocation assistance and facilitates the actual move, while extracting the best possible benefits for you. We have experience working with many right of way partners. Here are the best ones in the state of Washington:
Universal Field Services
An expert in relocation and assistance programs, Universal Field Services is a top-tier partner when it comes to eminent domain. Their experience working with state transportation agencies, railways, transit agencies, water districts provides behind-the-scenes knowledge that benefits both parties.
Learn more about Universal Field Services right of way experience here.
HDR Inc
HDR is a partner for projects in power and energy, transportation and water projects throughout North America. They provide acquisition management, surveying, title, and appraisal services, zoning reviews, utility coordination, and more. They help facilitate the process as the government agency’s liaison from start to finish.
You can learn more about HDR’s right of way services here.
Contract Land Staff
From project pre-planning to acquisition, Contract Land Staff is an exceptional partner for government agencies. They provide comprehensive services that make local eminent domain relocation smooth, and their knowledge is beneficial for both parties. They also offer technology for land and asset management that helps make information and reporting easy and efficient.
Learn more about Contract Land Staff’s full range of services here.
Take the Complexity Out of Eminent Domain Business Relocation
When you find out a right-of-way project is going to force relocation, your first reaction is likely stress. We’re here to help you navigate the business relocation assistance process. While right-of-way agents have everyone’s best interests in mind, it’s beneficial to have a team in your corner.
SeaCon offers knowledge and experience from start to finish, helping you identify a new site, relocate business, and manage the Uniform Relocation process to ensure you get properly reimbursed at every step.
Learn more about how we can help you get started and stay successful in your new location. Get in touch today.
