29-17-104 - Condemnation proceedings. - Tennessee Statutes

29-17-104. Condemnation proceedings.

(a)  Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, in any condemnation proceedings initiated in this state:

     (1)  Notice of the filing of a petition to institute condemnation proceedings shall be given to each respondent at least thirty (30) days prior to the taking of any additional steps in the case. If the respondent is unknown, is a nonresident of the state, or cannot be found, notice shall be given by publication, which shall be made in the same manner as provided by law for similar situations in chancery court; and

     (2)  (A)  After the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of the giving of notice, if the right to take has not been challenged in an answer, the condemnor shall have the right to take possession of the property or property rights sought to be condemned; and

          (B)  If the right to take is challenged in an answer within thirty (30) days from the date of the giving of  notice, the court shall promptly determine, as a matter of law, whether the condemnor has the right to take the property or property rights sought to be condemned. If the court determines that the condemnor has the right to take, the condemnor shall thereupon have the right to take possession thereof.

(b)  When a condemnor has the right to take possession of property or property rights, if necessary, the court shall issue a writ of possession to the sheriff of the county to put the condemnor in possession. The writ may be issued prior to a trial on the damages.

[Acts 2006, ch. 863, § 15.]