---
title: What is Acquiring Real Property by Eminent Domain?
description: Montana law (7-5-4106, MCA) grants municipalities the power to condemn private property for public use, as defined in 70-30-102, MCA. The process must follow strict legal procedures and is subject to judicial review, making legal counsel essential for municipalities exercising eminent domain
---

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November 5, 2025

# What is Acquiring Real Property by Eminent Domain?

## Municipal Eminent Domain in Montana: Legal Authority and Public Use Requirements

Montana law 7‐5‐4106, MCA enables municipal governments to condemn private property for certain public purposes, which are enumerated in 70‐30‐102, MCA. The legal processes required of a city or town government to exercise its power of eminent domain are set forth in numerous sections of law depending upon the public purpose to be served by the taking of private property. Hence, a review of the legally sufficient purposes and processes required for the lawful exercise of a municipality’s power of eminent domain are beyond the scope of  
this handbook and require the involvement of experienced legal counsel.

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