What is the right of a government to seize private property for public use called?

• A. Zoning
• B. Eminent domain
• C. Building codes
• D. Spot zoning

Answer: (B)

The key concept is the government’s power to take private property for public use, with compensation. This authority, known as eminent domain, allows condemnation of private land for projects that serve the public—such as roads, schools, or utilities. When a takings action occurs, the owner must receive just compensation, typically the property’s fair market value, and the process must respect due process rights. In some cases, property owners can challenge or seek remedies if the action effectively deprives them of value even without formal seizure (inverse condemnation). Zoning regulates how land may be used, building codes dictate construction standards, and spot zoning refers to a narrowly tailored zoning decision for a specific parcel that can be controversial; none describe the general power to seize private property for public use. Eminent domain is the term that fits.