ODOT highway condemnations, major Midwest pipeline corridors, AEP and FirstEnergy transmission lines, booming utility-scale solar, and one of the nation’s fastest-growing data center markets in Central Ohio are all driving ROW acquisitions across the state. National ROW fights for maximum just compensation under ORC Chapter 163.
Ohio eminent domain is governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 163 for most condemnation proceedings, and ORC Chapter 5501 for ODOT highway acquisitions. Ohio uses a “quick take” procedure under ORC 163.06, which allows the condemning authority to take immediate possession by depositing estimated compensation with the court. Landowners can withdraw those funds while continuing to contest the final amount before a jury. Ohio also provides for a jury trial on just compensation, a critical protection that allows landowners to present independent evidence of value.
Under Ohio’s quick-take statute, the condemning authority may take possession before final compensation is determined. However, you retain the right to contest the amount in court with a jury. The deposited amount is not the final word — many Ohio jury verdicts substantially exceed the initial offer.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) acquires right-of-way for Interstate and US highway improvements, state route expansions, bypass projects, and urban freeway reconstruction across all 12 ODOT districts. Active projects have included I-670, I-71, I-75, and US-30 improvements. ODOT appraisals frequently undervalue remainder damages, access impacts, and highest-and-best-use value, particularly for commercial properties along Ohio’s highly active commercial corridors.
Ohio is a major natural gas pipeline hub, with major interstate pipelines including Rockies Express (REX), Rover Pipeline, Texas Eastern, and Tennessee Gas Pipeline crossing the state. Midstream gathering and processing infrastructure in the Utica and Marcellus Shale plays also involves significant easement acquisitions from landowners in eastern and southeastern Ohio. FERC-certificated operators hold federal condemnation authority, and landowners have full rights under Ohio and federal law to contest inadequate compensation.
AEP Ohio (American Electric Power) and FirstEnergy are the dominant electric transmission companies in Ohio, both holding condemnation authority for high-voltage infrastructure. Ohio’s grid is undergoing significant upgrades as part of PJM Interconnection’s transmission expansion plan, including new 345 kV and 500 kV lines. These transmission ROW projects involve acquiring easements from Ohio landowners statewide.
Ohio has seen a major expansion of utility-scale solar development, particularly in the northwestern and west-central parts of the state. Wind energy development continues in the Lake Erie wind corridor and northwestern Ohio. The transmission infrastructure connecting these projects to PJM’s grid can involve AEP Ohio or FirstEnergy condemnation authority for new substations and collector lines.
Central Ohio (Columbus, Dublin, New Albany, Hilliard) is one of the fastest-growing data center markets in the United States, driven by Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and other hyperscale operators with massive campuses in the region. AEP Ohio is executing a multi-billion dollar transmission investment program to serve this load, with new 345 kV lines and substations being built across Columbus metro and surrounding counties. Landowners in the path of these power corridors have full rights to just compensation under ORC Chapter 163.
Don’t sign anything. Ohio’s jury trial rights mean the initial offer is rarely the final word. Free case review.
Get a Free Case Review ↓Ohio eminent domain is governed by ORC Chapter 163 for most proceedings and ORC Chapter 5501 for ODOT acquisitions. Ohio uses a quick-take procedure under ORC 163.06, but landowners retain the right to a jury trial on the final compensation amount.
Yes. AEP Ohio is executing a major transmission expansion in the Columbus metro area to serve hyperscale data centers in New Albany and surrounding communities. These ROW acquisitions follow ORC Chapter 163, and landowners have full rights to contest inadequate compensation with a jury trial.
Just compensation in Ohio is the fair market value of the property taken plus severance damages to the remainder caused by the taking and the proposed use. Loss of access, crop damage, fencing costs, and other consequential impacts are recognized as compensable elements under Ohio law.
Yes. National ROW represents landowners in all 50 states including Ohio. We provide a free case review for Ohio landowners who have received an offer and want to know if they are being fairly compensated.
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