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Glossary

Educational only; not legal advice.

Before and After Valuation: The property is analyzed immediately before the acquisition and the remainder is analyzed after the acquisition and project, under the applicable assignment assumptions.
Highest and Best Use: The reasonably probable use that is legally permissible, physically possible, financially feasible, and maximally productive.
Partial Taking: When a public project acquires only part of a property or certain rights in it.
Permanent Easement: Rights acquired for utilities, access, drainage, pipelines, transmission lines, and other permanent uses.
Remainder Damages: Market-supported effects on the remaining property, such as impaired access, parking loss, circulation changes, reduced visibility, or irregular shape.
Special Benefits: Measurable project-related benefits that may affect the remainder, where applicable. Legal treatment varies by jurisdiction.
Temporary Construction Easement: Defined rights granted for a limited period, such as construction access, staging, grading, or restoration.
UASFLA: The Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions, applied when an assignment calls for them.

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