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Full-Text Articles in Property Law and Real Estate
Realigning The Governmental/Proprietary Distinction In Municipal Law, Hugh D. Spitzer
Realigning The Governmental/Proprietary Distinction In Municipal Law, Hugh D. Spitzer
Seattle University Law Review
Lawyers and judges who deal with municipal law are perpetually puzzled by the distinction between “governmental” and “proprietary” powers of local governments. The distinction is murky, inconsistent between jurisdictions, inconsistent within jurisdictions, and of limited use in predicting how courts will rule. Critics have launched convincing attacks on the division of municipal powers into these two categories. Most articles have focused on problems with the distinction in specific areas of municipal law. In contrast, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of the governmental/proprietary distinction in seven specific doctrinal areas: legislative grants of municipal authority, government contracts, torts, eminent domain, adverse …
Micro-Housing In Seattle: A Case For Community Participation In Novel Land Use Decisions, Patrick Carter
Micro-Housing In Seattle: A Case For Community Participation In Novel Land Use Decisions, Patrick Carter
Seattle University Law Review
Rather than relying solely on the formal interpretations of government regulators invited by the structure of local zoning ordinances, the City of Seattle should adopt a process that invites community-based mediation and problem-solving when a significant shift in housing density is contemplated in a developer’s proposal. Greater resident participation in development projects allows the City of Seattle to better support those residents in their reliance interests arising from zoning ordinances while simultaneously furthering the policies that underpin urban zoning. This is especially true when such development projects raise the possibility of substantial impacts on the character of a community or …