SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

§4601. Definitions

As used in this chapter—

(1) The term "Federal agency" means any department, agency, or instrumentality in the executive branch of the Government, any wholly owned Government corporation, the Architect of the Capitol, the Federal Reserve banks and branches thereof, and any person who has the authority to acquire property by eminent domain under Federal law.

(2) The term "State" means any of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any political subdivision thereof.

(3) The term "State agency" means any department, agency, or instrumentality of a State or of a political subdivision of a State, any department, agency, or instrumentality of 2 or more States or of 2 or more political subdivisions of a State or States, and any person who has the authority to acquire property by eminent domain under State law.

(4) The term "Federal financial assistance" means a grant, loan, or contribution provided by the United States, except any Federal guarantee or insurance, any interest reduction payment to an individual in connection with the purchase and occupancy of a residence by that individual, and any annual payment or capital loan to the District of Columbia.

(5) The term "person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association.

(6)(A) The term "displaced person" means, except as provided in subparagraph (B)—

(i) any person who moves from real property, or moves his personal property from real property—

(I) as a direct result of a written notice of intent to acquire or the acquisition of such real property in whole or in part for a program or project undertaken by a Federal agency or with Federal financial assistance; or

(II) on which such person is a residential tenant or conducts a small business, a farm operation, or a business defined in paragraph (7)(D), as a direct result of rehabilitation, demolition, or such other displacing activity as the lead agency may prescribe, under a program or project undertaken by a Federal agency or with Federal financial assistance in any case in which the head of the displacing agency determines that such displacement is permanent; and

(ii) solely for the purposes of sections 4622(a) and (b) and 4625 of this title, any person who moves from real property, or moves his personal property from real property—

(I) as a direct result of a written notice of intent to acquire or the acquisition of other real property, in whole or in part, on which such person conducts a business or farm operation, for a program or project undertaken by a Federal agency or with Federal financial assistance; or

(II) as a direct result of rehabilitation, demolition, or such other displacing activity as the lead agency may prescribe, of other real property on which such person conducts a business or a farm operation, under a program or project undertaken by a Federal agency or with Federal financial assistance where the head of the displacing agency determines that such displacement is permanent.

(B) The term "displaced person" does not include—

(i) a person who has been determined, according to criteria established by the head of the lead agency, to be either in unlawful occupancy of the displacement dwelling or to have occupied such dwelling for the purpose of obtaining assistance under this chapter;

(ii) in any case in which the displacing agency acquires property for a program or project, any person (other than a person who was an occupant of such property at the time it was acquired) who occupies such property on a rental basis for a short term or a period subject to termination when the property is needed for the program or project.

(7) The term "business" means any lawful activity, excepting a farm operation, conducted primarily—

(A) for the purchase, sale, lease and rental of personal and real property, and for the manufacture, processing, or marketing of products, commodities, or any other personal property;

(B) for the sale of services to the public;

(C) by a nonprofit organization; or

(D) solely for the purposes of section 4622 of this title, for assisting in the purchase, sale, resale, manufacture, processing, or marketing of products, commodities, personal property, or services by the erection and maintenance of an outdoor advertising display or displays, whether or not such display or displays are located on the premises on which any of the above activities are conducted.

(8) The term "farm operation" means any activity conducted solely or primarily for the production of one or more agricultural products or commodities, including timber, for sale or home use, and customarily producing such products or commodities in sufficient quantity to be capable of contributing materially to the operator's support.

(9) The term "mortgage" means such classes of liens as are commonly given to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of, real property, under the laws of the State in which the real property is located, together with the credit instruments, if any, secured thereby.

(10) The term "comparable replacement dwelling" means any dwelling that is (A) decent, safe, and sanitary; (B) adequate in size to accommodate the occupants; (C) within the financial means of the displaced person; (D) functionally equivalent; (E) in an area not subject to unreasonable adverse environmental conditions; and (F) in a location generally not less desirable than the location of the displaced person's dwelling with respect to public utilities, facilities, services, and the displaced person's place of employment.

(11) The term "displacing agency" means any Federal agency carrying out a program or project, and any State, State agency, or person carrying out a program or project with Federal financial assistance, which causes a person to be a displaced person.

(12) The term "lead agency" means the Department of Transportation.

(13) The term "appraisal" means a written statement independently and impartially prepared by a qualified appraiser setting forth an opinion of defined value of an adequately described property as of a specific date, supported by the presentation and analysis of relevant market information.

(Pub. L. 91–646, title I, §101, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1894; Pub. L. 100–17, title IV, §402, Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 246.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in introductory provision and par. (6)(B)(i), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 91–646, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1894, known as the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.

Amendments

1987—Par. (1). Pub. L. 100–17, §402(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "The term 'Federal agency' means any department, agency, or instrumentality in the executive branch of the Government (except the National Capital Housing Authority), any wholly owned Government corporation (except the District of Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency), and the Architect of the Capitol, the Federal Reserve banks and branches thereof."

Par. (3). Pub. L. 100–17, §402(b), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "The term 'State agency' means the National Capital Housing Authority, the District of Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency, and any department, agency, or instrumentality of a State or of a political subdivision of a State, or any department, agency, or instrumentality of two or more States or of two or more political subdivisions of a State or States."

Par. (4). Pub. L. 100–17, §402(c), inserted ", any interest reduction payment to an individual in connection with the purchase and occupancy of a residence by that individual," after "insurance".

Par. (6). Pub. L. 100–17, §402(d), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: "The term 'displaced person' means any person who, on or after January 2, 1971, moves from real property, or moves his personal property from real property, as a result of the acquisition of such real property, in whole or in part, or as the result of the written order of the acquiring agency to vacate real property, for a program or project undertaken by a Federal agency, or with Federal financial assistance; and solely for the purposes of sections 4622(a) and (b) and 4625 of this title, as a result of the acquisition of or as the result of the written order of the acquiring agency to vacate other real property, on which such person conducts a business or farm operation, for such program or project."

Par. (7)(D). Pub. L. 100–17, §402(f), substituted "section 4622" for "section 4622(a)".

Pars. (10) to (13). Pub. L. 100–17, §402(e), added pars. (10) to (13).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–17, title IV, §418, Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 256, provided that: "The amendment made by section 412 of this title [amending section 4633 of this title] (to the extent such amendment prescribes authority to develop, publish, and issue regulations) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this title [Apr. 2, 1987]. This title and the amendments made by this title [enacting section 4604 of this title, amending this section and sections 4621 to 4626, 4630, 4631, 4633, 4636, 4638, 4651, and 4655 of this title, repealing sections 4634 and 4637 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] (other than the amendment made by section 412 to such extent) shall take effect on the effective date provided in such regulations but not later than 2 years after such date of enactment."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 91–646, title II, §221, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1904, provided that:

"(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, this Act and the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title note below] shall take effect on the date of its enactment [Jan. 2, 1971].

"(b) Until July 1, 1972, sections 210 and 305 [sections 4630 and 4655 of this title] shall be applicable to a State only to the extent that such State is able under its laws to comply with such sections. After July 1, 1972, such sections [sections 4630 and 4655 of this title] shall be completely applicable to all States.

"(c) The repeals made by paragraphs (4) [repealing section 1606(b) of former Title 49, Transportation], (5) [repealing section 1465 of this title], (6) [repealing section 1415(7)(b)(iii) and (8) second sentence of this title], (8) [repealing section 3074 of this title], (9) [repealing section 3307(b), (c) of this title], (10) [repealing chapter 5 (sections 501–511) of Title 23, Highways], (11) [repealing provisions set out as notes under sections 501 and 510 of Title 23], and (12) of section 220(a) of this title and section 306 of title III [repealing sections 3071 to 3073 of this title, section 141 of Title 23, and section 596 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters] shall not apply to any State so long as sections 210 and 305 [sections 4630 and 4655 of this title] are not applicable in such State."

Short Title of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–17, title IV, §401, Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 246, provided that: "This title [enacting section 4604 of this title, amending this section and sections 4621 to 4626, 4630, 4631, 4633, 4636, 4638, 4651, and 4655 of this title, repealing sections 4634 and 4637 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the 'Uniform Relocation Act Amendments of 1987'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 91–646, §1, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1894, provided: "That this Act [enacting this chapter, amending sections 1415, 2473, and 3307 of this title and section 1606 of former Title 49, Transportation, repealing sections 1465 and 3071 to 3074 of this title, section 2680 of Title 10, Armed Forces, sections 141 and 501 to 512 of Title 23, Highways, section 596 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, sections 1231 to 1234 of Title 43, Public Lands, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 4621 and 4651 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as notes under sections 501 and 510 of Title 23] may be cited as the 'Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970'."

Willing Sellers Considered Displaced Persons

Pub. L. 111–8, div. E, title I, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 710, provided that: "For fiscal year 2009 and hereafter, a willing seller from whom the Service acquires title to real property may be considered a 'displaced person' for purposes of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policy Act [probably means the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, 42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.] and its implementing regulations, whether or not the Service has the authority to acquire such property by eminent domain."

Treatment of Real Property Buyout Programs

Pub. L. 103–181, §4, Dec. 3, 1993, 107 Stat. 2055, provided that:

"(a) Inapplicability of URA.—The purchase of any real property under a qualified buyout program shall not constitute the making of Federal financial assistance available to pay all or part of the cost of a program or project resulting in the acquisition of real property or in any owner of real property being a displaced person (within the meaning of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 [42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.]).

"(b) Definition of 'Qualified Buyout Program'.—For purposes of this section, the term 'qualified buyout program' means any program that—

"(1) provides for the purchase of only property damaged by the major, widespread flooding in the Midwest during 1993;

"(2) provides for such purchase solely as a result of such flooding;

"(3) provides for such acquisition without the use of the power of eminent domain and notification to the seller that acquisition is without the use of such power;

"(4) is carried out by or through a State or unit of general local government; and

"(5) is being assisted with amounts made available for—

"(A) disaster relief by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; or

"(B) other Federal financial assistance programs."

[For transfer of all functions, personnel, assets, components, authorities, grant programs, and liabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the functions of the Under Secretary for Federal Emergency Management relating thereto, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, see section 315(a)(1) of Title 6, Domestic Security.]

[For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the functions of the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see former section 313(1) and sections 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.]

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

§4602. Effect upon property acquisition

(a) The provisions of section 4651 of this title create no rights or liabilities and shall not affect the validity of any property acquisitions by purchase or condemnation.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as creating in any condemnation proceedings brought under the power of eminent domain, any element of value or of damage not in existence immediately prior to January 2, 1971.

(Pub. L. 91–646, title I, §102, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1895.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 91–646, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1894, known as the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4601 of this title and Tables.

§4603. Additional appropriations for moving costs, relocation benefits and other expenses incurred in acquisition of lands for National Park System; waiver of benefits

(a) In all instances where authorizations of appropriations for the acquisition of lands for the National Park System enacted prior to January 9, 1971, do not include provisions therefor, there are authorized to be appropriated such additional sums as may be necessary to provide for moving costs, relocation benefits, and other expenses incurred pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law 91–646; 84 Stat. 1894). There are also authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $8,400,000 in addition to those authorized in Public Law 92–272 (86 Stat. 120) to provide for such moving costs, relocation benefits, and other related expenses in connection with the acquisition of lands authorized by Public Law 92–272.

(b) Whenever an owner of property elects to retain a right of use and occupancy pursuant to any statute authorizing the acquisition of property for purposes of a unit of the National Park System, such owner shall be deemed to have waived any benefits under sections 4623, 4624, 4625, and 4626 of this title, and for the purposes of those sections such owner shall not be considered a displaced person as defined in section 4601(6) of this title.

(Pub. L. 93–477, title IV, §405, Oct. 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 1448.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 91–646, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1894, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4601 of this title and Tables.

Public Law 92–272, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 92–272, Apr. 11, 1972, 86 Stat. 120, which to the extent classified to the Code, amended sections 284b, 428m, 459f–10, 460m–1, 460m–7 and 460t–4 of Title 16, Conservation, and amended a provision set out as a note under section 450ll of Title 16. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 which comprises this chapter.

§4604. Certification

(a) Acceptance of State agency certification

Notwithstanding sections 4630 and 4655 of this title, the head of a Federal agency may discharge any of his responsibilities under this chapter by accepting a certification by a State agency that it will carry out such responsibility, if the head of the lead agency determines that such responsibility will be carried out in accordance with State laws which will accomplish the purpose and effect of this chapter.

(b) Promulgation of regulations; notice and comment; consultation with local governments

(1) The head of the lead agency shall issue regulations to carry out this section.

(2) Repealed. Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1121(f), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 724.

(3) Before making a determination regarding any State law under subsection (a) of this section, the head of the lead agency shall provide interested parties with an opportunity for public review and comment. In particular, the head of the lead agency shall consult with interested local general purpose governments within the State on the effects of such State law on the ability of local governments to carry out their responsibilities under this chapter.

(c) Effect of noncompliance with certification or with applicable law

(1) The head of a Federal agency may withhold his approval of any Federal financial assistance to or contract or cooperative agreement with any displacing agency found by the Federal agency to have failed to comply with the laws described in subsection (a) of this section.

(2) After consultation with the head of the lead agency, the head of a Federal agency may rescind his acceptance of any certification under this section, in whole or in part, if the State agency fails to comply with such certification or with State law.

(Pub. L. 91–646, title I, §103, as added Pub. L. 100–17, title IV, §403, Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 248; amended Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1121(f), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 724.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(3), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 91–646, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1894, known as the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4601 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1995—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–66 struck out par. (2) which read as follows: "The head of the lead agency shall, in coordination with other Federal agencies, monitor from time to time, and report biennially to the Congress on, State agency implementation of this section. A State agency shall make available any information required for such purpose."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on effective date provided in regulations promulgated under section 4633 of this title (as amended by section 412 of Pub. L. 100–17), but not later than 2 years after Apr. 2, 1987, see section 418 of Pub. L. 100–17, set out as an Effective Date of 1987 Amendment note under section 4601 of this title.

§4605. Displaced persons not eligible for assistance

(a) In general

Except as provided in subsection (c), a displaced person shall not be eligible to receive relocation payments or any other assistance under this chapter if the displaced person is an alien not lawfully present in the United States.

(b) Determinations of eligibility

(1) Promulgation of regulations

Not later than 1 year after November 21, 1997, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, the head of the lead agency shall promulgate regulations to carry out subsection (a).

(2) Contents of regulations

Regulations promulgated under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) prescribe the processes, procedures, and information that a displacing agency must use in determining whether a displaced person is an alien not lawfully present in the United States;

(B) prohibit a displacing agency from discriminating against any displaced person;

(C) ensure that each eligibility determination is fair and based on reliable information; and

(D) prescribe standards for a displacing agency to apply in making determinations relating to exceptional and extremely unusual hardship under subsection (c).

(c) Exceptional and extremely unusual hardship

If a displacing agency determines by clear and convincing evidence that a determination of the ineligibility of a displaced person under subsection (a) would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to an individual who is the displaced person's spouse, parent, or child and who is a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, the displacing agency shall provide relocation payments and other assistance to the displaced person under this chapter if the displaced person would be eligible for the assistance but for subsection (a).

(d) Limitation on statutory construction

Nothing in this section affects any right available to a displaced person under any other provision of Federal or State law.

(Pub. L. 91–646, title I, §104, as added Pub. L. 105–117, §1, Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2384.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 91–646, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1894, known as the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4601 of this title and Tables.