murr et al wisconsin et argued march decided june croix river forms part boundary wisconsin minnesota protected federal state local law petitioners two adjacent lots lot lot along lower portion river town troy wisconsin area petitioners property located state local regulations prevent use sale adjacent lots common ownership separate building sites unless least one acre land suitable development grandfather clause relaxes restriction substandard lots separate ownership adjacent lands january regulation effective date petitioners parents purchased lots separately maintained separate ownership transferring lot petitioners lot petitioners lots one acre size topography less one acre suitable development unification lots common ownership therefore implicated rules barring separate sale development petitioners became interested selling lot part improvement plan lots sought variances croix county board adjustment board denied request state courts affirmed relevant part particular state appeals found local ordinance effectively merged lots petitioners sell build single combined lot petitioners filed suit alleging regulations worked regulatory taking deprived practically use lot county circuit granted summary judgment state explaining petitioners options enjoy use property including eliminating cabin building new residence either lot across also found petitioners deprived economic value property decrease market value unified lots less percent state appeals affirmed holding takings analysis properly focused lots together using framework merger regulations effect taking held state appeals correct analyze petitioners property single unit assessing effect challenged governmental action pp takings clause jurisprudence informs analysis issue pp regulatory takings jurisprudence recognizes regulation goes far recognized taking pennsylvania coal mahon area law characterized ad hoc factual inquiries designed allow careful examination weighing relevant circumstances preservation council tahoe regional planning agency citation internal quotation marks omitted however identified two guidelines relevant determining government regulation constitutes taking first certain qualifications regulation economically beneficial productive use land require compensation takings clause palazzolo rhode island quoting lucas south carolina coastal council second taking may found based complex factors including economic impact regulation claimant extent regulation interfered distinct expectations character governmental action palazzolo supra citing penn central transp new york city yet even complete deprivation use lucas require compensation challenged limitations inhere restrictions background principles state law property nuisance already placed upon land ownership lucas central dynamic regulatory takings jurisprudence thus flexibility means reconcile two competing objectives central regulatory takings doctrine individual right retain interests exercise freedoms core private property ownership cf government power adjus rights public good andrus allard pp case presents critical question determining whether regulatory taking occurred proper unit property assess effect challenged governmental action set forth specific guidance identify relevant parcel however declined artificially limit parcel portion property targeted challenged regulation cautioned viewing property rights takings clause coextensive state law pp courts must consider number factors determining proper denominator takings inquiry pp inquiry objective determine whether reasonable expectations property ownership lead landowner anticipate holdings treated one parcel separate tracts first courts give substantial weight property treatment particular bounded divided state local law second courts must look property physical characteristics including physical relationship distinguishable tracts topography surrounding human ecological environment third courts assess property value challenged regulation special attention effect burdened land value holdings pp formalistic rules state wisconsin petitioners advocate capture central legal factual principles informing reasonable expectations property interests wisconsin tie definition parcel state law also necessary weigh whether state enactments issue accord indicia reasonable expectations property petitioners urge adopt presumption lot lines control lot lines creatures state law overridden state reasonable exercise power regulate land merger provision legitimate exercise state power reflected consistency long history merger regulations many merger provisions exist nationwide today pp appropriate multifactor standard follows petitioners property evaluated single parcel consisting lots together first property treatment state local law valid merger lots state law informs reasonable expectation lots treated single property second turning property physical characteristics lots contiguous terrain shape make reasonable expect range potential uses might limited petitioners anticipated regulation property due location along river regulated federal state local law long acquired land third lot brings prospective value lot restriction using individual lots mitigated benefits using property integrated whole allowing increased privacy recreational space plus optimal location improvements relationship evident lots combined valuation appeals thus correct treat contiguous properties one parcel considering petitioners property whole state correct conclude petitioners establish compensable taking suffered taking lucas deprived economically beneficial use property see suffered taking general test penn central supra pp wi app affirmed kennedy delivered opinion ginsburg breyer sotomayor kagan joined roberts filed dissenting opinion thomas alito joined thomas filed dissenting opinion gorsuch took part consideration decision case opinion notice opinion subject formal revision publication preliminary print reports readers requested notify reporter decisions washington typographical formal errors order corrections may made preliminary print goes press joseph murr et petitioners wisconsin et al writ certiorari appeals wisconsin district iii june justice kennedy delivered opinion classic example property taking government property occupied otherwise seized case petitioners contend governmental entities took real property undeveloped residential lot physical occupation instead enacting burdensome regulations forbid improvement separate sale classified substandard size relevant governmental entities respondents background justifications challenged restrictions respondents contend regulatory taking petitioners adjacent lot regulations effecting merger property permit continued residential use property including single improvement extend lots retained right landowner respondents urge sufficient offsetting value regulation severe enough regulatory taking resolve issue whether landowners insist confining analysis lot question without regard ownership adjacent lot necessary discuss background principles define regulatory takings croix river originates northwest wisconsin flows approximately miles joins mississippi river forming boundary minnesota wisconsin much length lower portion river slows widens create natural water area known lake croix tourists residents region long extolled picturesque grandeur river surrounding area ellett summer rambles west wild scenic rivers act river designated federal protection stat designating upper croix river lower saint croix river act stat adding lower croix river law required wisconsin minnesota develop management development program river area fed reg compliance wisconsin authorized state department natural resources promulgate rules limiting development order guarantee protection wild scenic recreational qualities river present future generations stat petitioners two sisters two brothers murr family petitioners parents arranged receive ownership two lots family used recreation along lower croix river town troy wisconsin lots adjacent parents purchased separately put title one name family business later arranged transfer two lots different dates petitioners lots referred litigation lots described detail area petitioners property located wisconsin rules prevent use lots separate building sites unless least one acre land suitable development admin code nr clause relaxes restriction substandard lots separate ownership abutting lands january effective date regulation nr clause permits use qualifying lots separate building sites rules also include merger provision however provides adjacent lots common ownership may sold developed separate lots meet size requirement nr wisconsin rules require localities adopt parallel provisions see nr croix county zoning ordinance contains identical restrictions see croix county ordinance wisconsin rules also authorize local zoning authority grant variances regulations enforcement create unnecessary hardship nr croix county ordinance petitioners parents purchased lot built small recreational cabin transferred title lot family plumbing company purchased neighboring lot held names lots topography steep bluff cuts middle level land suitable development bluff next water line dividing lot lot runs riverfront far end property crossing blufftop along way lot approximately feet river frontage lot approximately feet though lot approximately acres size waterline steep bank less one acre land suitable development even combined lots buildable land area acres due steep terrain lots remained separate ownership lot owned plumbing company lot owned petitioners parents transfers petitioners lot conveyed lot conveyed murr croix county bd adjustment wi app wi app unpublished opinion app pet cert certain ambiguities record concerning whether lots merged earlier parties courts appear assumed merger occurred upon transfer petitioners decade later petitioners became interested moving cabin lot different portion lot selling lot fund project unification lots common ownership however implicated state local rules barring separate sale development petitioners sought variances croix county board adjustment enable building improvement plan including variance allow separate sale use lots board denied requests state courts affirmed relevant part particular wisconsin appeals agreed board interpretation local ordinance effectively merged lots petitioners sell build single larger lot murr supra petitioners filed present action state alleging state county regulations worked regulatory taking depriving practically use lot lot sold developed separate lot app parties submitted appraisal numbers trial respondents appraisal included values lots together regulated lots two distinct properties lot single lot improvements record petitioners appraisal included unrebutted estimated value lot undevelopable lot based counterfactual assumption sold separate property circuit croix county granted summary judgment state explaining petitioners retained several available options use enjoyment property case app pet cert example preserve existing cabin relocate cabin eliminate cabin build new residence lot lot across lots also found petitioners deprived economic value property considering valuation property single lot versus two separate lots found market value property significantly affected regulations decrease value less percent ibid wisconsin appeals affirmed explained regulatory takings inquiry required determine precisely property issue relying wisconsin precedent zealy waukesha appeals rejected petitioners request analyze effect regulations lot instead held takings analysis properly focused regulations effect murrs property whole lots together app pet cert using framework appeals concluded merger regulations effect taking particular explained petitioners reasonably expected use lots separately knowledge existing zoning acquired property ibid quoting murr supra thus even petitioners intend develop sell lot separately expectation separate treatment became unreasonable chose acquire lot acquired lot app pet cert also discounted severity economic impact petitioners property recognizing circuit conclusion regulations diminished property combined value less percent wisconsin denied discretionary review granted certiorari ii takings clause fifth amendment provides private property shall taken public use without compensation clause made applicable fourteenth amendment chicago chicago recognized plain language takings clause requires payment compensation whenever government acquires private property public purpose see preservation council tahoe regional planning agency address specific terms imposition regulatory burdens private property indeed rior justice holmes exposition pennsylvania coal mahon generally thought takings clause reached direct appropriation property functional equivalent practical ouster owner possession like permanent flooding property lucas south carolina coastal council citation brackets internal quotation marks omitted accord horne department agriculture slip see also loretto teleprompter manhattan catv mahon however initiated regulatory takings jurisprudence declaring property may regulated certain extent regulation goes far recognized taking regulation burdensome become taking yet mahon formulate detailed guidance determining limit reached near century since mahon part refrained elaborating principle definitive rules area law characterized ad hoc factual inquiries designed allow careful examination weighing relevant circumstances supra citation internal quotation marks omitted however stated two guidelines relevant determining government regulation onerous constitutes taking first certain qualifications regulation economically beneficial productive use land require compensation takings clause palazzolo rhode island quoting lucas supra second regulation impedes use property without depriving owner economically beneficial use taking still may found based complex factors including economic impact regulation claimant extent regulation interfered distinct expectations character governmental action palazzolo supra citing penn central transp new york city declaring denial economically beneficial use land constitutes regulatory taking lucas stated called categorical rule see even lucas however included caveat recognizing relevance state law customs complete deprivation use require compensation challenged limitations inhere restrictions background principles state law property nuisance already placed upon land ownership see also listing factors courts consider making determination central dynamic regulatory takings jurisprudence flexibility remains means reconcile two competing objectives central regulatory takings doctrine one individual right retain interests exercise freedoms core private property ownership cf notion title somehow held subject limitation state may subsequently eliminate economically valuable use inconsistent historical compact recorded takings clause become part constitutional culture property rights necessary preserve freedom property ownership empowers persons shape plan destiny world governments always eager persisting interest government power adjus rights public good andrus allard justice holmes declared government hardly go extent values incident property diminished without paying every change general law mahon supra adjudicating regulatory takings cases proper balancing principles requires careful inquiry informed specifics case instances analysis must driven purpose takings clause prevent government people alone bear public burdens fairness justice borne public whole palazzolo supra quoting armstrong case presents question linked ultimate determination whether regulatory taking occurred proper unit property assess effect challenged governmental action put another way ecause test regulatory taking requires us compare value taken property value remains property one critical questions determining define unit property value furnish denominator fraction keystone bituminous coal assn debenedictis quoting michelman property utility fairness harv rev commentators noted answer question may outcome determinative see eagle penn central regulatory takings test rev see also wright new time denominators env explained question important regulatory takings inquiry extent portion property taken portion always taken entirety relevant question however whether property taken portion parcel question concrete pipe products construction laborers pension trust southern defining property outset however necessarily preordain outcome every case though cases effect challenged regulation must assessed understood effect entire property held owner rather part property considered diminished value demonstrates contrast regulatory takings goal usually determine challenged regulation affects property value owner physical takings impact physical appropriation occupation property evident set forth specific guidance identify relevant parcel regulatory taking inquiry two concepts indicated unduly narrow first declined limit parcel artificial manner portion property targeted challenged regulation penn central example rejected challenge denial permit build office tower grand central terminal refused measure effect denial air rights terminal cautioning aking jurisprudence divide single parcel discrete segments attempt determine whether rights particular segment entirely abrogated similar way refused effectively sever months petitioners property restricted temporary moratoria development ask whether segment ha taken entirety defining property interest taken terms regulation challenged circular ibid approach overstate effect regulation property turning every delay total ban ibid second concept expressed caution view property rights takings clause coextensive state law although property interests foundations state law palazzolo reversed decision rejected takings challenge regulations predated landowner acquisition title explained unfettered authority shape define property rights reasonable expectations leaving landowners without recourse unreasonable regulations measure defining parcel reference state law defeat challenge even state enactment alters permitted uses property ways inconsistent reasonable expectations example state might enact law consolidates nonadjacent property owned single person entity different parts state imposes development limits aggregate set defined parcel according state law requiring consolidation improperly fortify state law takings claim look retained value property whole rather considering whether individual holdings lost value iii foregoing discussion makes clear single consideration supply exclusive test determining denominator instead courts must consider number factors include treatment land state local law physical characteristics land prospective value regulated land endeavor determine whether reasonable expectations property ownership lead landowner anticipate holdings treated one parcel instead separate tracts inquiry objective reasonable expectations issue derive background customs whole legal tradition cf lucas kennedy concurring expectations protected constitution based objective rules customs understood reasonable parties involved first courts give substantial weight treatment land particular bounded divided state local law reasonable expectations acquirer land must acknowledge legitimate restrictions affecting subsequent use dispensation property see ballard hunter concerns may concern real estate men usually keep informed probability law may frame proceedings valid takings claim evaporate purchaser took title law enacted see palazzolo enactments unreasonable become less passage time title reasonable restriction predates landowner acquisition however one objective factors landowners reasonably consider forming fair expectations property see ibid prospective enactment new zoning ordinance limit value land without effecting taking understood reasonable concerned similar manner use restriction triggered change ownership also guide assessment reasonable private expectations second courts must look physical characteristics landowner property include physical relationship distinguishable tracts parcel topography surrounding human ecological environment particular may relevant property located area subject likely become subject environmental regulation cf lucas supra kennedy concurring coastal property may present unique concerns fragile land system state go regulating development use common law nuisance might otherwise permit third courts assess value property challenged regulation special attention effect burdened land value holdings though use restriction may decrease market value property effect may tempered regulated land adds value remaining property increasing privacy expanding recreational space preserving surrounding natural beauty law limits use landowner small lot one part city reason landowner nonadjacent holdings elsewhere may decrease market value small lot unmitigated fashion absence special relationship holdings may counsel consideration holdings single parcel making restrictive law susceptible takings challenge hand landowner property adjacent small lot market value properties may well increase combination enables expansion structure development restraints one part parcel protect unobstructed skyline views another part turn may counsel favor treatment single parcel may reveal weakness regulatory takings challenge law state federal courts considerable experience adjudicating regulatory takings claims depart examples various ways anticipates applying test continue exercise care complex area state wisconsin petitioners ask adopt formalistic rule guide parcel inquiry neither proposal suffices capture central legal factual principles inform reasonable expectations property interests wisconsin tie definition parcel state law considering two lots single whole due merger challenged regulations approach already noted simply assumes answer question may state define relevant parcel way permits escape responsibility justify regulation light legitimate property expectations course unquestionable law must recognize legitimate expectations order give proper weight rights owners right state pass reasonable laws regulations see palazzolo supra wisconsin bases position lucas suggests answer denominator question may lie owner reasonable expectations shaped state law property whether degree state law accorded legal recognition protection particular interest land respect takings claimant alleges diminution elimination value initial matter lucas referenced parcel problem dicta unnecessary announcement application rule established see ibid avoid th difficulty determining relevant parcel present case event test adopts today consistent respect state law described lucas test considers state law addition weighs whether state enactments issue accord indicia reasonable expectations property petitioners propose different test also flawed urge adopt presumption lot lines define relevant parcel every instance making lot necessary denominator petitioners argument however ignores fact lot lines creatures state law overridden state reasonable exercise power effect petitioners ask credit aspect state law favors preferred result lot lines ignore merger provision approach contravenes case law recognizes reasonable regulations work taking see palazzolo mahon among cases agins city tiburon demonstrates validity proposition upheld zoning regulations legitimate exercise government police power course later opinion lingle chevron recognized test articulated agins regulation effects taking substantially advance legitimate state improper invited courts engage heightened review effectiveness government regulation quoting agins supra lingle made clear however holding agins survived even test imprecis see merger provision likewise legitimate exercise government power reflected consistency long history state local merger regulations originated nearly century ago see brief national association counties et al amici curiae merger provisions often form part regulatory scheme establishes minimum lot size order preserve open space still allowing orderly development see mcquillin law municipal corporations ed see also agins supra challenged zoning ordinances benefit ed appellants well public serving city interest assuring careful orderly development residential property provision areas localities first set minimum lot size often existing lots meet new requirements local governments strive reduce substandard lots gradual manner regulations represent classic way implementing merger provision combines contiguous substandard lots common ownership alongside grandfather clause preserves adjacent substandard lots separate ownership also harshness merger provision may ameliorated availability variance local zoning authority landowners special circumstances see ziegler rathkopf law zoning planning ed petitioners insistence lot lines define relevant parcel ignores reliance merger provision common means balancing legitimate goals regulation reasonable expectations landowners petitioners rule frustrate municipalities ability implement minimum lot size regulations casting doubt many merger provisions exist nationwide today see brief national association counties et al amici curiae listing examples merger provisions petitioners reliance lot lines also problematic another reason lot lines varying degrees formality across difficult make standard measure reasonable expectations property owners indeed jurisdictions lot lines may subject informal adjustment property owners minimal government oversight see brief california et al amici curiae kushner subdivision law growth management ed lot line adjustments create new parcels often exempt subdivision review see cal govt code ann west permitting adjustment lot lines subject limited conditions government approval ease modifying lot lines also creates risk gamesmanship landowners might seek alter lines anticipation regulation seems likely affect part property iv appropriate multifactor standard follows purposes determining whether regulatory taking occurred petitioners property evaluated single parcel consisting lots together first treatment property state local law indicates petitioners property treated one considering effects restrictions wisconsin courts held state local regulations merged lots app pet cert transfer lot brought lots common ownership resulted merger two lots local ordinance decision adopt merger provision issue specific legitimate purpose consistent widespread understanding lot lines dominant controlling every case see supra petitioners land subject regulatory burden moreover voluntary conduct bringing lots common ownership regulations enacted result valid merger lots state law informs reasonable expectation treated single property second physical characteristics property support treatment unified parcel lots contiguous along longest edge rough terrain narrow shape make reasonable expect range potential uses might limited cf app pet cert petitioners asserted lot put alternative uses like agriculture commerce due size location steep terrain land location along river also significant petitioners anticipated public regulation might affect enjoyment property lower croix regulated area federal state local law long petitioners possessed land third prospective value lot brings lot supports considering two one parcel purposes determining regulatory taking petitioners prohibited selling lots separately building separate residential structures yet restriction mitigated benefits using property integrated whole allowing increased privacy recreational space plus optimal location improvements see case app pet cert elevated level privacy close neighbors able swim play volleyball property special relationship lots shown combined valuation lot separately saleable still subject development restriction petitioners appraiser value property express opinion validity figure also note number particularly helpful understanding petitioners retained value properties lot regulations sold without lot point useful purposes combined lots valued far greater summed value separate regulated lots lot cabin according respondents appraiser lot undevelopable plot according petitioners appraiser value added lots combination shows complementarity supports treatment one parcel state appeals correct analyzing petitioners property single unit petitioners allege state applied categorical rule contiguous commonly owned holdings must combined takings clause analysis see brief petitioners oes whole concept establish rule two legally distinct commonly owned contiguous parcels must combined takings analysis purposes appear case however precedent relied appeals addressed multiple factors treating contiguous properties one parcel see app pet cert citing zealy waukesha see considering property whole part single purchase acres undeveloped judgment furthermore may affirmed ground permitted law record see thigpen roberts extent state treated two lots one parcel based rule nothing opinion approves methodology distinct result considering petitioners property whole state correct conclude petitioners establish compensable taking circumstances petitioners suffered taking lucas deprived economically beneficial use property see use property residential purposes including enhanced larger residential improvement see palazzolo regulation permitting landowner build substantial residence leave property property lost economic value value decreased less percent see lucas supra suggesting even landowner percent loss may recover petitioners furthermore suffered taking general test penn central see expert appraisal relied upon state courts refutes claim economic impact regulation severe petitioners claim reasonably expected sell develop lots separately given regulations predated acquisition lots finally governmental action reasonable regulation enacted part coordinated federal state local effort preserve river surrounding land like ultimate question whether regulation gone far question proper parcel regulatory takings cases solved simple test see arkansas game fish courts must instead define parcel manner reflects reasonable expectations property courts must strive consistency central purpose takings clause bar government forcing people alone bear public burdens fairness justice borne public whole armstrong treating lot question single parcel legitimate purposes takings inquiry supports conclusion regulatory taking occurred judgment wisconsin appeals affirmed ordered justice gorsuch took part consideration decision case roberts dissenting joseph murr et petitioners wisconsin et al writ certiorari appeals wisconsin district iii june chief justice roberts justice thomas justice alito join dissenting murr family owns two adjacent lots along lower croix river local regulation two properties may sold developed separate lots neither contains sufficiently large area buildable land admin code today holds regulation effect taking requires compensation conclusion trouble majority presents fair case murrs still make good use lots ordinance commonplace tool preserve scenic areas lower croix river benefit landowners public alike majority goes astray however concluding definition private property issue case turns elaborate test looking state local law also physical characteristics land prospective value regulated land reasonable expectations owner background customs whole legal tradition ante decisions time declared takings clause protects private property rights state law creates defines securing established property rights takings clause protects individuals forced bear full weight actions borne public large majority new malleable definition private property adopted solely purposes th takings inquiry ante undermines protection stick traditional approach state law defines boundaries distinct parcels land boundaries determine private property issue regulatory takings cases whether regulation effects taking property separate question one common ownership adjacent property may taken account majority departs settled principles respectfully dissent takings clause places condition government power interfere property rights instructing private property shall taken public use without compensation textually logically clause raises three basic questions individuals governments judges must consider anticipating deciding whether government provide reimbursement actions first private property government planned course conduct affect second whether property taken public use private property taken last item business calculate compensation owner due step one identifying property interest stake requires looking outside constitution word property takings clause means group rights inhering citizen relation thing right possess use dispose general motors clause however provide definition rights particular case instead property interests created dimensions defined existing rules understandings stem independent source state law ruckelshaus monsanto alteration internal quotation marks omitted protecting established rights takings clause stands buffer property owners governments might naturally look put private property work public large government action interferes property rights next question becomes whether interference amounts taking paradigmatic taking direct government appropriation physical invasion private property lingle chevron types actions give rise per se taking perhaps serious form invasion owner property interests depriving owner rights possess use dispose property horne department agriculture slip internal quotation marks omitted takings direct governments infringe private property interests public use appropriations regulations well compensation required one natural tendency human nature extend regulations last private property disappears pennsylvania coal mahon regulatory takings decisions recognized property may regulated certain extent regulation goes far recognized taking ibid rule strikes balance property owners rights government authority advance common good owners rest assured compensated particularly onerous regulatory actions governments maintain freedom adjust benefits burdens property ownership without incurring crippling costs alteration depending course far far said often enough answer question generally resists per se rules rigid formulas however fixed principles inquiry must conducted respect specific property keystone bituminous coal assn debenedictis internal quotation marks omitted regulation denies economically beneficial productive use land interference categorically amounts taking lucas south carolina coastal council vast array regulations lack extreme effect flexible approach fitting factors consider wide ranging include economic impact regulation owner expectations character government action ultimate question whether government imposition property forced owner bear public burdens fairness justice borne public whole penn central transp new york city internal quotation marks omitted finally taking occurred remaining matter tabulating compensation property owner entitled ust compensation normally measured market value property time taking horne slip internal quotation marks omitted regulation amounts taking completely destroys property productive use incentive owners define relevant private property narrowly incentive threatens careful balance property rights government authority regulatory takings doctrine strikes put terms familiar bundle analogy strand bundle rights comes along owning real property distinct property interest owners define relevant private property issue specific strand challenged regulation affects convert nearly regulations per se takings allow penn central transportation new york city held property owners may establish simply showing denied ability exploit property interest case owner grand central terminal new york city argued restriction owner ability add office building atop station amounted taking air rights rejected narrow definition property issue concluding correct unit analysis owner rights parcel whole owner possesses full property rights destruction one strand bundle taking aggregate must viewed entirety andrus allard see preservation council tahoe regional planning agency question presented today case concerns parcel whole language penn central enigmatic phrase created confusion identify relevant property regulatory takings case claimant owns one plot land impact regulation evaluated respect individual plot respect adjacent plots grouped together one unit according majority answer question considering number facts land regulation issue end result turns whether factors lead landowner anticipate holdings treated one parcel instead separate tracts ante think answer far straightforward state laws define boundaries distinct units land boundaries exceptional circumstances determine parcel issue even regulatory takings cases first step takings clause analysis still identify relevant private property create property rights respect particular things context real property things horizontally bounded plots land interest real property defined metes bounds describe geographic dimensions may define plots differently using metes bounds others using government surveys recorded plats subdivision maps see thomas thompson real property ed powell real property wolf ed definition property draws basic line wodehouse put meum tuum question owns pretty important rules must provide readily ascertainable definition land particular bundle rights attaches vary depending upon purpose issue see stat lots plat shall described name plat lot block purposes including assessment taxation devise descent conveyance following state property lines also entirely consistent penn central requiring consideration parcel whole response risk owners strategically pluck one strand bundle property rights air rights issue penn central claim complete taking based strand alone risk strategic unbundling present legally distinct parcel basis regulatory takings claim state law defines interests come along owning particular parcel property owners government must take rights find majority envisions relying state law create opportunities gamesmanship landowners former contends might seek alter lot lines anticipation regulation latter might pass law consolidates property avoid successful takings claim ante obvious attempts alter legal landscape anticipation lawsuit unlikely particularly difficult detect disarm rejected strategic splitting property rights penn central courts faced attempt create definition private property cf phillips washington legal foundation state may sidestep takings clause disavowing traditional property interests long recognized state law relevant property identified real work begins decide whether regulation issue amounts taking courts focus effect regulation private property issue adjacent land common ownership may relevant inquiry owner possession nearby lot instance shed light owner reasonably expected use parcel issue regulation concludes government action amounts taking principles compensation may also allow owner recover damages regard separate parcel contiguous used conjunction parcel issue smith hansen nichols law eminent domain ch rev ed sum parcel whole requirement prevents property owner identifying single strand bundle property rights claiming interest taken allowing strategic approach defining private property undermine balance struck regulatory takings cases instead state law creates distinct parcels land defines rights come along owning parcels established bundles rights define private property regulatory takings cases ownership contiguous properties may bear whether person plot taken penn central provides basis disregarding state property lines identifying parcel whole ii lesson majority draws penn central defining proper parcel regulatory takings cases solved simple test ante following stand simplicity majority lists complex set factors theoretically designed reveal whether hypothetical landowner might expect property treated one parcel instead separate tracts ante factors says majority show lots murrs property constitute single parcel local ordinance requiring murrs develop sell lots pair constitute taking deciding lots single parcel majority focuses importance ordinance issue extent murrs may especially surprised unduly harmed application ordinance property issues considered deciding regulation constitutes taking cramming definition private property undermines effectiveness takings clause check government power shift cost public life onto private individuals problem begins majority loses track basic structure claims takings clause true referred regulatory takings claims involving essentially ad hoc factual inquiries conducted investigations assessing question constitutes penn central ruckelshaus emphasis added see generally eschewed set formula determining far far emphasis added internal quotation marks omitted even reach ad hoc penn central framework determining regulation deny productive use parcel see inquiries presuppose relevant private property already identified see hodel virginia surface mining reclamation explaining hese hoc factual inquiries must conducted respect specific property simple reason majority cite single instance made identification relying anything state property principles never done departing state property principles majority authorizes governments precisely rejected penn central create definition property designed claim takings clause whenever possible governments regulatory takings cases ask courts aggregate legally distinct properties one parcel solely purposes resisting particular claim majority test identifying parcel whole cases turn reasonableness regulation applied claimant result government regulatory interests come play twice first identifying relevant parcel determining whether regulation placed great public burden property regulatory takings however nature pit common good interests inherent imbalance clash interests widespread benefits regulation often appear far weightier isolated losses suffered individuals looking bigger picture overall societal good economic system grounded private property appear abstract cast concrete regulatory problem face imbalance takings clause prevents public loading upon one individual share burdens government monongahela nav considering effect regulation specific property rights established state law majority approach undermines protection defining property engaging ad hoc consideration individual community interests result government goals shape playing field contest whether challenged regulation goes far even gets underway suppose example person buys two distinct plots land known lots two different owners lot landlocked neighboring lot shares border local beach soon comes light however beach nesting habitat species turtle protect species state government passes regulation preventing development recreation areas abutting beach including lot lot became subject regulatory takings claim purchaser strong case per se taking even accounting owner possession property lot remaining economic value productive use majority approach government argue based circumstances nature regulation lots considered one parcel argument succeeds owner per se takings claim gone left roll dice penn central balancing framework second time throw reasonableness government regulatory action balance majority assures test efining property necessarily preordain outcome every case ante emphasis added underscored language cheapens assurance framework laid today provides little guidance identifying whether expectations property ownership lead landowner anticipate holdings treated one parcel instead separate tracts ante instead majority approach lead definitions parcel far reasonableness applying challenged regulation particular landowner result clear double counting tip scales favor government reasonable government regulation anticipated landowner relevant parcel defined consistent regulation deciding whether taking second step analysis regulation seem eminently reasonable given impact parcel assures us necessarily every case surely moreover given focus particular challenged regulation majority approach must mean two lots might single parcel one takings claim separate parcels another see ante another opportunity gerrymander definition private property defeat takings claim majority also emphasizes courts trying identify relevant parcel must strive ensure people alone bear public burdens fairness justice borne public whole ante internal quotation marks omitted refrain traditional touchstone spotting taking defining private property put simply today decision knocks definition private property loose foundation stable state law rules throws maelstrom multiple factors come play second step takings analysis result majority new framework compromises takings clause barrier individuals press public interest iii staying state law approach defining private property make job case fairly easy murr siblings acquired lot lot year later lots fell common ownership challenged ordinance prevented sold developed separate lots neither contained sufficiently large area buildable land admin code murrs argued ordinance amounted taking lot state wisconsin croix county proposed lots together count relevant parcel trial sided state county wisconsin appeals affirmed rather considering whether lots separate parcels wisconsin law however appeals adopted approach defining relevant parcel see wi app unpublished opinion app pet cert framing issue whether contiguous property analytically divisible purposes regulatory takings claim relying called rule regulatory takings cases explained contiguous property common ownership considered whole regardless number parcels contained therein lots side side owned murrs case straightforward two lots one parcel regulatory takings analysis therefore evaluated effect ordinance two lots considered together see wisconsin appeals wrong apply definition property issue instead asked whether general state law principles lots legally distinct parcels land therefore vacate judgment remand identify relevant property using ordinary principles wisconsin property law making state law determination next step determine whether challenged ordinance amounts taking lot legally distinct parcel state law appeals perform takings analysis anew still consider many issues majority finds important majority instance notes ordinance murrs use lot recreational space location improvements valuable addition lot ante facts relevant whether regulation denies economically beneficial productive use lot lucas similarly majority touts benefits ordinance observes murrs little use lot independent lot predicted lot regulated ante facts speak economic impact regulation interference expectations character governmental action things traditionally consider penn central analysis careful however confine considerations question whether regulation constitutes taking alexander hamilton explained security property one great object government records federal convention farrand ed takings clause adopted ensure security protecting property rights exist state law deciding whether regulation gone far constitute taking one property rights properly enough task relies much exercise judgment application logic macdonald sommer frates yolo county alterations internal quotation marks omitted basing definition property judgment call allows government interests warp private rights takings clause supposed secure respectfully dissent thomas dissenting joseph murr et petitioners wisconsin et al writ certiorari appeals wisconsin district iii june justice thomas dissenting join chief justice dissent correctly applies regulatory takings precedents party asked us reconsider however never purported ground precedents constitution originally understood pennsylvania coal mahon announced general rule regulation goes far recognized taking since observed prior mahon generally thought takings clause reached appropriation property legal tender cases wall functional equivalent ouster owner possession transportation chicago lucas south carolina coastal council view desirable us take fresh look regulatory takings jurisprudence see whether grounded original public meaning takings clause fifth amendment privileges immunities clause fourteenth amendment see generally rappaport originalism regulatory takings fifth amendment may protect regulatory takings fourteenth amendment may san diego rev describing debate among scholars questions