§543b Acquisition of Lands

Summary

The Secretary may get land inside the Scenic Area by gift, by swapping land, or by buying it with donated or approved money. Land owned by the State of California or its local governments (including the city of Los Angeles) can only be taken by gift or swap. For other land, the owner must agree unless the Secretary gives written notice, allows comment, and decides the owner is building or planning building that would harm or conflict with the Scenic Area’s purpose. The Secretary had to issue rules within six months after September 28, 1984 for deciding what is harmful. Any use that existed before June 1, 1984 cannot be labeled harmful under those rules. Major new or much larger development than existed on June 1, 1984 may be treated as harmful. Rebuilding, additions up to 100% of the original building, and needed support work like roads, parking, water, or sewer are not to be treated as harmful or incompatible. An environmental assessment is required only for exchanges of mineral or geothermal interests.