The Wall Street Journal recently reported that houses were being demolished in New Orleans even if they were in the process of being repaired; even if building permits had been issued for the purpose. The article went on to say that notice was minimal and told some stories.

After Katrina hit and the possibility of not rebuilding was mentioned, I opined that it sounded like a takings question. If so, a very relevant item would be date of value. I added that the City might simply decide to go the low-cost route of police power. That seems to be what's happening. What's surprising after the massive bailouts and involvement of the federal government is how sloppily the demolitions are apparently being carried out. I guess local government is about as efficient after as before Katrina.

One of the elements of sloppiness is demolishing property with permitted work in progress. The whole program has implications for property rights and compensation, but that seems to be particularly egregious.

Of course the low-lying area of New Orleans is what's happening now. But in California we have earthquakes and fault zones...