Del. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 71.1

In a condemnation proceeding instituted by a public agency, such as an agency of the State, a county, a

municipality or a school district, an order of possession of the property to be taken shall be entered

forthwith, pursuant to 10 Del. C. § 6110(a), upon 10 days’ written notice of intent to present such order,

to be given to the property owner or his attorney of record, supported by an affidavit of necessity

executed by the chief administrative officer of the condemning agency, unless the property owner by

affidavits, depositions, and/or verified answer shall show good cause why such order of possession should

not be entered forthwith. Any hearing on the issue of good cause shall be held without delay and on such

affidavits, depositions, and/or verified answer. Disposition of the issue of good cause shall be made by the

Court without delay.

This Rule shall be applicable solely to the condemnation proceedings brought by such public agencies.

In all such condemnation proceedings the burden shall be upon the property owner to overcome the

presumption of regularity and the prima facie case of necessity for a public use presented by the

institution of such proceeding.

Nothing herein contained shall affect the power of the Court, in its discretion, to enter an order of

possession ex parte and without notice, as is provided by 10 Del. C. § 6110(a), upon proper cause being

shown by the public agency.