Problem
After the impact of the January-February 2020 earthquakes in the southwest of Puerto Rico, the Government decides to adopt the following measures:
Establish rules applicable to any property located in historic areas in the municipalities of Ponce, Yauco, Guánica, Guayanilla, Patillas, and Lajas. The rules require restoration complying with construction minimums to avoid a future collapse. In addition, they establish that if it cannot be restored following these rules, the property must be torn down.
Expropriate homes or structures that are located in the maritime-terrestrial zone and that after the earthquakes have remained below sea level, partially or totally separated from the coast, or less than 300 meters from the maritime-terrestrial zone.
Discuss the validity and impact of these measures from a Property Rights perspective. Contrast your analysis with the Government of Puerto Rico's role of governance and its responsibility to act in compliance with the Due Care legal standard.