Steenhuyse v. City of Fullerton
The City of Fullerton (the City) appeals from a judgment against it in this inverse condemnation action brought by Matthew and Alison Van Steenhuyse after their residential property, located adjacent to and at the bottom of a natural watercourse, suffered significant flooding during a rainstorm. The City contends the trial court failed to apply the pertinent legal principles set forth in Locklin v. City of Lafayette (1994) 7 Cal.4th 327 (Locklin), pertaining to public entity liability for discharge of runoff surface water into a natural watercourse, and when properly applied, those rules preclude a finding of inverse condemnation liability in this case. Court agree and reverse the judgment with directions to enter judgment in favor of the City.
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