Cheboygan County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Cheboygan County in 2026
CheboyganRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Cheboygan County, Michigan. Members of the public may find data pertaining to ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessments, mortgage documents, liens, plat maps, and property valuations. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not capture every transaction or document on file with county offices.
Property records in Cheboygan County may be searched through several official channels, including the Register of Deeds, the County Equalization Department, township assessor offices, and the Michigan Department of Treasury's online resources. The Register of Deeds List By Michigan County maintained by the Michigan Department of Treasury identifies the Cheboygan County Register of Deeds at 870 S. Main Street as the primary repository for recorded instruments affecting real property.
Primary Official Resources for Searching Property Records:
- Cheboygan County Register of Deeds — recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats
- Cheboygan County Equalization Department — property assessments, taxable values, and parcel data
- Township Assessor Offices — local assessment records, exemption applications, and personal property statements
- Michigan DTMB Tax Parcel Data Hub — statewide parcel boundary data and GIS mapping
- Michigan Department of Treasury — tax payment records and delinquency information
Online Search Methods
Property Appraiser and Parcel Data:
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget maintains the Cheboygan County Tax Parcel Website through its Michigan Geographic Framework Data Hub. This resource provides parcel boundary data, ownership information, and links to county-level property databases. Members of the public may search by parcel ID, owner name, or property address at no cost and without registration.
Search options available through the parcel data system include:
- Property address
- Owner name (last name first)
- Parcel ID / tax account number
- Subdivision name
- GIS map location and aerial photography
- Legal description
Information available through parcel and assessment searches includes:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property site address
- Legal description and lot dimensions
- Parcel identification number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Assessed value, taxable value, and state equalized value
- Exemptions applied
- Sales history and transfer dates
- GIS map with property boundaries
- Links to detailed property cards
Steps to search online:
- Navigate to the Cheboygan County Tax Parcel Website through the Michigan DTMB portal
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the specific parcel to view the full property card
- Access linked maps, sales history, and assessment data
- Print or save the information as needed
Register of Deeds Recorded Documents:
The Cheboygan County Register of Deeds indexes and maintains all instruments recorded against real property in the county. Recorded documents may be searched by grantor name, grantee name, document type, recording date range, or instrument number. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.25, all conveyances of real property must be recorded with the county register of deeds to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers.
Documents available through the Register of Deeds include:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mortgage satisfactions and releases
- Mechanic's liens and judgment liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Easements and access agreements
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Declarations of restrictions and covenants
- Lis pendens notices
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
Tax Information:
Township tax records and the Cheboygan County Equalization Department provide current tax bill status, payment history, outstanding balances, millage rates, and delinquency information. The Mullett Township tax resources page references the Cheboygan County Equalization Department at www.cheboygancounty.net/property as the central resource for property tax and assessment data within the county.
GIS and Mapping:
The Michigan DTMB parcel data system includes interactive GIS mapping with aerial photography, property boundary overlays, zoning layers, flood zone designations, and environmental feature data. Members of the public may navigate the map to a specific location, click on a parcel, and access linked property information directly from the map interface.
In-Person Search Methods
Register of Deeds Office:
Cheboygan County Register of Deeds
870 S. Main Street
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Phone: (231) 627-8808
Register of Deeds List By Michigan County
Members of the public may visit the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours to inspect recorded instruments, request certified copies, search grantor/grantee indexes, and access original record books. Staff members are available to assist with document retrieval and index searches.
Cheboygan County Equalization Department:
Cheboygan County Equalization Department
870 S. Main Street, Suite 2
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Phone: (231) 627-8808
Cheboygan County Official Website
Burt Township Assessor (example township-level office):
Burt Township Assessor
Burt Township, Cheboygan County, MI
Burt Township Assessor Office
Township assessor offices maintain local assessment records, poverty exemption resolutions, personal property statements, and property exemption policies. The Burt Township Assessor currently administers poverty exemption resolutions and property exempt policies for parcels within Burt Township.
By Mail Requests
Register of Deeds — Mail Requests:
- Mailing address: 870 S. Main Street, Cheboygan, MI 49721
- Specify the document by instrument number, book and page, or property address with approximate recording date range
- Include a check or money order payable to Cheboygan County Register of Deeds for applicable copy fees
- Certified copies are available upon written request with appropriate payment
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Equalization Department — Mail Requests:
- Mailing address: 870 S. Main Street, Suite 2, Cheboygan, MI 49721
- Request specific parcel assessment data, property cards, or tax history
- Include the parcel ID number or property address
- Include payment for any applicable copy fees
Through Professionals
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests against a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions, resolve complex ownership disputes, and advise on chain of title deficiencies. Real estate agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull comparable sales histories, and provide market analysis as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
- When searching by owner name, enter the last name first and try variations including maiden names and business entity names
- When searching by address, attempt searches with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel ID number against multiple databases
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
- Records predating county digitization efforts may require an in-person visit to the courthouse
What Is Cheboygan County Property Records
Property records in Cheboygan County are official legal documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government offices and accessible to the public. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the foundation for property tax assessment. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 560.101 et seq., the state's Land Division Act governs the subdivision and recording of land parcels, establishing the framework within which county records are created and maintained.
Types of property records maintained in Cheboygan County include:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Trust documents affecting real property
- Life estate deeds
- Transfer records and chain of title documentation
- Ownership history from original land grants forward
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and access agreements
- Deed restrictions and covenants
- Homeowner association documents
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Annual property tax assessments and state equalized values
- Tax bills and payment histories
- Exemption records (homestead, poverty, veteran, disability)
- Millage rates and special assessment levies
- Delinquent tax records
Legal Descriptions and Mapping:
- Recorded subdivision plats
- Survey plats and re-plats
- Condominium declarations
- Metes and bounds descriptions
- GIS parcel boundary data
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning designations and land use classifications
- Code violation records
- The Cheboygan County zoning ordinance archived through GovInfo establishes the regulatory framework for land use designations and requires the maintenance of all records, property descriptions, and maps pertaining to designated high-risk erosion areas within the county.
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Cheboygan County Register of Deeds is responsible for recording, indexing, and maintaining all instruments affecting title to real property. The Cheboygan County Equalization Department administers property assessments, state equalized values, and taxable value determinations. Township assessors, including the Burt Township Assessor, maintain local assessment rolls, exemption applications, and personal property records at the municipal level. The county treasurer and township treasurers administer tax billing, collection, and delinquency proceedings.
Are Property Records Public Information in Cheboygan County?
Property records in Cheboygan County are public information. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., all public bodies in Michigan are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request. Property records maintained by the Register of Deeds, the Equalization Department, and township assessor offices are subject to this requirement. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency status is required to access property records.
As the Michigan Department of Treasury notes in its guidance on property records access, the recording system is designed to provide constructive notice to the public of all interests affecting real property. This centuries-old principle of American property law ensures that any person — whether a prospective buyer, lender, researcher, or member of the general public — may inspect recorded instruments and assessment data without restriction.
Legal basis for public access includes:
- Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL § 15.231)
- Michigan recording statutes requiring public indexing of all recorded instruments
- Common law tradition of open land records dating to the original land grant system
- Constitutional protections for property rights and transparent government operations
Information freely accessible to the public includes:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances of record
- Tax assessments and payment histories
- Property characteristics (size, year built, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information within property records is subject to redaction under Michigan law. Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from documents recorded after applicable privacy protections took effect. Individuals in protected categories — including law enforcement officers, judges, domestic violence victims, and stalking victims — may request address confidentiality protections through applicable state programs. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the relevant township assessor for specific policies.
Who may access property records:
Any member of the public may inspect and obtain copies of property records in Cheboygan County. There is no residency requirement, ownership requirement, or business purpose requirement. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property investors, genealogical researchers, journalists, and property owners reviewing their own records.
Commercial use of property records is permitted under Michigan law. Title insurance companies, data aggregators, appraisal firms, and real estate market research organizations routinely compile and analyze public property record data. Anti-harassment statutes and fair housing laws continue to apply regardless of the public nature of the underlying records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Cheboygan County?
The cost to obtain property records in Cheboygan County depends on the type of record requested, the format in which it is provided, and the office from which it is obtained. Viewing records in person at the Register of Deeds or Equalization Department is available at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested.
Standard fee schedule for the Cheboygan County Register of Deeds:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page |
| Recording a new document (first page) | $30.00 |
| Recording a new document (each additional page) | $3.00 per page |
| Transfer tax (state) | $3.75 per $500 of value |
| Transfer tax (county) | $0.55 per $500 of value |
Free access options:
- Online viewing of parcel data and assessment information through the Michigan DTMB tax parcel portal is available at no cost
- In-person inspection of recorded documents at the Register of Deeds office does not require payment
- Property assessment data through the Cheboygan County Equalization Department is publicly accessible without charge
- Township tax information, including current bills and payment history, is available through township offices at no cost for basic inquiries
Accepted payment methods at the Register of Deeds office include cash, check, and money order payable to Cheboygan County. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include a check or money order; staff will contact requesters if additional payment is required.
Fee waivers are not broadly available for standard copy requests. Indigent requesters or nonprofit organizations with specific statutory entitlements may inquire directly with the Register of Deeds regarding applicable provisions under Michigan law.
Recording fees and transfer taxes are governed by MCL § 600.2567 and the Michigan State Real Estate Transfer Tax Act, which establish the permissible fee structure for county recording offices statewide.
What's Included in a Cheboygan County Property Record?
A complete Cheboygan County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses ownership, physical characteristics, valuation, tax, encumbrance, and legal information pertaining to a specific parcel of real property.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership data includes the legal owner's name or names, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, deed book and page or instrument number, and the mailing address on file for tax billing purposes. Previous ownership information reflects the chain of title, listing prior owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references extending back through the county's recorded history.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by a site address, legal description (lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds description), parcel ID number, and tax account number. Condominium units carry additional unit-specific identifiers.
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, street frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction materials, exterior wall type, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, garage configuration, pool designation, heating and cooling systems, water source, and sewer system type. Additional structures such as sheds, barns, and outbuildings are noted where applicable.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records reflect the land value, building value, total assessed value, state equalized value, and taxable value for the current assessment year. Historical values for prior assessment years are maintained and accessible through the Equalization Department. Michigan's assessment system requires that assessed values equal 50 percent of true cash value under MCL § 211.27, the General Property Tax Act.
Tax Information:
Tax records include the current year tax amount, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, township, and special districts), due dates, payment status, and delinquency history. Exemptions applied — including principal residence exemptions, poverty exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions — are reflected in the taxable value calculation.
Sales History:
Sales history reflects prior transfer dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, or trust transfer), grantor and grantee names, and instrument numbers for the most recent transactions on record. Qualified and unqualified sale designations are noted for assessment purposes.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages appear with original amounts, lender names, recording dates, and book and page references. Liens of record — including federal and state tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens — are indexed by the Register of Deeds and accessible through grantor/grantee searches. Easements, deed restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices are similarly recorded and indexed.
Legal and Regulatory Information:
Zoning classification, permitted uses, flood zone designation (FEMA), wetlands designations, school district assignment, fire district, and special taxing district memberships are components of the full property record. The Cheboygan County zoning ordinance governs land use classifications and requires the maintenance of records and maps pertaining to high-risk erosion areas within the county.
Maps and Images:
Property records include GIS parcel boundary maps, aerial photographs, plat maps, property sketches, and in many cases exterior property photographs taken during assessor field reviews. Street-level imagery may be accessible through linked mapping systems.
What is not typically included in public property records:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Interior photographs
- Detailed personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded instruments
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Private purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Unrecorded agreements between parties
How Long Does Cheboygan County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Cheboygan County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and all other conveyance documents — are never destroyed. This permanent retention requirement reflects both the legal necessity of an unbroken chain of title and the historical importance of land records to the public.
As the Archives of Michigan states in its guidance on government record preservation, the Archives is responsible for preserving the records of Michigan government and other public institutions, ensuring that historically significant records remain accessible to the public in perpetuity.
Records kept permanently by the Cheboygan County Register of Deeds include:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types) dating to county formation
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- All recorded plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- All recorded easements, restrictions, and covenants
- All recorded powers of attorney affecting real property
- All court documents affecting title
- Assessment rolls and property cards (maintained by the Equalization Department)
Format and Storage:
Historical records from the county's earliest period exist in handwritten ledger books maintained in the Register of Deeds vault. Mid-twentieth century records are available on microfilm. Records from recent decades are maintained as digital scans within electronic document management systems, with off-site backup and cloud-based redundancy. The Register of Deeds office maintains climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm records and employs disaster recovery protocols for digital archives.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Record Age | Typical Availability |
|---|---|
| Last 20 years | Fully online in most Michigan counties |
| 20–50 years | May be online; microfilm available in-person |
| 50–100 years | Original books or microfilm; staff retrieval required |
| 100+ years | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Members of the public seeking historical records predating the county's digitization period may contact the Register of Deeds to arrange retrieval. Staff can locate documents by property address, legal description, approximate time period, or document type. Retrieval time ranges from same-day to several business days depending on the age and format of the requested record.
Property Appraiser and Assessment Records:
The Cheboygan County Equalization Department retains current and historical assessment rolls, property cards, and state equalized value determinations permanently. Exemption applications are retained according to the Michigan Records Retention Schedule applicable to local government units. Recent assessment history — typically covering ten or more prior years — is accessible through the online parcel data system.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard Michigan local government retention schedules. Tax deed records resulting from delinquent tax proceedings are maintained permanently by the Register of Deeds. Delinquency records are accessible through the county treasurer's office.
Chain of Title:
The unbroken chain of title for any parcel in Cheboygan County extends from the original federal land patent or territorial grant through every subsequent recorded transfer to the present owner. Title searches conducted in connection with real estate transactions review the chain of title for a period determined by Michigan's Marketable Record Title Act and standard title insurance underwriting practices. Gaps or defects in the chain of title create title problems that must be resolved before clear title can be conveyed.
Requesting Historical Records:
Cheboygan County Register of Deeds
870 S. Main Street
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Phone: (231) 627-8808
Register of Deeds List By Michigan County
Cheboygan County Equalization Department
870 S. Main Street
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Phone: (231) 627-8808
Cheboygan County Official Website
Digitization and Preservation:
Cheboygan County, in common with many Michigan counties, participates in ongoing digitization efforts to convert historical paper and microfilm records into searchable digital formats. These projects, which may be supported by state or federal preservation grants, expand online access to records that previously required in-person visits. Public access rights to all records — regardless of format or age — are guaranteed under Michigan law.
How To Find Liens on Property in Cheboygan County?
Liens on property in Cheboygan County are recorded instruments and may be located through the Register of Deeds grantor/grantee index, the Michigan Department of Treasury tax lien database, and federal court records for IRS liens. Members of the public conducting a lien search should consult multiple sources to obtain a complete picture of encumbrances affecting a specific parcel.
Step-by-step lien search process:
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Search the Register of Deeds index — Navigate to the Cheboygan County Register of Deeds at 870 S. Main Street, Cheboygan, MI 49721, or access the online recorded document index. Search by the property owner's name as grantor to identify judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and state tax liens recorded against the individual. Search by parcel ID or legal description where the system permits property-specific searches.
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Search for federal tax liens — The IRS files federal tax liens with the county Register of Deeds in the county where the taxpayer resides or owns property. Federal tax liens appear in the grantor index under the taxpayer's name. The U.S. Tax Court and IRS lien records may provide supplemental information for federal tax lien searches.
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Search for state tax liens — The Michigan Department of Treasury files state tax liens with the county Register of Deeds. These appear in the grantor index and are searchable by the taxpayer's name.
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Search for judgment liens — Judgment liens arise from court judgments and are recorded with the Register of Deeds to attach to real property owned by the judgment debtor. Search the grantor index under the property owner's name and cross-reference with the Cheboygan County Circuit Court records for active judgments.
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Search for mechanic's liens — Contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers may file mechanic's liens against property on which they performed work. These are recorded with the Register of Deeds and indexed under the property owner's name and, in some cases, the property address.
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Search for HOA liens — Homeowner association liens for unpaid assessments are recorded with the Register of Deeds. Search by the property owner's name or the HOA name as grantor.
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Search for code enforcement liens — Municipal and county code enforcement liens are recorded with the Register of Deeds when a property owner fails to remedy a code violation after notice. Search by property owner name or contact the relevant municipality's code enforcement office.
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Verify lien releases — For each lien identified, search for a corresponding release or satisfaction document. A lien that has been paid and released will have a recorded release instrument indexed under the lienholder's name as grantor.
Official resources for lien searches:
Cheboygan County Register of Deeds
870 S. Main Street
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Phone: (231) 627-8808
Register of Deeds List By Michigan County
Cheboygan County Circuit Court
870 S. Main Street
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Phone: (231) 627-8820
Michigan Courts One Court of Justice
Members of the public seeking a comprehensive lien search for real estate transaction purposes are advised to engage a licensed title company or real estate attorney, as professional title searches incorporate multiple index searches and provide title insurance coverage against undiscovered liens.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Cheboygan County?
The property owner rule in Cheboygan County refers to the body of Michigan statutory and common law principles governing the rights, responsibilities, and limitations applicable to owners of real property within the county. Under Michigan law, property ownership confers the right to use, enjoy, exclude others from, and transfer real property, subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and state and local ordinances.
Ownership Rights Under Michigan Law:
Michigan recognizes several forms of concurrent ownership, each carrying distinct legal implications:
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant or tenants take the deceased owner's interest automatically, without probate
- Tenancy in common — Each co-owner holds an undivided fractional interest that passes through the owner's estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety — Available only to married couples in Michigan; provides creditor protection against the individual debts of either spouse
- Trust ownership — Property held in a revocable or irrevocable trust is titled in the name of the trustee for the benefit of the trust beneficiaries
Recording Requirements:
Under MCL § 565.29, every conveyance of real property in Michigan that is not recorded is void as against any subsequent purchaser in good faith and for valuable consideration whose conveyance is first duly recorded. This "race-notice" recording rule means that a property owner who fails to record a deed risks losing priority to a subsequent purchaser who records first without knowledge of the prior unrecorded transfer.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
Property owners in Cheboygan County are subject to the county's zoning ordinance, which establishes permitted uses, setback requirements, lot coverage limitations, and building height restrictions for each zoning district. The Cheboygan County zoning ordinance as archived through GovInfo reflects the county's land use regulatory framework, including provisions governing high-risk erosion areas along the county's shorelines. Property owners proposing new construction, additions, or changes in land use must obtain applicable permits and zoning approvals from the county or relevant township prior to commencing work.
Property Tax Obligations:
Property owners in Cheboygan County are subject to annual property tax assessments administered by township assessors under the General Property Tax Act. The principal residence exemption, available to owners who occupy their property as their primary residence, reduces the taxable value of the property by exempting it from the local school operating millage. Applications for the principal residence exemption and other available exemptions — including poverty exemptions administered under policies such as those published by the Burt Township Assessor — must be filed with the relevant township assessor by the applicable statutory deadline.
Riparian and Shoreline Rights:
Cheboygan County contains extensive shoreline along Lake Huron, Mullett Lake, Black Lake, and numerous inland waterways. Michigan law grants riparian property owners — those whose land abuts a navigable water body — certain rights to use the water and the bed of the water body adjacent to their property, subject to the public trust doctrine and applicable state and local regulations. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources administers permitting requirements for structures and activities affecting navigable waters and designated high-risk erosion areas.
Adverse Possession:
Michigan law permits a person who openly, notoriously, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely possesses another's real property for a period of fifteen years to acquire legal title through adverse possession. Property owners in Cheboygan County should ensure that their boundaries are clearly marked and that any encroachments by neighboring parties are addressed promptly to avoid potential adverse possession claims.
Eminent Domain:
The government retains the power of eminent domain to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article X, Section 2 of the Michigan Constitution. Property owners subject to a taking proceeding have the right to contest both the necessity of the taking and the adequacy of the compensation offered.