### Question
How does the law define improved property?


### Answer
Under *16 U.S.C. § 459c*, **improved property** is defined as:

> a private noncommercial dwelling, including the land on which it is situated, whose construction was begun before September 1, 1959, or, in the case of areas added by action of the Ninety-fifth Congress, May 1, 1978 or, in the case of areas added by action of the Ninety-sixth Congress, May 1, 1979, and structures accessory thereto (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as "dwelling"), together with such amount and locus of the property adjoining and in the same ownership as such dwelling as the Secretary designates to be reasonably necessary for the enjoyment of such dwelling for the sole purpose of noncommercial residential use and occupancy. 

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 459c*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 1-NATIONAL PARKS, MILITARY PARKS, MONUMENTS, AND SEASHORES > SUBCHAPTER LXIII-NATIONAL SEASHORE RECREATIONAL AREAS**

