Pennsylvania Statutes Title 26 Pa.C.S.A. Eminent Domain § 504. Appointment of viewers

(1) Upon the filing of a petition for the appointment of viewers, the court, unless preliminary objections to the validity of the condemnation or jurisdiction warranting delay are pending, shall promptly appoint three viewers who shall view the premises, hold hearings and file a report.

(2) In counties of the first class, the court may appoint an alternate viewer in addition to the three viewers specifically appointed.

(3) The prothonotary shall promptly notify the viewers of their appointment unless a local rule provides another method of notification.

(4) No viewer shall represent a client or testify as an expert witness before the board.

(1) Any objection to the appointment of viewers may be raised by preliminary objections filed within 30 days after receipt of notice of the appointment of viewers.

(2) Objections to the form of the petition or the appointment or the qualifications of the viewers in any proceeding or to the legal sufficiency or factual basis of a petition filed under section 502(c) (relating to petition for appointment of viewers) are waived unless included in preliminary objections.

(3) An answer with or without new matter may be filed within 20 days of service of preliminary objections, and a reply to new matter may be filed within 20 days of service of the answer.

(4) The court shall determine promptly all preliminary objections and make any orders and decrees as justice requires.

(5) If an issue of fact is raised, the court shall conduct an evidentiary hearing or order that evidence be taken by deposition or otherwise, but in no event shall evidence be taken by the viewers on this issue.