Which term refers to the restrictions the government can impose on the use of land without taking ownership?

The correct term for the restrictions that the government can impose on the use of land without taking ownership is regulatory taking. This concept refers to governmental actions that significantly limit the property rights of an owner without formal title transfer. Regulatory takings can occur through zoning laws, land use regulations, and environmental restrictions, which affect how a landowner can utilize their property.

This concept is grounded in the Fifth Amendment, which protects private property from being taken for public use without just compensation. While the government does not take formal ownership of the land, imposing stringent regulations can diminish the value and use of the property, which is viewed as a taking under certain circumstances.

Other options represent different legal principles. Eminent domain refers specifically to the government's right to take private property for public use with compensation. Public restrictions generally denote the broad set of rules and laws governing land use but are not a specific legal term under which the government imposes limitations. Escheat involves reverting property to the state when an owner dies without heirs, which is unrelated to restrictions on land use. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in real estate principles.