land he legally owns

Well the thing is he doesn't really own it. He owns the right to use it, and that right is extremely limited. You really can't say you own land when:

1. Men with guns will kick you off the land if you stop paying your ~~rent~~ property taxes.
2. The rights you do have over the land can be removed if the community decides they have a better use for it.
3. Someone else might own the rights to resources on the land like minerals, oil, or water.
4. Any substantial improvements or change of use must be approved by the local government.