Eminent domain: appraisals.

Existing law, the Eminent Domain Law, authorizes a public entity to exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire property for a public use, as specified. Existing law entitles the owner of a property acquired by eminent domain to specified compensation. Existing law requires a public entity to pay reasonable costs, not to exceed $5,000, of an independent appraisal ordered by the owner of a property that the public entity offers to purchase under the threat of eminent domain. This bill would require a public entity that offers to purchase property under a threat of eminent domain related to specified purposes to pay the full reasonable costs of an independent appraisal ordered by the owner.