NOTICE OF LAND ACQUISITION PROCEDURES
PURPOSE
-It is the purpose of this statement to describe the process followed by the CityofSanta
Rosa in the acquisition of real property.
OBJECTIVES OF REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION PRACTICES
In the administration of its real property acquisition program, the City intends to:
a. Make every reasonable effort to acquire real property expeditiously through
negotiated agreements.
b. Pay just compensation for all property interests acquired and conduct its acquisition
acti ities in a manner that minimizes hardsrJ.ip to owners and tenants and promotes
public confidence in the City's land acquisition practices.
c. Assure consistent treatment of all owners and tenants.
d. Minimize litigation in the acquisition of real property.
DETERMINATION OF JUST COMPENSATION
t An appraisal of your real property is to be made to determine the basis for just
compensation before negotiations are started. (Real property is defined as the rights
and interests possessed in land and generally whatever is erected, or growing upon, or
affixed to, land.) You, or a representative you designate in writing shall be given an
opportunity to accompany the appraiser on his inspection. This provision affords you
an opportunity to point out any unusual or hidden features the property may possess.
SEVERANCE DAMAGES
In the event the City purchases only a portion of the ovmer's property and thereby
decreases the value of the remaining property, the owner will be paid for the loss in
value of the remaining property. Such damages or loss will be evaluated by the
appraiser and explained to the property owner by the negotiator. If the acquisition of
any part of the owner's real property will leave the owner with an uneconomic
remnant, the City will offer to acquire the entire property.
DISAGREEMENT AS TO FAIR MARKET VALUE
If the owner feels the City's offer of just compensation does not represent the true fair
market value of the property, the owner may refuse to accept it. The owner \vill be
Igiven reasonable opportunity to present material which the owner feels to be relevant
as to value and to suggest modification in the proposed terms and conditions of the
purchase and the City will carefully consider the owner's presentation. If a voluntary
agreement can not be reached, the City will either institute a formal condemnation pro-
ceeding against the property or give notice ofits decision to abandon acquisition of the
property.