California law requires condemning agencies to make an offer of just compensation to a property owner before adopting a resolution of necessity and initiating an eminent domain lawsuit. The offer must be provided with a written summary identifying (1) the date of value, (2) the highest and best use and zoning of the property, (3) the principal sales transactions, (4) cost or capitalization analyses, when applicable, and (5) calculations and a narrative for any damages and/or benefits. (Gov. Code § 7267.2.)

Originally published in IRWA Sacramento Newsletter - January/February 2018.