Definitions Used in This Manual

Administrative Review
 - An administrative review process performed by a TxDOT staff member that is not a licensed appraiser.
Administrative Reviewer
 - A TxDOT staff member who signs the administrative review document only, but is not a licensed appraiser.
Appraisal
 - The term appraisal means a written statement independently and impartially prepared by a qualified appraiser setting forth an opinion of defined value of an adequately described property as of a specific date, supported by the presentation and analysis of relevant market information.
Appraisal Consulting
 - The act or process of developing an analysis, recommendation, or opinion to solve a problem, where an opinion of value is a component of the analysis leading to the assignment results. An appraisal consulting assignment involves an opinion of value but does not have an appraisal or an appraisal review as its primary purpose.
Appraisal Practice
 - Valuation services performed by
an individual acting as
 an appraiser, including but not limited to appraisal and appraisal review. Appraisal practice is provided only by appraisers, while valuation services are provided by a variety of professionals and others.
(source: USPAP 2022-2023 edition)
Appraisal Review
 -
(noun) The act or process of developing an opinion about the quality of another appraiser's work (i.e., a report, part of a report, a work file, or some combination of these), that was performed as part of an appraisal or appraisal review assignment; (adjective) of or pertaining to an opinion about the quality of another appraiser's work that was performed as part of an appraisal or appraisal review assignment.
(source: USPAP 2022-2023 edition)
Appraiser
 - One who is expected to perform valuation services competently and in a manner that is independent, impartial, and objective.
(source: USPAP 2022-2023 edition)
(2nd Option)
“Certified appraiser” means a person who is certified under this chapter to practice as a certified general or certified residential appraiser.
(3rd Option) An individual certified by the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board to provide real estate appraisal services in Texas.
(source:
43 TAC 9.81(1)
)
Commercial Sign
- A sign that is: (A) at any time intended to be leased, or for which payment of any type is intended to be or is received, for the display of any good, service, brand, slogan, message, product, or company, except that the term does not include a sign that is leased to a business entity and located on the same property on which the business is located; or (B) located on property owned or leased for the primary economic purpose of displaying a sign.
(source:
43 TAC 21.142
)
Department
 -Texas Department of Transportation (also see TxDOT as an acronym).
Department Certified Appraiser
 - A real estate appraiser, either state-certified general or state-certified residential having received department certification with TxDOT.
(See definitions at
43 TAC 9.81
)
Eminent Domain
 - Authority to exercise the power to take private property for public use upon payment of just or adequate compensation, based on the theory that property is granted to the property owner upon condition that it may be taken to serve the necessities for the sovereign power. Agencies created by the state to serve the public may exercise the power of eminent domain where that power is conferred by statute.
Jurisdictional Exception
 - An assignment condition established by applicable law or regulation, which precludes an appraiser from complying with a part of USPAP.
(source: USPAP 2022-2023 edition)
Off-System
 - Off-system is off the TxDOT-designated highway system.
(source: TxDOT Glossary October 2013)
On-System
 - On-system is on the TxDOT-designated highway system.
(source: TxDOT Glossary October 2013)
OnBase
- OnBase is the enterprise content management platform used by TxDOT to electronically store documents.
Professional Services
 - Services directly related to professional practices as defined by
Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A
.
Real Estate Appraiser
- An individual licensed and having either residential certification or general certification to provide real estate appraisal services in the State of Texas. For the purposes of this manual, the term “contract fee appraiser” is used when referencing a licensed certified residential appraiser or
certified
 general real estate appraiser that is performing appraisal services for TxDOT and is signing and certifying the appraisal document.
Real Property Consulting
 - The act or process of developing and reporting an analysis, recommendation, or opinion concerning real property, where an opinion of value is not a component of the analysis, recommendation, or opinion.
Request for Proposal (RFP)
 - A request for submittal of a proposal that demonstrates competence and qualifications of the provider to perform the requested services and shows an understanding of the specific project.
Review Appraiser
 - An individual licensed and having residential certification or general certification to provide real estate appraisal services in the State of Texas. For purposes of this manual, the term “contract review appraiser” is used when referencing a licensed certified residential or certified general real estate appraiser that is performing appraisal review services for TxDOT and is signing and certifying the appraisal/review document. The type of property reviewed must fall within the appraiser's permitted scope of practice under the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Act.
Right of Way Acquisition Professional Services (ROWAPS)
 - Work disciplines of right of way acquisition services, including appraisal services, but excluding surveying, engineering, or architectural services.
TxDOTCONNECT (TxC)
 - TxDOT's custom-built system for managing the delivery of transportation programs, projects, and right of way. Visit TxDOT's website for more
TxDOTCONNECT resources
.
TxC replaces the Right of Way Information System (ROWIS) software program.
Uniform Act
 - The term Uniform Act means the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970
(Pub. L. 91-646, 84 Stat. 1894; 42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.)
 and amendments thereto.
Work Authorization
 - A written authorization to begin work issued according to the entity and prime contract in place with TxDOT. The work authorization includes a detailed scope of work as well as a contract period and maximum amount payable that does not exceed the time or money restrictions specified in the prime contract.