The pre-appraisal contact/interview (see Appendix A for guidelines) should be a personal meeting. During this meeting, give the property owner information on the overall timing of right of way acquisition, the general type of facility to be constructed, and the appraisal procedure that will follow. However, do not make a commitment to value or make an offer before receiving approved values. Use this contact to determine, initially, existence of the following items:

property improvements
leasehold interests in improvements on the property
known hazardous materials affecting the property
known or evident underground improvements
known liens against the property
advertising signs on the property

During pre-appraisal contact, resolve any possible controversy with the property owner by distinguishing between realty being acquired and personalty not being acquired.

The LPA may use TxDOT form during the pre-appraisal contact. The LPA should also refer to of this manual.

ROW PD should monitor all pre-appraisal procedures by an LPA on 90-10 projects to ensure that TxDOT’s guidelines are followed.

NOTE:

The LPA should make every effort to identify potential on-site hazardous materials during the acquisition process.

If the LPA suspects that donated property may be contaminated, it should obtain right of entry from the property owner and investigate

prior

to accepting the donation. Refer to the Environmental Checklist for LPAs.