Gov. Code, § 7267.9

(a) Prior to the initiation of negotiations for acquisition by a public entity or public utility of nonprofit, special use property, as defined by Section 1235.155 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the acquiring public entity or public utility shall make every reasonable effort to seek alternative property which is other than nonprofit, special use property. However, this requirement shall not apply to properties acquired by public entities for transportation purposes, including, but not limited to, the construction, expansion, or improvement of streets, highways, or railways.

(b) This section does not apply to actions or proceedings commenced by a public entity or public utility to acquire real property or any interest in real property for the use of water, sewer, electricity, telephone, natural gas, or flood control facilities or rights-of-way where those acquisitions neither require removal or destruction of existing improvements, nor render the property unfit for the owner’s present or proposed use.