Amazon Appeals Property Assessment in Visalia for $134M Valuation

The Assessment Appeals Board meeting held on July 21, 2025, in Tulare County focused on a significant property appeal concerning Amazon's distribution facility located at 8817 West Weibra Avenue in Visalia. The appeal was initiated by Amazon regarding the assessed value of the property, which was determined by the county assessor to be approximately $182.9 million, comprising a land value of $8 million and a building value of $175 million.

During the meeting, representatives from Amazon presented their case, arguing for a revised property value of $134 million. They based this valuation on three established appraisal approaches: cost, sales, and income. The Amazon team detailed their methodology, emphasizing the use of the Marshall & Swift cost data to assess the building's replacement and depreciation costs.

The discussion included a breakdown of the property characteristics, highlighting that the facility is a mega warehouse with a height of 41 feet. The representatives provided supporting documentation, including maps and comparisons to five nearby properties, to justify their proposed land value of $8 million, which they argued was reasonable.

In terms of the cost approach, the Amazon team calculated the building value to be approximately $124 million, leading to a total value of $132 million when combined with the agreed land value. They also presented an income approach, discussing cap rates and vacancy rates derived from market studies. The cap rates ranged from 3.5% to 6.77%, reflecting the unique nature of the large facility, which made direct comparisons challenging.

The meeting concluded with the board acknowledging the complexity of the valuation process for such a large property and the need for careful consideration of the presented evidence. The board will deliberate on the appeal and provide a decision in due course, which could have significant implications for property assessments in the region.