If property (as a result of its destruction in whole or in part, theft, seizure, or requisition or condemnation or threat or imminence thereof) is compulsorily or involuntarily converted into money or into property not similar or related in service or use to the converted property, and the disposition of the converted property (as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 24943) occurred after December 31, 1952, the gain (if any) shall be recognized except to the extent hereinafter provided in this section:

1. (a) If the taxpayer during the period specified in subdivision (b), for the purpose of replacing the property so converted, purchases other property similar or related in service or use to the property so converted, or purchases stock in the acquisition of control of a corporation owning such other property, at the election of the taxpayer the gain shall be recognized only to the extent that the amount realized upon such conversion (regardless of whether such amount is received in one or more taxable years) exceeds the cost of such other property or such stock. Such election shall be made at such time and in such manner as the Franchise Tax Board may by regulations prescribe. For purposes of this subdivision—

   1. (1) No property or stock acquired before the disposition of the converted property shall be considered to have been acquired for the purpose of replacing such converted property unless held by the taxpayer on the date of such disposition; and
   2. (2) The taxpayer shall be considered to have purchased property or stock only if, but for the provisions of Section 24947, the unadjusted basis of such property or stock would be its cost within the meaning of Section 24912.

2. (b) The period referred to in subdivision (a) shall be the period beginning with the date of the disposition of the converted property, or the earliest date of the threat or imminence of requisition or condemnation of the converted property, whichever is the earlier, and ending—

   1. (1) Two years after the close of the first taxable year in which any part of the gain upon the conversion is realized; or
   2. (2) Subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified by the Franchise Tax Board, at the close of such later date as the Franchise Tax Board may designate on application by the taxpayer. Such application shall be made at such time and in such manner as the Franchise Tax Board may by regulations prescribe.
3. (c) For purposes of this section and Section 24943, replacement property “similar or related in service or use” shall include, in the case of a nonprofit water utility corporation, personal property used for the transmission or storage of water.