As used in this article, ‘‘condemning body’’ or ‘‘condemnor’’ means:

(1) The State of Georgia or any branch or any department, board, commission, agency, or authority of the executive branch of the government of the State of Georgia;

(2) Any county or municipality of the State of Georgia;

(3) Any housing authority with approval of the governing authority of the city or county as provided in Code Section 8-3-31.1;

(4) Any other political subdivision of the State of Georgia which possesses the power of eminent domain; and

(5) All public utilities that possess the right or power of eminent domain.