Subdivisions

When a client wishes to subdivide a property into either a major subdivision (more than four parcels) or minor subdivision (four or less parcels) our Survey Department will initially provide a topographic survey if one has not yet been done. The topographic survey will be used as a base for all future design, including processing of the Tentative Map, which is the conceptual approval by either Planning Department staff or Planning Commission.  The Tentative Map will reflect the conformity or need for exception/variance of the site relative to the zoning regulations of the municipality and typically involves multiple interactions with the Planning department staff.

After the Tentative Map is approved and the official Conditions of approval are received, the Civil Department will work in parallel with the Survey Department to meet those conditions. In the Civil Department we will prepare plans, exhibits, cost estimates and other miscellaneous information as required under the conditions of approval for final acceptance of the overall package. While this is occurring the Survey Department will draw a precise and detailed final Subdivision Map and have it reviewed and approved by the governing agency, at which time the County Recorder will record the Subdivision Map. This map, along with all approvals,  is what legally subdivides a lot. We will physically set any boundary corners to show in the field a permanent location of the property lines.

The final Subdivision Map is called a Parcel Map if the number of parcels is four or less.