California Surveyors Forums

Can property be divided by parcel map showing more than 4 parcels for a commercial / industrial development? The local agency is saying we cannot, but according to the SMA it seems like we can. Looking for some input from fellow surveyors on this.

SMA section 66426:

"A tentative or final map shall be required for all subdivisions creating five or more parcels...... except where any one of the following occurs:

(c) The land consists of a parcel or parcels of land having approved access to a public street or highway, which comprises part of a tract of land zoned for industrial or commercial development, and which has the approval of the governing body as to street alignments and widths.

(f) A parcel map shall be required for those subdivisions described in subdivisions (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e)."

Yes, according to the SMA you can have a parcel map for commercial/industrial development with more than 4 parcels (and a remainder).

BUT the agency may have an ordinance that requires anything over 4 parcels (and a remainder) be a final map only.

Check the city municipal code or subdivision ordinance and see what that says. If there isn't anything in it limiting you, then you should be ok with a PM.

What reason(s) does the City claim as their basis for denial of your subdivision via pracel map? If the parcel you want to divide was created by a parcel map and is still owned by the same owner/subdivider, then then the local agency could rightly require a tract map.

Woodcutter: I wonder how many times I have read that and never realized (f) used the word "shall".

Thanks

I would be happy to send you examples. We have hundreds of acres subdivided by C/I Parcel Map. Feel free to call me at 626 458-4006 or email at dhunter@dpw.lacounty.gov

I am a Deputy County Surveyor in LA County

P.S. Dan, I think what you are referring to relates to minor land divisions of four or fewer parcels where the owner tries to circumvent the SMA and improvement requirements for a major land division otherwise known as "Quartering". I don't believe that applies to C/I parcel maps.