LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT

WHAT IS A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT (LLA)?

A lot line adjustment is the process that is used to change property lines of existing parcels. The process can be used to do a number of things, such as: combine two (2) or more adjacent parcels into one (1) parcel, alter the boundary between two (2) parcels, or reconfigure the shapes of parcels. In every instance, the lot line adjustment process will yield the same number of parcels that you began with, or fewer. The lot line adjustment process is not used to create additional parcels.

WHAT ARE THE SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT?

Applications for a lot line adjustment may be obtained at the Planning Department counter or mailed upon request. Typically, a licensed land surveyor or registered civil engineer will submit the application on behalf of the property owner, as state law requires that new legal descriptions must be prepared by one of these professionals.

Once an application is submitted to this office, it is reviewed to determine if it is complete. An application package will consist of the following:

* Application form, signed by the owners and agent/representative;

* Two (2) copies of a preliminary title report (less than ninety (90) days old);

* A map of the existing situation and the proposed situation, prepared by a land surveyor or engineer (required by local ordinance) and state law;

* A legal description of each new lot, prepared by a land surveyor or civil engineer;

* Hazardous Waste Site Verification Statement; and

* Preliminary review fee.

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that an environmental study be prepared for some types of projects. Lot line adjustments are normally exempt from the requirements of CEQA.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE APPLICATION IS ACCEPTED AS COMPLETE?

Under normal circumstances, the lot line adjustment process does not require any public hearings or notifications. As such, the processing of this kind of request is very quick. Once the application is determined to be complete, the processing fees will be requested.

The Department will next request that the County Surveyor review the proposed legal description. If the legal description is satisfactory and everything else is in order, a Notice of Decision (letter) will be sent to your representative informing them of our action. That notice will contain conditions of approval that must be met in order to obtain a Certificate of Compliance. At this point, your lot line adjustment is approved (in concept). However, the lot lines are not yet adjusted.

Typical conditions of approval require that you: submit an updated preliminary title report (less than ten (10) days old), record a deed creating the newly configured parcels, and modify and rerecord any deeds of trust affecting the property so that they reflect the new configuration. This office works with your title company to coordinate the recording of all the necessary documents.

Once all of the conditions of approval have been satisfied, a Certificate of Compliance will be recorded. The Certificate of Compliance is a legal document certifying that the newly configured parcels have been legally created. Title companies and financial institutions recognize a Certificate of Compliance as being verification of the legal parcel configuration.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT?

Upon submittal of the application for a preliminary review, you should expect a written response in about two (2) weeks. Once the application is complete and the processing fees have been paid, it takes normally about two (2) additional weeks to obtain a Notice of Decision.

Upon verification that all of the conditions of approval have been satisfied, a minimum of one (1) week is needed to prepare the Certificate of Compliance for recording.

In certain instances, the Department offers overthe-counter processing of lot line adjustments. This type of processing reduces the approximate four (4) week time frame to one (1) day. Of course, complex lot line adjustments cannot be processed over-the-counter, and this service is only offered to licensed land surveyors and registered civil engineers who are already familiar with the county's lot line adjustment process.

AFTER THE LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT IS APPROVED AND RECORDED, WHAT HAPPENS?

The lots are legally reconfigured upon recordation of the deeds and the Certificate of Compliance. It will take several weeks for the county's records (Assessor's maps, Surveyor's case maps, etc.) to actually be updated. This Department will mail a copy of the recorded Certificate of Compliance to your representative. That document is your verification that the process is complete. The original Certificate of Compliance is kept on file in this Department. If you should need a copy, one can be easily obtained.

Please telephone (661) 862-8600 and ask to speak to a planner assigned to the Land Division Unit if you have any questions regarding the lot line adjustment process.

(FORM202.PDS 2/99)