California Subdivisions   

PARCEL MAPS:  For a property that is to be divided into four or fewer lots, Alaco will work with a client's surveyor to prepare:

• a tentative map and a tentative improvement plan that demonstrates conformance with local subdivision and zoning ordinances to the satisfaction of the local planning authority

• a plan and construction cost estimate for improvements to the public right of way that abut the proposed subdivision for approval by the local public works authority

• a parcel map to be approved by the City or County Surveyor for filing with the County Recorder

FINAL MAPS (aka Tract Maps):  We generally avoid efforts to divide property into five or more lots, as the requirements for tentative and  final map approval can be unpredictably subjective and onerous and any hope for success usually requires broad community support and political influence. The cost associated with numerous studies, surveys, preliminary design, legal counsel, public relations, political lobbying, financing, dedications and securities for relocating or undergrounding existing utilities and extending or upgrading public stormwater systems, streets, sidewalks, traffic control, lighting systems, and other facilities often prove unfeasible to all but the most well funded of investment projects. Final maps are fraught with risk, and many such ventures fail. 

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

A Guide to Understanding Residential Subdivisions  |  CA Dept of Real Estate

Want to Subdivide Your Property? What's Legally Possible  |  Nolo

You Can Kill Single Family Zoning, but You Can't Kill the Suburbs  |  Slate

SB 9: It's not a Duplex Bill, It's a Fourplex Bill!  |  JDSupra

Alaco's in progress or recently completed subdivisions:

Tentative Parcel Map 11128  |  Hayward, Portsmouth Avenue

Tentative Parcel Map 11127  |  Hayward, Morse Court

Tentative Parcel Map 11122   |  Castro Valley, Edwards Lane

Tentative Parcel Map 10915   |  Castro Valley, Jensen Road

Tentative Parcel Map 10878   |  Castro Valley, Heyer Avenue

Tentative Parcel Map 10569   |  Castro Valley, Stanton Avenue