BASIC SUBDIVISION LAWS
The two basic California subdivision laws are the Subdivision Map Act (Government Code Sections 66410, et
seq.) and the Subdivided Lands Law (Sections 11000 - 11200 of the Business and Professions Code;
hereinafter, the Code).
Subdivision Map Act
The Subdivision Map Act sets forth the conditions for approval of a subdivision map and requires enactment of
subdivision ordinances by which local governments have direct control over the types of subdivision projects to
be undertaken and the physical improvements to be installed. This act has two major objectives:
1. To coordinate a subdivision’s design (lots, street patterns, rights-of-way for drainage and sewers, etc.) with
the community plan; and
2. To insure that the subdivider will properly complete the areas dedicated for public purposes, so that they
will not become an undue burden upon the taxpayers of the community.
The Subdivision Map Act is discussed in detail later in this chapter.
Subdivided Lands Law
The Real Estate Commissioner (hereinafter, the Commissioner), administers the Subdivided Lands Law to
protect purchasers from fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit in the initial sale of subdivided property.
With a few important exceptions, no subdivision can be offered for sale in California until the Commissioner
has issued a subdivision public report. A public report includes important information and disclosures
concerning the subdivision offering.
The Commissioner does not issue the final public report until the subdivider has met all statutory requirements,
including financial arrangements to assure completion of improvements and facilities included in the offering
and a showing that the lots, units, or parcels can be used for the purpose for which they are being offered.