In the original government survey system, lakes, streams and other features were sometimes encountered which
created fractional pieces of land less than a quarter section in size. These fractional segments were identified by
number. The specific lot number then became the legal description for that land parcel and these parcels were
called government lots.
Today, acreage lost due to township correction lines and unascertainable errors is placed in the quarter sections
bordering the western and northern boundaries of a township. These geographical divisions which would
otherwise qualify as quarter-quarter sections are also referred to as “government lots.” A government lot does
not necessarily contain a standard number of acres.
Record of Survey
After establishing points or lines, a land surveyor or civil engineer who has made a survey in conformity with
land surveying practices may file a record of survey relating to boundaries or property lines with the county
surveyor in the county in which the survey was made. This record of survey map discloses: (l) material
evidence of physical change which does not appear on any map previously recorded in the office of the county
recorder; (2) a material discrepancy with information of record with the county; (3) any evidence that might
result in alternate positions of lines or points; and (4) the establishment of lines not shown on a recorded map
which are not ascertainable from an inspection of the map without trigonometric calculations.
The county surveyor, after examining a record of survey map filed with the surveyor’s office, will then file it
with the county recorder.
Assessor’s Maps
The county assessor may prepare and file in the assessor’s office an accurate map of any land in the county and
may number or letter the parcels in a manner approved by the board of supervisors. Section 327 of the Revenue
and Taxation Code provides “that land shall not be described in any deed or conveyance by a reference to any
such map unless such map has been filed for record in the office of the county recorder of the county in which
such land is located.”
Informal Method
In the absence of a title report, it is often found convenient to refer to a specific parcel of realty by street
number, name (e.g., “The Norris Ranch”), or blanket reference (e.g., “my lot on High Street”). These methods
are legal, but title companies will not ordinarily insure title involving such a description.
If there is doubt about the correct property description method to be used, a person should consult with a
licensed engineer or surveyor or with a title company.