Chapter 18.16 — REVERSIONS TO ACREAGE AND LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS

(a)

Reversion to acreage by parcel map. The owner of land previously subdivided and consisting of four or less contiguous parcels may file with the city engineer a parcel map for the purpose of reverting the land to acreage. The purpose of this subsection is to enact an ordinance authorized by Government Code § 66499.20.1, and any parcel map submitted and approved under this section shall be consistent with and

subject to its requirements. Except to the extent otherwise required by this section and Government Code § 66499.20.1, the city engineer shall process the parcel map in accordance with article II of chapter 18.08 of this Code.

(b)

Merger and resubdivision. When permitted by Government Code § 66499.20.2 and subject to the conditions thereof, mergers and resubdivisions shall be accomplished by the filing of tentative and final maps or parcel maps in accordance with the provisions of this title.

(c)

Merger of contiguous parcels under common ownership. The owner of contiguous parcels may file a parcel map, or a certificate of compliance if seeking to have the parcel map requirement waived, to merge such parcels without reverting to acreage. The purpose of this subsection is to enact an ordinance authorized by Government Code § 66499.20.3, and any parcel map or instrument evidencing the merger submitted and approved under this section shall be consistent with and subject to its requirements. Except to the extent otherwise required by this subsection and Government Code § 66499.20.3, the city engineer shall process the parcel map in accordance with article II of chapter 18.08 of this Code. If the parcel map requirement is waived, the city engineer shall follow the requirements set forth in section 18.08.024.

(d)

Findings. The city engineer shall, subject to any additional requirements applicable to a parcel map under article II of chapter 18.08 of this Code, approve a reversion to acreage under subdivision (a) or a merger under subdivision (c) if he or she finds that:

(1)

The parcels to be merged at the time of merger are under common ownership.

(2)

The parcels as merged will be consistent with or be more closely compatible with the applicable general plan, specific plan, and zoning district regulations.

(3)

The parcels as merged will not be deprived of legal access as a result of the merger and access to all adjoining parcels will not be restricted by the merger.

(4)

All current and any delinquent taxes have been paid on all affected parcels.

(e)

Effect of reversion to acreage/merger on public streets and easements. In accordance with subdivision (j) of Government Code § 66446 and Government Code §§ 66499.20.1 and 66499.20.2, the recordation of a parcel map filed and approved under either subdivision (a) or (b) shall constitute abandonment of all public

streets or public easements not shown on the parcel map, subject to the requirements in said sections and subject to the city's right to maintain any public streets or public easements by so marking on the parcel map.

(Code 1969, § 18.16.010; Ord. No. 559, § 1(part), 1986; Ord. No. 987-2022, § 1, 2-22-2022)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 987-2022, § 1, adopted Feb. 22, 2022, amended § 18.16.010 and in doing so changed the title of said section from "Reversions to acreage" to "Reversions to acreage and parcel mergers," as set out herein.

The city engineer shall approve lot line adjustments between two adjacent parcels under the following conditions:

(1)

The land taken from one parcel is added to an adjacent parcel and a greater number of parcels than originally existed are not created.

(2)

All parcels involved in the lot line adjustment be recognized parcels as defined by this title.

(3)

Construction of any missing off-site improvements shall be required for parcels which have existing on-site structures.

(4)

The parcels geometry is not substantially rearranged in shape, size, general layout or complexity so as to constitute a resubdivision of the property.

(5)

All right-of-way as required by the circulation element or specific street plans have been dedicated on the parcels involved.

(6)

After the lot line adjustment, none of the parcels involved will be substandard in either frontage or area (unless granted a variance by the planning commission).

(7)

The city engineer may require a record of survey be recorded with the county for any or all newly adjusted lots.

(Code 1969, § 18.16.020; Ord. No. 559, § 1(part), 1986)