City of Pacifica
Home MenuLot Line Adjustment
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidance to city staff and the public related to the processing of Lot Line Adjustments.
Authority & Scope
State Government Code Section 66412 (d) governs Lot Line Adjustments. Pacifica Municipal Code Section 10-1.303 (c) provides the local implementing legislation.
Discussion
The Lot Line Adjustment, hereinafter referred to as LLA, is a procedure that allows for the reconfiguration of the existing lot lines of four or fewer adjoining lots without creating any additional lots. An LLA is not a subdivision. All lots resulting from an LLA must conform to existing zoning ordinance, building ordinance, general plan and local coastal plan requirements. The subdivision process shall be used where an LLA is not appropriate.
Depending on the complexity of the existing property(ies) and proposed lot lines, the City Engineer may require that the plat map, legal descriptions and closure calculations be prepared, signed and stamped by a licensed surveyor or other person authorized to practice surveying in California. A Record of Survey shall not be required for an LLA unless required by California Business and Professions Code section 8762. If the existing property(ies) and proposed lot lines are rectangular in shape, no closure calculation shall be required and the plat map and legal descriptions need not be prepared, signed and stamped by a licensed surveyor. In such cases, the plat map must be signed by the preparer and the legal descriptions must be certified by a Title Company.
An LLA can be an efficient means for property owner(s) to clear up lot line locations that are problematic. Conditions of approval and exactions may not be imposed by the City upon an LLA. If the requirements of Government Code Section 66412 (d) and Pacifica Municipal Code Section 10-1.303 (c) are satisfied (e.g., no new lots are created, the resulting lots meet zoning ordinance, building ordinance, general plan and local coastal plan requirements, access to infrastructure maintained), then the LLA will be approved.
No lots created illegally shall be included in the lots to be adjusted. If a Certificate of Compliance is required for any of the properties, it may be processed concurrently with the LLA.
Submittals
Please submit all plans and documents via digital PDF/word format for initial and subsequent submittals unless otherwise requested. Original hardcopies will be required for the final certification and recordation. Initial submittal to be emailed to engineering@pacifica.gov and subsequent submittals to assigned point of contact.
A complete lot line adjustment application includes proof of deposit, a fully filled out application form including the submittal checklist, ownership documentation, recordable deeds, closure calculations, and zoning requirement map (if needed). Below is information on those submittals:
1. Deposit- Initial deposit of $5,000 is required for staff and consultant time and will be charged per Administrative Policy No. 2. LLAs vary in complexity and depending on the documentation review needed, the cost can be more or less than the deposit. Staff may ask the applicant to increase deposit and applicant may ask staff for remaining balance returned at conclusion of the LLA.
The online payment portal can be found at the City Website link at: https://www.cityofpacifica.org/payment (please note there is a $3 transaction fee to use this service). You can also submit payment at the Engineering Office located at 151 Milagra Drive.
For online payments, in the Invoice or Permit # field under the Additional Information section, please reference "Lot Line Adjustment-Engineering." In the Description of Payment field, please reference the addresses or APNs. We ask that you do not factor in the additional $3 into that box as the system will do that automatically.
2. Application Form- Signed by each of the affected property owners requesting the LLA with all of the information filled out.
3. Ownership Documentation- Documents establishing the ownership of the properties involved in the LLA - A recent title report(within 90 days) with document hyperlinks or a copy of the deed (dated within 90 days) for each affected lot can be used.
4. Recordable deed(s) reflecting the LLA. The deed(s) shall be labeled Exhibit A,B,C, etc. for as many as needed:
a. Legal descriptions of the existing property(ies) prior to the LLA.
b. Legal description of the property or portion of real property to be transferred.
c. Legal descriptions of adjusted parcels resulting from the LLA.
d. Plat map drawing(s) on 8.5 x 11 paper showing all existing and proposed lot lines, delineating transfer area, lot numbers, lot dimensions and bearings, basis of bearing and other City monuments within the project site and any existing easements. Other pertinent information shall be shown on the plat such as easements. It is to the applicant's discretion to use one plat map or more, however reviewer may request consolidation or expansion of maps.
5. Closure Calculations- Prepared, signed, and stamped by the licensed surveyor or other person authorized to practice surveying in California required for nonrectangular lots.
6. Zoning Requirement Map- Should structures exist on any of the effected lots, a separate plat map shall be prepared to show:
a. The proposed setbacks conform to City zoning.
b. Confirming lot widths still meet minimum required.
c. Confirming compliance of minimum or maximum lot coverages.
Review Procedure
1. Upon receiving application, Engineering shall review for completeness. If complete, Engineering will route the application to the Planning Department and 3rd party City Surveyor for their reviews.
2. Reviews (may take several submittals):
a. Planning will determine if the lots resulting from the LLA would meet zoning ordinance, building ordinance, general plan and local coastal plan requirements.
b. City Surveyor will check contents of the plat map, legal descriptions and closure calculations.
3. Engineering Point of Contact will relay any comments to applicant, receive resubmittals and re-route to appropriate reviewers.
4. Engineering will obtain a letter from the Finance Department declaring that no tax liens exist for the affected lots.
5. Upon approval of above, Engineering will provide 3 copies of the approved LLA to the applicant to get wet signed, notarized, and returned to Engineering.
6. City Engineer will wet sign 3 copies of the package.
7. Engineering will contact the applicant to pickup and record the package.
8. City will receive copy in mail from SMC Recorder.
* NOTE: The City’s review and Certificate of Compliance does not constitute to an actual transfer of the title of any portions of the parcels. A separate instrument is still required for the actual transfer of the title property (typically by grant deed).