Map Modification Application User Guide

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  • WHAT IS A MAP MODIFICATION?

    A Map Modification (Map mod) is a process by which an owner can submit an application to make changes to a recorded final map or parcel map. The changes that can be requested through a Map mod include, but are not limited to, secured improvement requirements, access locations, condition timing, and the lot/parcel layout. Map mods require review for conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to determine if the project will impact the environment.  Subjects typically reviewed under CEQA include biological resources, cultural resources, noise, and traffic. Map mods are also reviewed for conformance with local ordinances and improvement standards. 

    Map mods are processed by Planning & Development Services (PDS).  PDS is committed to helping customers navigate the mapping process and ensuring customer satisfaction. Applicants and their professional staff (Engineer and/or Land Surveyor) will work directly with PDS mapping and engineering staff. When issues arise, applicants can request a Project Issue Resolution Conference at any time in the process to discuss issues with Executive Management and County project staff.

  • WHEN DO YOU NEED A MAP MODIFICATION?

    A Map Mod is required to make changes to a recorded final map or parcel map when circumstances surrounding a development change.  A Map mod can only be processed before a development is completed pursuant to the resolution or final notice of approval.  

  • CONSISTENCY WITH POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS

    In order for a Map mod to be approved, the following criteria must be met:  

    • Subdivision Map Act – Prior to approval, a map mod application must comply with Government Code sections 66410 et seq. Section 66472.1 requires that the request comply with the following four criteria:
      • Finding No. 1:  There are changes in circumstances, subsequent to the recording of the map, which make any or all of the conditions of such map no longer appropriate or necessary. 
      • Finding No. 2:  That the modifications do not impose any additional burden on the present fee owner(s) of the property. 
      • Finding No. 3:  That the modifications do not alter any right, title, or interest in the real property reflected on the recorded map. 
      • Finding No. 4:  That the map as modified conforms to the provisions of Section 66474 of the Subdivision Map Act. 
    • Subdivision Ordinance – Prior to approval, a map mod application must comply with the San Diego County Subdivision Ordinance.
    • CEQA – Prior to approval, the project must comply with CEQA, and the appropriate environmental documents must be completed. Usually, these projects can rely upon the previous environmental document that was approved with the original Tentative Map and Tentative Parcel Map. 
  • DECISIONS AND PUBLIC INPUT

    Map Mods are approved at the staff level per the signing authority granted from the Director of Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Director of PDS. If all the findings pursuant to Government Code can be made, then a public hearing as provided for in Government Code Section 66451. 3 shall be held. The Hearing Officer shall be appointed by the Director PDS.  A hearing is held virtually or at the PDS office, where a Hearing Officer will determine if the required findings are met.  If the Hearing officer approves the map mod, the applicant can then continue to work with PDS staff to process and record a Certificate of Correction, Amending Map, or Resolution of approval.

  • APPLICABLE ORDINANCES

    In addition to the subdivision ordinance, there are several other ordinances that a Final Map and Parcel Map may need to comply with.  Below is a list and link to some of the common ordinances that apply to map modifications:

    In addition to the Ordinances listed above, Map mod. applications must conform with adopted County design manuals and standards.  The most common design manuals and standards are listed below:

     
  • OTHER JURISDICTIONS & DEPARTMENTS

    During the review process, PDS will route the proposal to various departments, depending upon the proposed project and potential impacts. A determination will be made by PDS on which Departments and jurisdictions will need to review the project during the first review.  Depending upon the specifics of the project, outside agency approval can also be required. Some examples of other departments and jurisdictions that may be involved in the permit process include:

    Internal:

    • The Department of Public Works: Private Development Construction Inspection, Flood Control, Field Operations, Materials Lab, Special Districts for Private Road Districts (PRD), Wastewater Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Watershed Protection, and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Divisions. 
    • Department of Environmental Health and Quality

    External:

    • Regional Water Quality Control Board
    • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
    • California Department of Fish and Wildlife
    • State Water Resources Control Board
    • Local Fire District
    • CalTrans
    • United States Fish and Wildlife Service
  • APPROXIMATE COST AND TIMELINE

    PDS strives to process all permits efficiently to keep costs down and to work with the community and applicants to resolve issues. The cost and timeline for processing a Map mod may vary based on the complexity of the review.

    The timelines for permit issuance can vary based on the number of iteration reviews, as well as various factors, such as the resubmittal times of applicants, and the overall complexity of the project review.

    Applicants can also submit for an optional initial consultation meeting to obtain more detailed cost, scope, and time estimates.

How Do I Submit a Map Modification?

To identify what type of permit is required for your project, visit our Building Services Land Development Counter at 5510 Overland Ave, San Diego, CA 92123, call us at (858) 694-2055 or visit our website.

This step is Optional:

Submit a request for an Initial Consultation meeting. This process is available to and recommended for applicants wanting input on requirements, design, and cost and time estimates before submittal.          

Complete all required forms, plans, documents, and studies as  required by the Map Modification application checklist. 

Identify the required fee/deposit required for the application.

Make an appointment to submit the complete application and initial deposit in-person at the Land Development counter, or submit the complete application by email to the LD Permit Counter.  Complete all required forms, plans, documents, and studies as required by the Map Modification application checklist. 

A PDS Land Development Mapping reviewer will be assigned to the project and will contact you once the review is complete.

Submittal Requirement's Introduction

The tables below indicate the forms and deposits that must be submitted for each type of Map mod. application.  Please review this information and complete and submit the submittal checklist and required documents listed below.

For in-person submittals, please bring the completed checklist, all completed forms and application materials, and a check for the correct amount to the Land Development Counter located at 5510 Overland Avenue, Suite 110 (First Floor).  Applications can be submitted Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Except County Holidays).

PDS is happy to assist you with any questions you may have on this process. Please call our Land Development Counter at (858) 694-2055 or email ldpermitcounter@sdcounty.ca.gov with any questions.

Part 1: Forms

This table indicates the required forms that must be submitted for each map modification application type including a copy of the original. A link to these forms is included in part 3.

Final Map/Parcel Map

# of Copies

Map Modification Application 

3

Application Deposit Acknowledgement and Agreement (PDS-126)

1

Discretionary Project Application (PDS-346)

3

Part 2: Fee and Deposit Schedule

The deposit or fees required for each type of Map application is determined based upon the special area designator and if a minor or major site plan is required.  A copy of our complete fee ordinance can be found here.

Application Type

 

Fee/Deposit

Final Map Modfication

$7,871

Deposit

Parcel Map Modification

 $7,260

Deposit

DEHQ only required if the project is on septic

 $1,153

Fee
  • Deposit accounts are charged based on the time staff spends reviewing the project.  Depending upon the staff time needed to review the project, an additional deposit may be required.
  • Fees are one-time payments to cover staff review of the application.    

Part 3: Final Mapping Submittal Checklist

For an application to be accepted, the forms and documents listed in part one (forms) must be submitted along with the required deposit or fee listed in part 2 (fee and deposit schedule).  Please place a checkmark in each form being submitted and bring this page with you when you submit your application.     

    Type of application being submitted: _______________          

  • Map Modification Application
  • Application Deposit Acknowledgement and Agreement (PDS-126)
  • Discretionary Project Application (PDS-346)
  • Fee/Deposit: ________________
  • The original and 3 copies of Department of Planning and Land Use (DPLU) Form 346 “Discretionary Project Application” (copy front page only);
  • The original and 3 copies of a letter to PDS outlining the problem and the modification desired;
  • 4 copies of a map showing the proposed modifications to the Recorded Final or Parcel Map;
  • A current Preliminary Title Report for the entire area divided by the Subdivision Map or Parcel Map;
  • USB Drive Containing PDF of each document listed in this checklist (PDS-839)