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• WHAT IS A FINAL MAP OR PARCEL MAP?

  A Final Map or Parcel Map is the last step in the subdivision process and is required to finalize an approved Tentative Map (TM) and Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) and create saleable lots. The process requires that any conditions listed in the Final Notice of Approval or Resolution be satisfied and often requires processing of grading and improvement plans.

  Final Maps or Parcel Maps 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 FINAL MAP OR PARCEL MAP?

  After an applicant has an approved Tentative Map (TM) or an approved Tentative Parcel Map (TPM), the applicant must process and record a Final Map or Parcel Map to complete the subdivision. A Final Map is required for all major subdivisions creating 5 or more lots or condominium units and a Parcel Map is required for all minor subdivisions creating 4 or fewer parcels or condominium units. 

• CONSISTENCY WITH POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS

  In order for a Final Map or Parcel Map to be approved and recorded the following criteria must be met:

  • The form and content of the maps is governed by Government Code Section 66410 et. seq. (Map Act), County of San Diego Subdivision Ordinance 81.101 et. Seq. (Subdivision Ordinance), and the County Mapping Manuals
  • The Final Map or Parcel map must be “Timely Filed” pursuant to the Map Act, which means:
    • All conditions of approval of the tentative map must be satisfied.
    • All non-County signatures have been acquired and notarized as necessary, as well as the County Tax Collector signature on the map mylars.
    • A recorded Map Tax Certificate with proof of payment of taxes shall be submitted.
    • A subdivision guarantee shall be provided.
    • Recording fees made payable to the San Diego County Recorder/Clerk shall be submitted.
• DECISIONS AND PUBLIC INPUT

  Once all requirements have been satisfied, the Final Map or Parcel Map is approved by the Director of PDS with concurrence by the Director of Department of Public Works (DPW). Parcel Maps and Final Maps have separate processing requirements, as discussed below:

  PARCEL MAP
  Once approved, the map is then delivered by County staff for signature by the San Diego County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors (Clerk) and recordation by the San Diego County Recorder’s office (Recorder). No public notice of the decision is required.

  FINAL MAP 
  Once approved, County staff will process the notice of approval package by Communications Received (CR) and then post the CR on agenda with the Clerk. The CR package must be delivered by County staff to the Clerk by 4 pm 2 weeks prior to the proposed hearing date. This is a hard deadline, if it is not possible to deliver the package by the deadline the approval will not be placed on the agenda. The package must contain all original wet signed documents as required by the Resolution of Approval. After County Staff confirms the CR posting on the hearing date, an appointment is made by staff with the Clerk to acquire the Clerk’s signature on the map and forward the map to the Recorder.

• 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:

  Zoning Ordinance	Grading Ordinance
  Landscape Ordinance	County Fire Code
  Watershed Protection Ordinance (WPO)	Biological Mitigation Ordinance
  Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP)	Flood Damage Prevention

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

  Private Road Standards	Public Road Standards
  San Diego County Mapping Manual Major Subdivision	County Hydraulic Design Manual
  San Diego County Mapping Manual Minor Subdivision	San Diego County DPW Design Standard Drawings
  San Diego Area Regional Standard Drawings	County BMP Design Manual

• 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 Final Map or Parcel Map 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.