Lot Line Adjustment
What is the purpose of a Lot Line Adjustment?
Two or more property owners normally request a lot line adjustment so that one or all of them can make better use of their property, or one property owner may chose to combine or adjust adjacent properties. Sometimes, because of the physical layout of the land, moving the line makes for easier upkeep, for compliance with zoning regulations, a more salable lot, facilitate management or enables one of the owners to add an amenity such as a garage or enlarge their home or building.
How do I apply for a Lot Line Adjustment?
The application must be submitted on a City of Weed application form. Your application, prepared by a registered architect, registered civil engineer, or licensed land surveyor, is submitted to the Planning Department for review. Submit the following with your application:
A preliminary title report (no more than six months old) and a copy of the title (vesting) documents of all the parcels involved.
Notarized written consent of the affected property owner or owners (on the application form).
A location map and a scaled plot plan showing the existing parcels and everything that exists on the parcels (buildings and uses, parking area, driveways, well, septic system, setbacks, and lot dimensions), boundaries of the parcels after the adjustment, and proposed uses.
Legal description of the parcels after the adjustment.
Evidence of any variances, encroachment permits, or other entitlement to deviation from existing zoning law requirements.
Evidence of legal and physical access to the parcel.
Evidence that all property taxes are current for all of the affected parcels.
Current application fee.
Title company that will receive the report from the City and record the completed lot line adjustment.
What happens after I apply?
The Planning Department will review your application and also refer it to various departments within the City who may request that conditions be attached to the approval of your lot line adjustment. A project planner may visit the site. Your application is reviewed by the Planning Director and may be approved, approved subject to conditions, or denied.
What determines whether my application will be approved?
Based on the information you supply and established criteria, the City determines whether the lot line adjustment you wish to make will be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the neighborhood. In general, the City wants to ensure that you are not creating substandard parcels or nonconforming circumstances. Typically your proposal will be reviewed for conformance with zoning and building regulations, suitability of the building site, access, water supply and sewage disposal.
What effect will the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) have on my application?
Most lot line adjustments are exempt from the requirements of CEQA. Certain circumstances may require further environmental review.
What happens when I receive approval or a conditional approval?
The Planning Department will forward to the title company the approved legal descriptions to process and record. Any conditions that may be required must first be met before instructions are given to the title company to proceed.
What can I do to give my application the best chance of approval?
When planning your project, consider how you can complete it in such a way that zoning provisions are maintained, access is adequately provided, and development such as on-site sewage disposal remain functional.
You must demonstrate that your plan should be approved. When your application is submitted, make sure it is complete and the most accurate information is provided.
Can I appeal the decision?
During the l0-day appeal period after the Planning Director’s decision is made, you and any other interested party may appeal the decision to the Planning Commission. Even if your application is approved, you may still appeal any of the conditions that are attached to the approval.
How long does it take to get a Lot Line Adjustment?
Normally, the entire process takes approximately 7-30 days from the time your application is complete. The period may be longer if the adjustment is complex or if reviewing departments require additional information.
What’s the next step in this process?
Obtain a lot line adjustment application packet from the Planning Department. The packet explains the general procedures for applying for the adjustment, fees, and other related matters. The application must be completed by a registered architect, registered civil engineer, or licensed land surveyor and have notarized signature by the property owner or owners.
You should also review the section of the City Zoning Ordinance that regulates the uses permitted in the zone in which your project is located (a Planner can help you identify which section of the ordinance you need). After you have become familiar with these documents, we recommend you prepare some very preliminary plans and bring them to the Planning Department counter so that a planner can review them.
If you are new to Weed or unfamiliar with the permit system you may also wish to make an appointment to meet with staff who can explain the permit system, the different agencies involved and the various costs and requirements. Schedule your Pre Application Meeting by calling (530) 938-5020.