California Surveying Law
PublicCalifornia-specific surveying laws, regulations, and professional practice requirements
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Cards (10)
When must a Record of Survey be filed in California?
• Material discrepancy with record • No survey of record for boundaries • Setting monuments to mark corners • Establishing lines not previously surveyed • Surveyor's professional judgment Must file within 90 DAYS of field work. — B&P Code §8762, §8765
What coordinate system is required for new CA surveys after 1/1/1995?
CCS83 (California Coordinate System of 1983) Based on NAD 83, 6 zones. CCS27 only for RETRACEMENTS of CCS27 surveys. CCS2022 may be used after 1/1/2025. — PRC §8817
What must CCS coordinates include per PRC 8814?
1. Zone designation (Zone 1-6) 2. Datum (e.g., NAD 83 2011) 3. Statement that description is NOT a legal land description unless ties to recorded data — PRC §8814
What is Civil Code §841 (fence presumption)?
A fence existing 5+ years is PRESUMED to mark the boundary if: • Fence described in deed/map, OR • Owners claim title up to the fence Rebuttable presumption. — Civil Code §841
What is the difference between Parcel Map and Tract Map?
PARCEL MAP: 4 or fewer lots • Simpler approval process • Improvements may be waived TRACT MAP: 5 or more lots • More extensive review • Improvements usually required • Bonds typically required — Gov Code §66426, §66428
What authority does the County Surveyor have for PLSS corners?
May establish section corners that become LEGALLY BINDING after: 1. Research best evidence 2. Establish position 3. File with County Surveyor 4. Record with County Recorder 5. Statutory notice period — Gov Code §27274
What is required on CA surveyor's documents?
1. Surveyor's SEAL 2. Original SIGNATURE across the seal 3. License EXPIRATION DATE Applies to all maps, plats, reports requiring PLS certification. — B&P Code §8761
What is the Locklin v. Lafayette principle?
The surveyor acts in a QUASI-JUDICIAL capacity. • Must be impartial, not advocate • Apply legal principles to evidence • FIND boundaries, not create them • Professional judgment subject to review — Locklin v. City of Lafayette (1994)
What are grounds for CA PLS discipline?
• Fraud or deceit in obtaining license • Negligence or incompetence • Misconduct in practice • Violation of PLS Act Actions: denial, suspension, revocation, citation/fine, probation — B&P Code §8780
What experience is required for CA PLS?
6 years combined education + experience At least 2 YEARS under a licensed PLS in RESPONSIBLE CHARGE. 4-year surveying degree = 4 years credit toward total. — B&P Code §8741