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California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 5 - Rules implementing the Professional Land Surveyors Act

Source: Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG). This compilation is for reference purposes. Always verify with official sources.

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Articles

General ProvisionsResponsible ChargePractice StandardsDisciplineFiling Requirements

Key Sections

§415§464§465§476

General Provisions

CCR §404—Definitions

Key definitions for professional practice including:
- "ABET" means the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
- "Board" means the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- "Responsible charge" means the independent control and direction of work

Responsible Charge

CCR §415—Responsible Charge - Land Surveying

Key Section
(a) Extent of Control. "Responsible charge" requires that the licensee have control of, and detailed knowledge of, the content of the land surveying decisions throughout the course of a project.

(b) Land Surveying Decisions. Land surveying decisions for which the professional land surveyor is responsible include:
1. Methods, procedures and tolerances used in the field
2. Methods, procedures and tolerances used in calculations and adjustments
3. Specification of maps, plats and documents
4. Review of work product for sufficiency and accuracy

(c) The professional land surveyor shall control and have detailed knowledge of the contents and accuracy of all documents prepared under his or her responsible charge.

CCR §416—Successor Licensee

When a professional land surveyor succeeds another licensee on a project, the successor must:
1. Review all prior work products
2. Exercise responsible charge over continuing work
3. Not sign or seal documents for work not performed under their responsible charge

Practice Standards

CCR §464—Minimum Standards for Land Surveying

Key Section
All land surveys shall be performed in accordance with this section. The licensed land surveyor shall:

(a) Research: Perform adequate research to identify relevant recorded documents, maps, and other evidence

(b) Field Work: Gather sufficient field data to enable complete analysis and evaluation of the survey area

(c) Analysis: Apply appropriate weighting of evidence according to the rules of evidence hierarchy

(d) Monuments: Set monuments in compliance with Business and Professions Code sections 8766 through 8771

(e) Maps and Documents: Prepare maps, plats, and documents that:
- Are properly titled and dated
- Show the basis of bearings
- Include appropriate certifications and statements
- Meet all statutory recording requirements

CCR §465—Professional Conduct

Key Section
A professional land surveyor shall:

(a) Act with honesty and integrity in all professional dealings

(b) Not misrepresent qualifications, experience, or scope of responsibility

(c) Not sign or seal documents unless the work was performed under their responsible charge

(d) Report violations of the Professional Land Surveyors Act to the Board

(e) Not engage in conduct that reflects adversely on fitness to practice

Discipline

CCR §471—Disciplinary Guidelines

The Board shall consider the following factors in determining discipline:

(a) Nature and severity of the violation
(b) Actual or potential harm to the public
(c) Prior disciplinary record
(d) Degree of cooperation with the investigation
(e) Evidence of rehabilitation
(f) Time elapsed since the violation

Possible disciplinary actions include:
- Citation and fine (up to $5,000 per violation)
- Probation with conditions
- License suspension
- License revocation

Filing Requirements

CCR §476—Map Requirements

Key Section
Maps and documents filed with County Recorders or Surveyors shall:

(a) Size: Be on sheets 18" x 26" or 18" x 30" (or as specified by local agency)

(b) Material: Be on durable, stable, suitable material for permanent records

(c) Margins: Have at least 1" margins on all sides, with 2" on left binding edge

(d) Scale: Be at appropriate scale to clearly show all details

(e) Title: Include name of subdivision or description of survey, county, and state

(f) North Arrow: Include north arrow with basis of bearings

(g) Legend: Include legend explaining all symbols and abbreviations

CA PLS Exam Tips - Board Rules

  • §415 Responsible Charge: Know what constitutes responsible charge - control and detailed knowledge of all land surveying decisions.
  • §464 Practice Standards: Memorize the minimum requirements: research, field work, analysis, monuments, and documentation.
  • §465 Professional Conduct: Understand ethical obligations - cannot sign work not done under your responsible charge.
  • §476 Map Requirements: Know standard map sizes (18x26 or 18x30), margin requirements, and required elements.
  • Disciplinary Actions: Fines up to $5,000 per violation; actions range from citation to revocation.

Official Resources