Frequently Asked Questions - Subdivisions (Parcel/Tract Maps)

Revised on 10-12-2023

How do I obtain additional information or contact the City?

BOE has an on-line Customer Service Request (CSR) Portal (located in the Customer Portal) that allows members of the public to request additional information about processes and procedures as well as discuss permit related issues with BOE staff.  Instructions on how to use the CSR Portal can be found in this manual under Customer Service Request (CSR) Portal.

What is the process to initiate a subdivision (Tract/Parcel map)?

In a Subdivision Process, the Department of City Planning (DCP) is the lead agency for Tentative Map approvals.  The Applicant submits the application to DCP to initiate a Subdivision process.

What are the sequence of events?

The Applicant shall initially file the Subdivision Case with DCP.  The DCP then distributes the case to the Subdivision Committee (per LAMC 17.04 - Subdivision Committee) which includes the Bureau of Engineering (BOE).  After BOE receives an official distribution from DCP, BOE will send out a courtesy fee letter that requests the fees from the Applicant/Owner. After the BOE Tentative Review Fees are paid, BOE will provide a recommendation report to DCP.  Typically, BOE will provide a response to DCP within 39 days after the BOE Review Fees are paid. The DCP will schedule the public hearing and the BOE will be present at the public hearing.  After the public hearing, the Deputy Advisory Agency issues the Letter of Determination (LOD).  The Applicant also has an option to appeal the case, if necessary.

What does it cost to process a subdivision (Tract/Parcel map)?

In accordance with LAMC 19.02 - Filing Fees - Division of Land and Private Street Maps and Appeals, the payment of a nonrefundable fee is required before acceptance for examination by the City Engineer.  The current fee is listed on the BOE Standard Fee List.  Please note that fees for Tentative Maps and Final Maps are separate and must be paid for each respective phase.

Other Costs: Conditions of the subdivision map approval may require that the Applicant dedicate additional easements adjoining his/her ownership for public street or alley purposes and/or construct necessary improvements such as concrete curbs and gutters, sidewalks, sewer and/or storm drain facilities, street lights, street trees, etc. All costs incurred for the processing of any required dedications, the construction of required public works facilities, and the relocation or protection of any affected public utilities or any other such facilities located within the vacation area, are to be borne by the Applicant.

How long will it take to process a subdivision (Tract/Parcel map)?

Initial approval for the Subdivision is good for 3 years.  The Applicant can apply for a time extension with the Department of City Planning (DCP) before the map expires. Processing a subdivision depends on how quickly the Applicant can clear conditions and process the final map.

What does it cost to process a Senate Bill (SB) 9 Urban Lot Split?

Since SB 9 is a new process, BOE does not have a Standard Fee list.  In order to capture an accurate fee and prevent overcharging the Owner/Applicant, BOE collects an initial fee deposit of $5,000. BOE staff will charge time to this deposit.  At the end of the Tentative Subdivision case, after the Letter of Determination is issued by DCP, BOE will refund any unused monies or request additional funds if there is a deficit.  BOE does not anticipate the review fees would be over $5,000 for these cases.

How long will it take to process a SB 9 Urban Lot Split application?

SB 9 is very similar to the Parcel Map Subdivision process. The Initial approval for the SB 9 Subdivision is good for 3 years.  The Applicant shall apply for a time extension with the Department of City Planning (DCP) before the map expires. Processing a subdivision depends on how quickly the Applicant can clear conditions and process the final map.

How is SB 9 Urban Lot Split different from standard parcel maps?

The SB 9 subdivision is a ministerial process.  Here is a DCP FAQ regarding the SB 9 implementation.  In terms of BOE requirements under SB 9, the dedication would not be required and public right of way improvements would be the minimum required to protect the public's health and safety.