HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.2 Vesting Tentative Maps �f ( 0
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: November 25, 1985
SUBJECT: Subdivision Ordinance Amendment
Regarding Vesting Tentative Maps
EXHIBITS ATTACHED: A - Draft Ordinance Regarding Vesting
Tentative Maps
Background Attachments
1 - League of California Cities
Implementation Information
2 - Senate Bill 1660, Chapter 1113,
1984 statutes
RECOMMENDATION: 1. Open public hearing and hear Staff
presentation
2 . Take testimony from public
3 . Question Staff and public
4 . Close public hearing and deliberate
5 . Waive reading and introduce
ordinance regarding Vesting
Tentative Maps
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None.
DESCRIPTION: The State Subdivision Map Act has been
amended to create a new form of tentative subdivision map called
a "Vesting Tentative Map" . When a Vesting Tentative Map* is
approved, the developer gains "vested rights" to complete the
development in substantial compliance with the local ordinances,
policies, and standards that were in effect when the complete
application was submitted. The vested rights extend for a
substantial length of time. They add a critical new
consideration to the City' s development process .
Prior to the new law, vested rights to build out a project would
occur only if, 1) the developer had completed substantial
building construction in conformance with a valid building
permit, or 2 ) the developer and local government entered into a
"development agreement" . A conventional tentative map approval
did not grant vested rights . The local government could amend
the General Plan and zoning on the property. Development on the
property would then need to conform with the amended zoning
unless substantial building construction had taken place or a
development agreement was in effect.
Under a Vesting Tentative Map, the developer would gain vested
rights at the time of approvel of the Vesting Tentative Map and
those vested rights can last from 4 years to 9 3/4 years as set
forth in the draft ordinance and with discretionary time
extentions .
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ITEM NO. 0 COPIES TO:
The time frame of the vested rights set forth in the draft
ordinance are as follows :
Minimum time / Maximum time
a. ' Vesting Tentative Map, original 2 yrs . / 22 yrs .
b. Vesting Tentative Map, extension 0 / 3 "
C . Application for building permit
after Final Map recorded 1 yr. / 1 yr.
d. Application for building permits,
extention 0 yrs . / 1 "
e . Building Permit, original
depending on valuation 1 yr . / 2 yrs.
f . Building Permit, extention 0 yrs . / ; "
TOTAL TIME = Min. 4 yrs . / Max. 9 3/4 yrs .
During the time that the vested rights are valid, the developer
would have the right to develop the property as originally
approved even if the City amends the General Plan and the zoning
on the property.
•
The new law gives the developer the option of applying for either
a conventional tentative map or a Vesting Tentative Map. The new
law requires the City to establish implementing procedures prior
to January 1, 1986, without much discretion regarding its
contents .
The City has the following options :
1) Application for building permit after a Final Map is
recorded. The City has the option of giving a developer one
or two years to apply for a building permit after the Final
Map is recorded. Staff recommends that the City Council
give a developer one year as sufficient time to apply for
the building permit after the Final Map is recorded.
2 ) Information needed to determine impact of the project. The
City may require other land use approvals, such as a
rezoning or site development review, before processing a
Vesting Tentative Map. The City may also require detailed
information needed to determine the impact of the project
over a period of years . Staff recommends requiring other
land use approvals and detailed information before
processing a Vesting Tentative Map so that the City will
know the details of the project before granting the long
term vested rights .
Staff recommends that the City Council waive the reading and
introduce the draft ordinance regarding Vesting Tentative Maps .
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ITEM NO. COPIES TO:
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR
VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS FOR RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS.
The City Council of the City of Dublin does ordain as follows :
SECTION 1 -- AMENDMENTS
Articles 10 , 11 , and 12 of Chapter 1 of Title 8 of the Subdivision
Ordinance as adopted by the City of Dublin are hereby adopted to
read as follows :
ARTICLE 10 VESTING TENTATIVE MAP:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 8-10 . 1 : Citation and Authority
This ordinance is enacted pursuant to the authority granted
by Chapter 4 . 5 ( commencing with Section 66498 . 1 ) of Division 2 of
Title 7 of the Government Code of the State of California
(hereinafter referred to as the Vesting Tentative Map Statute ) ,
and may be cited as the Vesting Tentative Map Ordinance.
Section 8-10 . 2 : Purpose and Intent
It is the purpose of this ordinance to establish procedures
necessary for the implementation of the Vesting Tentative Map
Statute, and to supplement the provisions of the Subdivision Map
Act and the Subdivision Ordinance . Except as otherwise set forth
in the provisions of this ordinance, the provisions of the
Subdivision Ordinance shall apply to the Vesting Tentative Map
Ordinance .
To accomplish this purpose, the regulations outlined in this
ordinance are determined to be necessary for the preservation of
the public health, safety and general welfare, and for the
promotion of orderly growth and development .
Section 8-10 . 3 : Consistency
No land shall be subdivided and developed pursuant to a
vesting tentative map for any purpose- which is inconsistent with
the General Plan and any applicable specific plan or not permitted
by the zoning ordinance or other applicable provisions. of the
Municipal Code .
Section 8-10 . 4 : Definitions
( a ) A "vesting tentative map" shall mean a "tentative map"
for a residential subdivision, as defined in the Dublin
Subdivision Ordinance, that shall have printed conspicuously on
its face the words "Vesting Tentative Map" at the time it is filed
in accordance with Sec. 8-11 . 1 , and is thereafter processed in
accordance with the provisions hereof.
(b) "All other definitions set forth in the Dublin
Subdivision Ordinance are applicable.
Section 8-10 . 5 : Application
(a) This ordinance shall apply only to residential
developments . Whenever a provision of the Subdivision Map Act, as
implemented and supplemented by the Dublin Subdivision Ordinance,
requires the filing of a tentative map or tentative parcel map for
a residential development, a vesting tentative map may instead be
filed, in accordance with the provisions hereof .
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(b) If a subdivider does not seek the rights conferred by
the Vesting Tentative Map Statute, the filing of a vesting
tentative map shall not be a prerequisite to any approval for any
proposed subdivision, permit for construction, or work preparatory
to construction.
ARTICLE 11 VESTING TENTATIVE MAP:
PROCEDURES
Section 8-11 . 1 : Filing and Processing
A vesting tentative map shall be filed in the same form and
have the same contents, accompanying data and reports and shall be
processed in the same manner as set forth in the Dublin
Subdivision Ordinance for a tentative map except as hereinafter
provided:
( a ) P.rior to the time a vesting tentative map is filed, a
subdivider shall have obtained from the City of Dublin all
applicable permits for prezoning, rezoning, Planned Development
rezoning, site development review, variance, conditional use
permit, or similar planning and land use entitlement .
(b) At the time a vesting tentative map is filed it shall
have printed conspicuously on its face the words "Vesting
Tentative Map. "
( c) At the time a vesting tentative map is filed a
subdivider shall also supply the following information:
- height , size, and location of buildings
- sewer , water , storm drain and road details
- information on the uses to which the buildings will be put
- detailed grading plans
- geological studies
- flood control information
- architectural plans
- fiscal impact studies
- plot plans
- foundation plans
- drainage plans
- floor plans
- roof and ceiling framing plans or truss layout plans
- roof truss details and calculations
- exterior elevations
- typical cross sections
- large scale details
- soil reports
- heat loss calculations
- surveys
- structural calculations
- electrical plans and electrical load calculations
- mechanical plans
- plumbing plans and calculations
- elevations to show compliance with regulations pertaining
to access for the handicapped
- all other studies and information required to apply for
building permits
Section 8-11 . 2 : Fees
( a ) Upon filing a vesting tentative map, the subdivider
shall pay the fees required by the schedule adopted by resolution
of the City Council for the filing and processing of a vesting
tentative map.
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Section 8-11 . 3 : Expiration
The approval or conditional approval of a vesting tentative
map shall expire at the end of the same time period, and shall be
subject to the same extensions, established by the Subdivision
Ordinance for the expiration of the approval or conditional
approval of a tentative map.
ARTICLE 12 VESTING TENTATIVE MAP:
DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
Section 8-12 . 1 : Vesting on Approval of Vesting Tentative Map
(a) The approval or conditional approval of a vesting
tentative map shall confer a vested right to proceed with
development in substantial compliance with the ordinances,
policies, and standards described in Government Code Sec. 66474 . 2 .
However , if Section 66474 . 2 of the Government Code is
repealed, the approval or conditional approval of a Vesting
Tentative Map shall confer a vested right to proceed with
development in substantial compliance with the ordinances,
policies , and standards in effect at the time the vesting
tentative map is approved or conditionally approved.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a ) , a permit, approval ,
extension, or entitlement may be made conditional or denied if any
of the following are determined:
( 1 ) A failure to do so would place the residents
of the subdivision or the immediate community, or
both, in a condition dangerous to their health or
safety, or both .
( 2 ) The condition or denial is required, in order
to comply with state or federal law.
( c ) The rights referred to herein shall expire if a final
map is not approved prior to the expiration of the vesting
tentative map as provided in Sec. 8-11 . 3 . If the final map is
approved, these rights shall last for the following periods of
time:
( 1 ) An initial time period of one ( 1 ) year ( 12 months )
Where several final maps are recorded on various phases
of a project covered by a single vesting tentative map,
this initial time period shall begin for each phase when
the final map for that phase is recorded.
( 2 ) The initial time period set forth in ( c) ( 1 ) shall
be automatically extended by any time used for
processing a complete application for a grading permit
or for design or architectural review, if such
processing exceeds 30 days, from the date a complete
application is filed.
( 3 ) A subdivider may apply for a one-year extension at
any time before the initial time period set forth in ( c)
( 1 ) expires . If the extension is denied by the Planning
Commission, the subdivider may appeal that denial to the
City Council within 15 days .
( 4 ) If the subdivider submits a complete application
for a building permit during the period of time
specified in. subdivisions ( 1 ) - ( 3 ) , the rights referred
to herein shall continue until the expiration of that
permit, or any extension of that permit .
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Section 8-12 . 2 : Development Inconsistent with Zoning --
Conditional Approval
(a) Whenever a subdivider files a vesting tentative map for
a subdivision whose intended development is inconsistent with the
zoning ordinance in existence at that time, that inconsistency
shall be noted on the map. The City shall deny such a vesting
tentative map or approve it conditioned on the subdivider , or his
or her designee, obtaining the necessary change in the zoning
ordinance to eliminate the inconsistency. If the change in the
zoning ordinance is obtained, the approved, or conditionally
approved, vesting tentative map shall , notwithstanding Sec. 8-
12 . 1 (a ) , confer the vested right to proceed with the development
in substantial compliance with the change in the zoning ordinance
and the map, as approved.
(b) The rights conferred by this section shall be for the
time periods set forth in Sec. 8-12 . 1 ( c) .
Section 8-12 . 3 : Applications Inconsistent with Current Policies
Notwithstanding any provision of this ordinance, a property
owner or his or her designee may seek approvals or permits for
development which depart from the ordinances, policies, and
standards described in Sections 8-12 . 1 ( a) and 8-12 . 2 , and local
agencies may grant these approvals or issue these permits to the
extent that the departures are authorized under applicable law.
SECTION 2 -- EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall become effective thirty ( 30 ) days after
its final passage and adoption by the City Council . Before the
expiration of fifteen ( 15 ) days after its passage, it shall be
published once, with the names of the Council Members voting for
and against the same, in the Tri-Valley Herald, a newspaper
published in Alameda County and available in the City of Dublin.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
on this day of 1985 , by the
following votes :
AYES :
NOES :
ABSENT:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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7.
League of California Cities
S 1400 K Street•Sacramento 95814-(916)444.5790 hilAuHmtNT I
California Cities Count ySuperrisorsib
Work Together
Assoeiation of California
IMPLEMENTATION INFORMATION ON SB 1660 (Montoya)
THE "VESTED RIGHTS" BILL, Chap. 1113, 1984 Statutes
February 1985
Senate Bill 1660 (Montoya),Chapter 1113 of the 1984 Statutes, was enacted by the Legislature
in 1984, and becomes effective January 1, 1986. The bill creates a new form of tentative
subdivision map, called a "vesting tentative map," which, when approved, guarantees a
developer that he or she will be able to proceed with development in accordance with that
approval.
This paper addresses the most common questions of local officials about SB 1660. All
references are to the California Government Code unless otherwise noted. The bill amends
Sections 66424.5, 66428, 66452, 66452.6 and 66463.5, and adds Sections 66418.1 and 66498.1
through 66498.8.
1. UESTION: TO WHAT KINDS OF DEVELOPMENTS DOES THE "VESTING TENTATIVE
MAP" LAW APPLY? ANSWER: Residential developments only (Government Code Sec.
66498.7).
f 2. UESTION: BY WHAT DATE MUST WE COMPLY WITH THIS NEW LAW? ANSWER:
You must comply with this law by January 1, 1986, but you may do so sooner Sec.
66498.8 and uncodified Sec. 10 of the bill).
f3. QUESTION: WHAT IS A "VESTING TENTATIVE MAP," AND DOES ONE OF THESE
MAPS LOOK ANY DIFFERENT FROM AN ORDINARY TENTATIVE MAP? ANSWER: A
"vesting tentative map" is basically the same as an ordinary tentative map. The only
i difference the state law requires is that when one of these "vesting" maps is filed with
{ the city or county, the map must have conspicuously printed on its face the words
"vesting tentative map" (Secs. 66424.5 and 66452).
4. UESTION: HOW DOES THIS BILL AFFECT CITIES' AND COUNTIES' POWERS TO
REGULATE UBDIVISIONS? ANSWER: Not at all, up to the time the map is approved
Ior denied. -What the bill limits is the ability to change conditions after that point.
5. UESTION: DO THE CHANGES MADE BY SB 1660 AFFECT ORDINARY TENTATIVE
MAPS? ANSWER: No. It is an alternative procedure.
6. QUESTION: IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE IN THE PROCESSING OF THESE MAPS
AND ORDINARY TENTATIVE MAPS? ANSWER: That depends on your local ordinandes.
I Government Code Section 66411, whicK t e bill does not amend, vests control of the
design and improvement of subdivisions in councils and boards of supervisors. Sec. 66452,
as amended by the bill, provides that "vesting tentative maps" are to be processed the
I same as tentative maps, except as otherwise provided by state law or local ordinance.
7. QUESTION: PRIOR TO APPROVING A VESTING MAP, CAN WE REQUIRE A
DEVELOPER To SUPPLY THE CITY WITH MORE DETAILS ON A DEVELOPMENT
THAN WE DO ON AN ORDINARY MAP? ANSWER: Yes, if your local ordinance so
requires or permits.
I
S. QUESTION: WHAT DETAILS MIGHT 1 CONSIDER REQUIRING THE DEVELOPER TO
SUPPLY PRIOR TO APPROVAL OF A "VESTING" MAP? ANSWER: Because the rights
conferred by this process last for a lengthy period of time, and because subsequent
approvals must be consistent with the map as approved, you may wish to change the
timing of the processing, so that most or all discretionary approvals occur before or
simultaneously with map approval. Consequently, you may wish to consider requiring the
developer to supply with the map information that your city or county needs to
determine the impact of the project on your city or county over a period of years, such
as:
- height, size, and location of buildings
- sewer, water, storm drain and road details
- information on the uses to which the buildings will be put
- detailed grading plans
- geological studies
- flood control information
- architectural plans
- any other studies your city has normally deferred to the building permit stage.
9. QUESTION: WHEN SHOULD DESIGN REVIEW OCCUR FOR A "VESTING" MAP
PROJECT? ANSWER: You may wish to consider doing design review simultaneously
with or. prior to review of the map. Your city or county should probably review the order
in which this and other discretionary approvals occur, and change the order so that some
discretionary approvals are processed with, or prior to, the map so that when the map is
approved, the details of the project are known.
10. UE4 STION: WHAT RIGHTS DOES THIS BILL GIVE A DEVELOPER THAT THE
DEVELOPER DOES NOT HAVE UNDER CURRENT LAW? ANSWER: Under the bill,
once the "vesting" map is approved, the developer may generally proceed with
development in substantial compliance with the ordinances, policies, and standards in
effect at the time the developer filed a complete application with the city or county.
Exceptions are made where proceeding with the development would (a) endanger public
health or safety, or (b) violate state or federal law (Government Code Secs. 66474.2,
66498.1, 66498.6).
11. QUESTION: IF THE CITY OR COUNTY APPROVED A "VESTING" MAP, IN WHAT
CIRCUMSTANCES CAN THE COUNTY OR CITY DENY A FINAL MAP OR A BUILDING
PERMIT? ANSWER: Only when it must do so to protect public health or safety or to
comply with state or federal law (Secs. 66498.1, 66498.6).
12. QUESTION: CAN A CITY OR COUNTY DENY APPROVAL OF A TENTATIVE
"VESTING" MAP SOLELY ON THE GROUND THAT THE MAP I5 A "VESTING" MAP?
ANSWER: Probably not.
13. UESTION: HOW LONG DOES THE "VESTING" CONTINUE ONCE THE TENTATIVE
MAP 15 APPROVED? ANSWER: The "vesting" rights last until a final map is recorded,
plus one to three years plus the life of the building permit. Depending on local
ordinances, extensions, and processing time, this means 3-1/2 to 10 years (plus any time
during which moratoria are in effect or lawsuits are pending), based on the following
schedules:
a) All tentative maps, including "vesting" maps last from two to six years, depending on
local ordinances and extensions (Sec. 66452.6); plus
b) depending on local ordinances, the developer has either one or two years after the
final map is recorded to apply for a building permit, and the county or city may extend
that for one more year to a total of three years, (Sec. 66452.6(g)); and
c) if the developer has filed a complete application for a building permit, the right
continues through the life of the building permit (usually six months), plus any extensions
the city gives on the building permit, plus processing time for architectural review or
grading permits, if the time for processing those permits exceeds 30 days (Sec.
66452.6(h)).
14. QUESTION: WHAT HAPPENS IF A DEVELOPER LETS ONE OF THESE TIME
PERIODS EXPIRE? ANSWER: The developer is then treated the same as if he or she
were an ordinary applicant without the rights given by the "vesting" map (Sec. 66498.1).
15. QUESTION: HOW DO THE TIME PERIODS DESCRIBED IN QUESTION 13 APPLY TO
PHASED DEVELOPMENTS? ANSWER: The time periods that run after a final map is
recorded commence on each p Fse wFen the final map for that phase is recorded (Sec.
66452.6(g)).
16. QUESTION: SECTION 66498.3 PROVIDES THAT A COUNCIL OR BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS MAY CONDITIONALLY APPROVE A "VESTING" MAP THAT IS
INCONSISTENT WITH LOCAL ZONING, AND MAKE THE MAP APPROVAL
CONTINGENT UPON THE REZONING OCCURRING. HOW DOES THIS AFFECT OUR
CURRENT PRACTICES? ANSWER: Probably not at all. A few jurisdictions process
maps that are inconsistent with zoning, conditioning approval of the map on a later
rezoning. This provision was inserted to accommodate those jurisdictions.
17. QUESTION: OUR CITY i7OUNCIL OR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HAS DELEGATED
APPROVAL OF MAPS TO OUR PLANNING COMMISSION (OR SUBDIVISION REVIEW
COMMITTEE), BUT ZONING ORDINANCES MUST BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS OR COUNCIL. WILL THIS BILL REQUIRE US TO CHANGE THAT
PROCEDURE? ANSWER: No. But since you may be using a different procedure to
process "vesting" maps, you may wish to consider whether the council or board wishes to
not delegate approval of "vesting" maps.
18. QUESTION: HOW DOES THIS LAW RELATE TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
LAW? ANSWER: This bill was conceived as an alternative to development agreements,
primarily for smaller projects. Because it is not a contract, local agencies will have less
discretion to deny applications or extract concessions from developers. Also, unlike a
development agreement, a vesting map is not referendable.
19. QUESTION: CAN WE REQUIRE A DEVELOPER TO ENTER INTO A DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT AS A CONDITION OF APPROVAL OF A "VESTING" MAP? ANSWER:
Probably not.
20. QUESTION: WE HAVE HAD TO CHANGE OUR DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO
COMPLY WITH CHANGES IN STATE OR FEDERAL LAW. IF WE HAVE TO DO THIS
able to require redesign, or you may need to stop the project (Secs. 66498.1(c), and
66498.6(b)).
21. QUESTION: THIS IS A STATE-MANDATED COST. HOW DO WE PAY FOR IT?
ANSWER: New Sec. 66498.8, and uncodified Sec. 11 of the bill specifically authorize
cities and counties to charge developers who file "vesting" maps an amount sufficient to
cover the cost of enacting a local ordinance, so you may wish to determine those costs,
and to work out reimbursement either with your local builders' association or with the
first several builders who apply for "vesting" maps.
22. QUESTION: UNDER CURRENT LAW (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 65925 and,
65940 et seq.) OUR COUNTY OR CITY MUST SUPPLY DEVELOPERS WITH
INFORMATION DESCRIBING WHAT IS NEEDED TO FILE A COMPLETE APPLICATION
FOR DEVELOPMENT, AND MUST INFORM A DEVELOPER WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER
AN APPLICATION IS FILED WHETHER THAT APPLICATION IS COMPLETE. HOW
DOES THIS BILL AFFECT THAT LAW? ANSWER: It does not, but you may need to
update your local lists if you require more information for a "vesting map."
23. UESTION: NEW GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 66452.6(g) and (h) PROVIDE
THAT A DEVELOPER KEEPS THE RIGHTS CONFERRED BY A "VESTING" MAP IF HE
OR SHE FILES A "COMPLETE" APPLICATION FOR A BUILDING PERMIT WITHIN A
CERTAIN TIME PERIOD AFTER THE FINAL MAP IS APPROVED, AND THE
DEVELOPER'S RIGHTS REMAIN FIXED WHILE THAT PERMIT IS BEING PROCESSED.
HOW DO WE DETERMINE WHETHER AN APPLICATION FOR A BUILDING PERMIT IS
"COMPLETE"? ANSWER: State law does not usually require counties or cities to list
what is required for a wilding permit to be complete. You may wish to review your
city's or county's current building permit application requirements and prepare a list of
the requirements, to be used for reference by both your staff and by applicants.
24. QUESTION: SECTIONS 66498.2 and 66498.4 AUTHORIZE A DEVELOPER TO APPLY
FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A "VESTING" MAP BEFORE THE "VESTING" RIGHTS
EXPIRE, AND AUTHORIZE A LOCAL AGENCY TO GRANT OR DENY THOSE
CHANGES. WHAT CONDITIONS MAY WE ATTACH TO SUCH AN APPLICATION?
ANSWER: You may wish to provide local standards and procedures for processing such
applica ns, perhaps distinguishing between substantial and insubstantial changes, and
specifying whether such changes lengthen or do not lengthen the vesting period.
25. QUESTION: THE FEES WE CHARGE DEVELOPERS CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME,
BOTH IN NATURE AND AMOUNT. CAN WE APPROVE THE MAP IN A WAY THAT
WILL ALLOW US TO CHANGE THE FEES IN EFFECT AT THE TIME A BUILDING
PERMIT IS ISSUED, RATHER THAN WHEN THE MAP IS APPROVED? ANSWER: That
depends. With regard to the amount of a particular fee, the map approval an probably
contain a condition that the amount of the fee is to be determined at the building permit
stage. However, new fees probably cannot be added at the building permit stage except
for public health or safety reasons or to comply with state or federal law (Secs.
66498.1(c) and 66498.6).
f
CHAPTER 1113 434 1984 REG. SESSION
CHAPTER 1113
(Senate Bill No. 1660)
An act to amend Sections 66424.5, 66428, 66452, 66452.6, and 66463.5 of, to add
Section 66418.1 to, and to add Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 66498.1) to
Division 2 of Title 7 of, the Government Code, relating to subdivisions.
(Approved by Governor September 13. 1984.Filed with Secretary of State September 13. 1984.)
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 1660, Montoya. Subdivisions: vesting tentative maps.
(l) Under existing law, as prescribed by the Subdivision Map Act, a tentative
subdivision map is required to be submitted for approval to the city or county in
which the subdivision would be located. A tentative map is made for the purpose of
showing the design and improvement of a proposed subdivision and the existing
conditions in and around it, but need not be based upon an accurate or detailed
final survey of the property. Under existing law, a city or county may approve or
disapprove a tentative subdivision map or may approve the map subject to
compliance with conditions which the city or county imposes.
This bill would permit a vesting tentative map, as defined, to be filed whenever
the existing subdivision map requires a tentative map to be filed.
Under existing law, a parcel map is required for certain divisions of land, as
described, for which a tentative and final subdivision map are not required.
Procedures for the filing, processing, approval, conditional approval, or disapproval
of parcel maps, are governed by local ordinances.
This bill would make it optional for a subdivider to file a vesting tentative
subdivision map, as defined, where the Subdivision Map Act otherwise requires a
parcel map. In so doing, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program by
necessitating the processing of vesting tentative maps by a city or county in
accordance with statutorily prescribed procedures..
This bill would specify that when a local agency approves or conditionally
approves a vesting tentative map that approval would confer a vested right to
proceed with development in substantial compliance with specified ordinances,
policies, and standards.
This bill would permit the property owner, or his or her designee, to seek
approvals or permits from the city or county for development which departs from
those specified ordinances, policies, and standards and a city or county could grant
the requested approvals or permits to the extent that the requested departure was
authorized under applicable law. The filing of a vesting tentative map would not be
a prerequisite to approval of any proposed subdivision or for permits for construc-
tion or for work preparatory to construction.
(2) Existing law provides for the expiration of an approved or conditionally
approved tentative map 24 months after its approval, or after such additional period
of time as may be prescribed by local ordinance, not to exceed an additional 12
months.
This bill would specify that the rights conferred by the approval of a vesting
tentative map last for an initial period of time provided by ordinance, which shall
not be less than one year or more than 2 years, with an automatic extension of that
time under certain circumstances.
AliACHMENT
t
1
I
1984 REG. SESSION 435 CHAPTER 1113
SEC.4
(3) Existing law specifies the period of time for which an approved or condition.
ally approved tentative subdivision map remains valid.
This bill would conform another provision to the time periods presently specified.
(4) The bill would become operative January 1, 1986, except for a provision
.Which would require a local agency to establish procedures necessary for the
I implementation of the above provisions. That provision would become operative
January 1, 1985, and would also impose a state-mandated local program by
requiring a local agency to adopt those procedures.
(5) Article XIII B of the California Constitution and Sections 2231 and 2234 of
the Revenue and Taxation Code require the state to reimburse local agencies and
school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Other provisions require the
Department of Finance to review statutes disclaiming these costs and provide, in
certain cases, for making claims to the State Board of Control for reimbursement.
However, this bill would provide that no appropriation is made and no reim-
bursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. By this enactment, the Legislature intends to accomplish all of the
I following objectives:
(a) To establish a procedure for the approval of tentative maps that will provide
certain statutorily vested rights to a subdivider.
(b) To ensure that local requirements governing the development of a proposed
rjbdivision are established in accordance with Section 66498.1 of the Government
Code when a local agency approves or conditionally approves a vesting tentative
map. The private sector should be able to rely upon an approved vesting tentative
map prior to expending resources and incurring liabilities without the risk of having
the project frustrated by subsequent action by the approving local agency, provided
the time periods established by this enactment have not elapsed.
(c) To ensure that local agencies have maximum discretion, consistent with
Section 66498.1 of the Government Code, in the imposition of conditions on any
approvals occurring subsequent to the approval or conditional approval of the
vesting tentative map, so long as that discretion is not exercised in a manner which
precludes a subdivider from proceeding with the proposed subdivision.
SEC. 2. Section 66418.1 is added to the Government Code, to read:
§ 66418.1. "Development" means the uses to which the land which is the subject
I of a map shall be put, the buildings to be constructed on it, and all alterations of
the land and construction incident thereto.
SEC. 3. Section 66424.5 of the Government Code is amended to read:
I
166424.5. (a) 'Tentative map" refers to a map made for the purpose of showing
the design and improvement of a proposed subdivision and the existing conditions
in and around it and need not be based upon an accurate or detailed final survey of
the property.
(b) "Vesting tentative map" refers to a map which meets the requirements of
subdivision (a) and Section 66452.
SEC. 4. Section 66428 of the Government Code is amended to read:
166423. Local ordinances may require a tentative map where a parcel map is
required by this chapter. A parcel map shall be required for subdivisions as to
which a final or parcel map is not otherwise required by this chapter, unless the
preparation of such parcel map is waived by local ordinance as provided in this
CHAPTER 1113 436 1984 REG. SESSION
SEC.t
section. A parcel map shall not be required for: (1) subdivisions of a portion of the
operating right-of-way of a railroad corporation defined as such by Section 230 of
the Public Utilities Code, which are created by short-term leases (terminable by
either party on not more than 30 days' notice in writing), or (2) land conveyed to
or from a governmental agency, public entity, public utility, or for land conveyed to
a subsidiary of a public utility for conveyance to such public utility for rights-of-
way, unless a showing is made in individual cases, upon substantial evidence, that
public policy necessitates such a parcel map.
A local agency shall, by ordinance, provide a procedure for waiving the require-
ment for a parcel map, imposed by this division, including the requirements for a
parcel map imposed by Section 66426. The procedure may include provisions for
waiving the requirement for a tentative and final map for the construction of a
condominium project on a single parcel. The ordinance shall require a finding by
the legislative body or advisory agency, that the proposed division of land complies
with such requirements as may have been established by this division or local
ordinance enacted pursuant thereto as to area, improvement and design, floodwater
drainage control, appropriate improved public roads, sanitary disposal facilities,
water supply availability, environmental protection, and other requirements of this
division or local ordinance enacted pursuant thereto. In any case, where the
requirement for a parcel map is waived by local ordinance pursuant to provisions of
this section,,& tentative map may be required by local ordinance.
If a local ordinance does not require a tentative map where a parcel map is
required by this division, the subdivider shall have the option of submitting a
tentative map or if he or she desires to obtain the rights conferred by Chapter 4.5
(commencing with Section 66498.1), a vesting tentative map.
SEC. S. Section 66452 of the Government Code is amended to read:
J 66452. (a) A tentative map shall be filed with the_clerk of the advisory agency
or, if there is no advisory agency, with the clerk of the legislative body, or with any
other officer or employee of the local agency as may be designated by local
ordinance.
(b) A vesting tentative map shall be filed and processed in the same manner as a
tentative map except as otherwise provided by this division or by a local ordinance
adopted pursuant to this division.
(c) At the time a vesting tentative map is filed it shall have printed conspicuously
on its face the words "Vesting Tentative Map."
SEC. 6. Section 66452.6 of the Government Code is amended to read:
J 66452.6. (a) An approved or conditionally approved tentative map shall expire
24 months after its approval or conditional approval, or after such additional period
of time as may be prescribed by local ordinance, not to exceed an additional 12
months. •
(b) The period of time specified in subdivision (a) shall not include any period of
time during which a development moratorium, imposed after approval of the
tentative map, is in existence, provided however, that the length of the moratorium
does not exceed five years.
Once a moratorium is terminated, the map shall be valid for the same period of
time as was left to run on the map at the time that the moratorium was imposed.
However, if the remaining time is less than 120 days, the map shall be valid for 120
days following the termination of the moratorium.
(c) The period of time specified in subdivision (a) shall not include any period of
time during which a lawsuit has been filed and is pending in a court of competent
jurisdiction involving the approval or conditional approval of a tentative map if a
stay of the time period is approved by the local agency pursuant to this section.
I -
willssomm-
1984 REG. SESSION 437 CHAPTER 1113
SEC.7
Within 10 days of the service of the initial petition or complaint in the lawsuit upon
the local agency, the subdivider may apply to the local agency for a stay pursuant
to the local agency's adopted procedures. Within 40 days after receiving the
application, the local agency shall either stay the time period for up to five years or
deny the requested stay. The local agency may, by ordinance, establish procedures
for reviewing the requests, including, but not limited to, notice and hearing
requirements, appeal procedures and other administrative requirements.
(d) The expiration of the approved or conditionally approved tentative map shall
terminate all proceedings and no final map or parcel map of all or any portion of
the real property included within the tentative map shall be filed with the legislative
body pursuant to Section 66457 without first processing a new tentative map. Once
a timely filing is made pursuant to Section 66457, subsequent actions of the local
agency, including, but not limited to, processing, approving, and recording, may
lawfully occur after the date of expiration of the tentative map.
(e) Upon application of the subdivider filed prior to the expiration of the
approved or conditionally approved tentative map, the time at which the map
expires may be extended by the legislative body or by an advisory agency autho-
rized to approve or conditionally approve tentative maps for a period or periods not
exceeding a total of three years. If the advisory agency denies a subdivider's
application for extension, the subdivider may appeal to the legislative body within
15 days after the advisory agency has denied the extension.
(I) For purposes of this section, a development moratorium shall include a water
or sewer moratorium or a water and sewer moratorium, as well as other actions of
public agencies which regulate land use, development, or the provision of services to
the land, other than the public agency with the authority to approve or condition-
ally approve the tentative map, which thereafter prevents, prohibits, or delays the
approval of a final or parcel map.
(g) The rights conferred by a vesting tentative map as provided by Chapter 4.5,
(commencing with Section 66498.1) shall last for an initial time period as provided
by ordinance but shall not be less than one year or more than two years beyond the
recording of the final map . Where several final maps are recorded on various
phases of a project covered by a single vesting tentative map, the one year initial
time period shall begin for each phase when the final map for that phase is
recorded.
The initial time period shall be automatically extended by any time used by the
local agency for processing a complete application for a grading permit or for
design or architectural review, if the time used by the local agency to process the
application exceeds 30 days, from the date that a complete application is filed. Any
time prior to the expiration of the initial time period provided by this section, the
subdivider may apply for a one-year extension. If the extension is denied by an
advisory agency, the subdivider may appeal that denial to the legislative body
within 15 days.
(h) If the subdivider submits a complete application for a building permit during
the periods of time specified in subdivision (g), the rights conferred by Chapter 4.5
(commencing with Section 66498.1) shall continue until the expiration of that
permit, or any extension of that permit granted by the local agency.
SEC. 7. Section 66463.5 of the Government Code is amended to read:
66463.5. (a) When a tentative map is required, an approved or conditionally
approved tentative map shall expire 24 months after its approval or conditional
approval, or after any additional period of time as may be prescribed by local
ordinance, not to exceed an additional 12 months.
(b) The expiration of the approved or conditionally approved tentative map shall
terminate. all proceedings and no parcel map of all or any portion of the real
CHAPTER 1113 438 1984 REG. SESSION,
SEC.7
property included within the tentative map shall be filed without first processing a
new tentative map.
(c) Upon application of the subdivider filed prior to the expiration of the
approved or conditionally approved tentative map, the time at which the map
expires may be extended by the legislative body or by an advisory agency autho-
rized to approve or conditionally approve tentative maps for a period or periods not
exceeding a total of three years. if the advisory agency denies a subdivider's
application for extension, the subdivider may appeal to the legislative body within
15 days after the advisory agency has denied the extension.
(d) The period of time specified in subdivision (a) shall not include any period of
time during which a development moratorium, imposed after approval of the
tentative map, is in existence, provided, however, that the length of the moratorium
does not exceed five years.
Once a moratorium is terminated, the map shall be valid for the same period of
time as was left to run on the map at the time that the moratorium was imposed.
However, if the remaining time is less than 120 days, the map shall be valid for 120
days following the termination of the moratorium.
(e) The period of time specified in subdivision (a) shall not include any period of
time during which a lawsuit has been filed and is pending in a court of competent
jurisdiction involving the approval or conditional approval of a tentative map if a
stay of the time period is approved by the local agency pursuant to this section.
Within 10 days of the service of the initial petition or complaint in the lawsuit upon
the local agency, the subdivider may apply to the local agency for a stay pursuant
to the local agency's adopted procedures. Within 40 days after receiving the
application, the local agency shall either stay the time period for up to five years or
deny the requested stay. The local agency may, by ordinance, establish procedures
for reviewing the requests, including, but not limited to, notice and hearing
requirements, appeal procedures, and other administrative requirements.
(f) For purposes of this section, a development moratorium shall include a water
or sewer moratorium or a water and sewer moratorium,as well as other actions of
public agencies which regulate land use, development, or the provision of services to
the land, other than the public agency with the authority to approve or condition-
ally approve the tentative map, which thereafter prevents, prohibits, or delays the
approval of a parcel map.
(g) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), for the purposes of Chapter 4.5
(commencing with Section 66498.1), subdivisions (g) and (h) of Section 66452.6
shall apply to vesting tentative maps prepared in connection with a parcel map
except that, for purposes of this section, the time periods specified in subdivisions
(g) and (h) of Section 66452.6 shall be determined from the recordation of the
parcel map instead of the final map.
SEC. 8. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 66498.1) is added to Division 2
of Title 7 of the Government Code, to read:
CHAPTER 4.5
Development Rights
§66498.1. (a) Whenever a provision of this division requires that a tentative map
be filed, a vesting tentative map may instead be filed.
(b) When a local agency approves or conditionally approves a vesting tentative
trap, that approval shall confer a vested right to proceed with development in
substantial compliance with the ordinances, policies, and standards described in
Section 66474.2. However, if Section 66474.2 is repealed, that approval shall confer
a vested right to proceed with development in substantial compliance with the
1984 REG. SESSION 439 CHAPTER 1113
SEC.e
ordinances, policies, and standards in effect at the time the vesting tentative map is
approved or conditionally approved.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the local agency may condition or deny a
permit, approval, extension, or entitlement if it determines any of the following:
(1) A failure to do so would place the residents of the subdivision or the
immediate community, or both, in a condition dangerous to their health or safety,
or both.
(2) The condition or denial is required, in order to comply with state or federal
law.
(d) The rights conferred by this section shall expire if a final map is not approved
prior to the expiration of the vesting tentative map. If the final map is approved, the
rights conferred by this section shall be subject to the periods of time set forth in
subdivisions (g) and (h) of Section 66452.6.
§66498.2. Any time prior to the expiration of the vesting tentative map pursuant
to subdivisions (g) and (h) of Section 66452.6 or subdivision (g) of Section 66463.5
the subdivider, or his or her assignee, may apply for an amendment to the vesting
tentative map.
§ 66498.3. (a) Whenever a subdivider files a vesting tentative map for a subdivi-
sion whose intended development is inconsistent with the zoning ordinance in
existence at that time, that inconsistency shall be noted on the map. The local
agency may deny such a vesting tentative map or approve it conditioned on the
subdivider, or his or her designee, obtaining the necessary change in the zoning
ordinance to eliminate the inconsistency. If the change in the zoning ordinance is
obtained, the approved or conditionally approved vesting tentative map shall,
notwithstanding Section 66498.1, confer the vested right to proceed with the
development in substantial compliance with the change in the zoning ordinance and
the map, as approved.
(b) The rights conferred by this section shall be for the time periods set forth in
subdivisions (g) and (h) of Section 66452.6.
§66498.4. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, a property owner or his
or her designee may seek approvals or permits for development which depart from
the ordinances, policies, and standards described in subdivision (a) of Section
66498.1 and Section 66498.3, and local agencies may grant these approvals or issue
these permits to the extent that the departures arc authorized under applicable law.
§66498.5. If a subdivider does not seek the rights conferred by this chapter, the
filing of a vesting tentative map shall not be a prerequisite to any approval for any
proposed subdivision, permit for construction, or work preparatory to construction.
§ 66498.6. (a) This chapter does not cnlarge, diminish, or alter the types of
conditions which may be imposed by a local agency on a development, nor in any
way diminish or alter the power of local agencies to protect against a condition
dangerous to the public health or safety.
(b) The rights conferred by this chapter shall relate only to the imposition by
local agencies of conditions or requirements created and imposed by local ordi-
nances. Nothing in this chapter removes, diminishes, or affects the obligation of any
subdivider to comply with the conditions and requirements of any state or federal
laws, regulations, or policies and does not grant local agencies the option to
disregard any state or federal laws, regulations, or policies.
§66498.7. This chapter applies only to residential developments.
§66498.8. (a) On or before January 1, 1986, every local agency shall establish
procedures, by ordinance or resolution, necessary for the implementation of this
chapter.
i
CHAPTER 1113 440 1984 REG. SESSION
SEC.S
(b) The local agency may charge subdividers who file vesting tentative maps a fee
in an amount sufficient to recover the direct costs associated with establishing and
adopting those procedures.
(c) This section shall become operative January 1, 1985.
SEC. 10. Sections 1 to 9, inclusive, of this act shall become operative January 1,
1986, except Section 66498.8 of the Government Code, which shall become
operative January 1. 1985.
SEC. 11. No appropriation is made and no reimbursement is required by this
act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution or Section
2231 or 2234 of the Revenue and Taxation Code because the local agency or school
district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to
pay for the program or level of service )mandated by this act.
EXPLANATORY NOTES CH 1111
Gov C 1 66424.5.(1)Designated the former section to be subd(a);and(2)added subd(b).
Gov C §66428. (1) Substituted "(1)" and "(2)" for "(a)" and "(b)" in the last sentence of the first
paragraph;and(2)added the third paragraph.
Gov C 1 66452. (1)Designated the former section to be subd(a);(2)substituted "advisory"for"such"
after"there is no'; (3) substituted "any" for "such"after ", or with'; and (4) added subds(b)and
(4
Gov C 1 66452.6.Added subds(g)and(h).
Gov C f 66463.5.(1)Generally eliminated—such';and(2)added subds(d)-(g).
d
1