Department of Transportation
Engineering Services – 4
th
Floor
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, California 94612
______________________________________________________________________________
FAQ’s/PM or TR-Permit/April/2018 Page 3 of 5
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s
for a Parcel Map or Tract Map / Final Map
1. W
hen is a Parcel Map, Tract Map or Final Map required?
A
nswer: A Tract Map or Final Map is required when a subdivision creates five (5) or more; parcels, five
(5)
or
more condominiums, community apartment with five (5) or more parcels, and a conversion of a stock
cooperative containing five (5) or more dwelling units.
A
Parcel Map is required for any other subdivision. These maps are also known as the subdivision “Record
Map” after being recorded with the Alameda County Recorder’s office.
2. What is the difference between a Tentative Map and a Record Map?
A
nswer: For any new subdivision a Tentative Map must first be approved by Planning & Zoning. Other
departments and outside agencies, if approving of the subdivision, will provide “Conditions of Approval.
”
T
he Zoning Manager’s approval letter includes general and project specific conditions that must be satisfied
to complete the development. A Record Map must be recorded with Alameda County Recorder’s office
within a specific time limit, usually two (2) years from the date of Zoning approval letter. All conditions
required for the Tentative Map approval must be satisfied before recording the Map. All required easement
s
and notes must be shown before recording the Map. The new legal lot lines and easements are then
e
stablished with the Record Map. If the Tentative Map has expired the Parcel Map, Tract or Final Ma
p
c
annot be recorded. The Applicant must start the process over with Planning & Zoning and submit a new
Tentative Map application. All approvals for the project expire if the Tentative Map has expired.
3. Wh
o reviews my Map application
?
Answer: A Staff Engineer is assigned to review the Map application and will email a copy to the Planner.
P
aper copies of the ‘Check Print’ Maps and application documents are routed to the City Surveyor fo
r
t
echnical review, comments, approval. After all Reviewers have no more comments and approve the ma
p
fo
r recording the City Surveyor will notify the Applicant’s Surveyor when to prepare the Mylar Map for
signature by the Property Owner(s).
4. When can building permits be issued for the property being subdivided?
A
nswer: The Parcel Map or Tract Map / Final Map must be in full compliance and filed with County
Recorder’s Office in compliance with Government Code 66499.30 prior to issuance of building permits.
Applicants should contact the Building Department for all Building Permit questions.
5. How long does the County take to record the Mylar Map?
A
nswer: Applicants are recommended to consider and allow ample time for processing and approval of
their Parcel Map or Tract Map / Final Map application. Additionally, the County has ten (10) working days
to review and record the Mylar Map when they receive it. If the County rejects the Mylar Map it is returned
to the City Surveyor with their comments. The City Surveyor will notify the Applicant and corrections
must be made by the Applicant before the Mylar is resubmitted to the County for recordation.