The process of dividing real property into more than four lots for the purposes of sale, lease or financing (including condominiums). State law requires approval and recordation of a map showing the division before sale, lease or financing of a new parcel can legally occur. Tract maps are acted on by the Planning Commission.
A land division occurs when a parcel of land is divided into two or more parcels, each of which can be sold and owned independently of the others. The Department of Planning & Building processes land division applications for subdivision entitlements according to the provisions of the state Subdivision Map Act and the County Real Property Division Ordinance.
Step 1: Request a Tract Map Number
First, request a Tract Map Number by:
- Access PermitSLO
- Select "Apply"
- Select “Planning Applications”
- Find the "Tract Map Number "
- Select "Apply"
- Follow the online instructions.
- A completed Map Number Request Form is required to be upload with the online application.
- Wait 60 seconds, and refresh your browser. Your map number should be formatted as follows: "M [last two digits of the year] = XXX" (e.g. M 21-0010).
Step 2: Obtain Application, Tentative Map, and Supporting Docs
Download a copy of the Land Division – Checklist & Application Package, and review the checklist on pages 1 - 3. This checklist lists all documents needed to apply for a tentative tract map.
In the next step, you will be asked to submit the following:
- Land Division Application Package - completed and signed
- Tentative Tract Map
- Title Report
- Legal Lot Verification
- Improvements Statement
- Environemental Health Letter
- Design Modifications/Road Exceptions
- Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells Statement (if applicable)
- Any other supplemental information
NOTE: *** Please ensure all documents reflect the map number issued in Step 1. ***
Step 3: Submit Application, Tentative Map, and Supporting Docs
Please apply for a tentative parcel map through the online service PermitSLO.
1. Access PermitSLO
- 2. Select "Apply" on the top bar
- 3. Select “Planning Applications”
- 4. Find the "Subdivision Application"
- 5. Click "Apply"
- 6. Follow the online instructions.
- A completed Land Division Application Package, Tentative Tract Map, and supporting documents are required to be uploaded.
Step 4: Review by Staff
Department of Planning & Building staff reviews the application for consistency with applicable land use regulations and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). You may be asked for additional information during this time.
Step 5: Schedule Hearing
Staff schedules the application for a public hearing - either Planning Department Hearing, Subdivision Review Board, or Planning Commission based on the subdivision entitlement type.
Step 6: Reach Decision
During the public hearing, the hearing body considers the application and reaches a decision to either approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application.
Step 8: Appeal Decision (Optional)
Any aggrieved person can appeal a decision to the Board of Supervisors. Projects located within the Coastal Zone can also be appealed to (or by) the California Coastal Commission.
Step 9: Record Subdivision
The applicant must record the approved subdivision within two years of its approval date.
Step 10: Extend Approval (Optional)
The applicant may request a time extension, in writing, to extend the approval date for one year. The maximum number of available time extensions is based on the subdivision entitlement type.
The owner of the subject property or anyone who is given consent by the owner of the subject property may use this service.
Please refer to the Department of Planning & Building Fee Schedule for application fees.
This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.