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engineer and/or land surveyor’s responsibiliTies, ConT.
• Once the initial study is done, the engineer will begin processing the map. The engineer obtains a tract or parcel map number (whichever is required for your project) from the County Engineer. This number is a key number and will appear on all correspondence with your project engineer, the city, county, attorney, budget preparer, DRE and Chicago Title. Throughout the entire mapping process, the number will remain the same.
• The project engineer will begin gathering the information needed to complete the tentative map package to be submitted to the city. This package includes the tentative map, an environmental questionnaire and other reports depending on the type and location of your project.
• Depending on the location of the subject property, other reports or studies could be required including oak tree reports, archeological reports, traffic reports, solar feasibility report, etc. Some requested reports require the retention of other experts and some can be completed by the engineer. In addition to the tentative map and the above reports, a radius map and a listing of the homeowners of property within that radius must be prepared. Some cities, like the City of Los Angeles, require that a specialist prepare this for you.
• Existing street improvements, ground elevations and existing easements are required to be shown on the tentative map in some cities which will require an early field survey. If not required on the tentative map, the information is necessary for the final map and will be needed by the architect in preparation of the building plans.
• Once the tentative map has been prepared, a subdivision order should be opened with Chicago Title. Call your Chicago Title Sales Representative to open the order for you. The Subdivision Reports and Final Guarantee issued by Chicago Title will be utilized to assure the city, county and the project engineer of names and signatures required to appear on the title pages of the final map and, if applicable, the Condominium Plan.
• The tentative map package is then submitted to the local governing body (city or county) for their processing and environmental clearance. This agency will, as required, distribute copies of the map and related documents to other departments, such as traffic, building and safety, planning, and engineering, for their input. The project engineer will then receive proposed Conditions of Approval from the various departments. After reviewing the conditions, the engineer will forward copies to the developer for his or her comments.
• If an environmental clearance in the form a Negative Declaration or Exemption can be given, the project can proceed. If the project has environmental issues which cannot be easily mitigated, an Environmental Impact Report would be required and the project could be substantially delayed.
• A public hearing will be scheduled and conducted, at which time the engineer can be available to represent the developer. In cities requiring building plans with the tentative map, the project architect is often present at this hearing. It is always a good idea for the developer to be present at all hearings and meetings with the city or county. The decision at this hearing may be appealed by anyone dissatisfied, either by the opposition to the development, or by you, the developer. If appealed, a higher board will re-hear the case and either deny the appeal or grant it in part, or in its entirety. Some cities allow the second appeal to be filed with the City Council. The result of an appeal to the City Council is final.
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