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    Understanding Legal Parcels, Descriptions and the Subdivision Map Act

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    This image features a scenic view of blooming almond orchards in Northern California with the Appraisal Institute Northern California Chapter Logo
    Date
    November 19, 2026
    Time
    1:30PM - 4:30PM (PST)
    Sponsor
    Northern California Chapter
    Location
    Monterey County Bank
    601 Munras Avenue
    Monterey, CA 93940
    Instructor
    Neil Lefmann
    Full Price
    $75.00
    AI Price
    $50.00
    Enroll by October 30 and save $20!
    View Pricing Options
    Classroom
    Topics:
    Agriculture
    Easements
    Environmental
    Land/Site Valuation
    Litigation
    Market Analysis
    Review
    Special Purpose Property
    Valuation Approaches
    Continuing Education
    Commercial
    Residential
    Course Description

    California not only maintains the most complex and far-reaching land regulations in the nation: it is also the only one of 50 states that has state-mandated land use regulations and procedures, which are in addition to local county, city and other regulatory ordinances.

     

    There is widespread confusion regarding what constitutes a legal parcel. While California’s Subdivision Map Act provides a legal framework, it’s not so simple to navigate the SMA’s complexities.  This presentation will inform attendees’ understanding of significant considerations pertaining to legal parcels, which are a critically important element in real property appraisals and Market Value.   


    This offering provides a unique and engaging review of all you need to know about legal parcels, legal subdivisions, legal descriptions, and related issues!

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    Who Should Enroll

    Appraisers, assessors, lenders, regulators, those who work with government agencies or title companies whose assignments or clients may be involved in legal parcels.
    State Approvals
    State QE/CE Course & Exam Course Only Exam Only Delivery Format Start Date Expire Date State Code
    CA CE 3 Classroom 11/01/2026 10/31/2030 pending
    Course Objectives

    • What is PLSS? Lot & Block? Metes & Bounds?

    • Tract Map vs. Parcel Map vs. Record of Survey

    • Difference between Assessor’s Parcels and Legal Parcels

    • California’s Subdivision Map Act

    • Certificates of Compliance

    • Legal non-conforming parcels and merger provisions

    • Types of legal descriptions & how to read them

    • Units of measure and curve descriptors

    • How to draw a legal description

    • Useful computer programs 
    Course Materials & Recommended Books
    The instructor will provide relevant materials.
    Pricing Options
    Rate Full Price AI Price
    Early-Bird
    Today thru 10/30/2026     		$75.00 $50.00
    Standard
    10/31/2026 thru 11/13/2026     		$95.00 $80.00
    Late
    After 11/14/2026     		$110.00 $95.00