SEC. 1403. SCOPE.
§ 1403
This section sets out which San Francisco subdivisions require Tentative Maps, Final Maps, or Parcel Maps, and which are exempt. Subdivisions creating five or more parcels generally need both a Tentative Map and Final Map; those creating fewer than five generally need only a Parcel Map, unless they fall within state law exceptions or the Director determines a Tentative Map is warranted. Certain subdivisions are fully exempt from mapping requirements.
When someone wants to divide a property into multiple separate parcels or units, San Francisco requires them to file maps showing the new layout—but the type of map depends on how many new parcels they're creating. If you're creating five or more parcels, you need to submit two maps: a Tentative Map (preliminary) and a Final Map. If you're creating fewer than five parcels, you usually just need a simpler Parcel Map. Some subdivisions don't need any map at all because state law or San Francisco rules exempt them. The Director (the planning official) can require a Tentative Map even for smaller subdivisions if the property could eventually be split into five or more parcels, or can skip the Parcel Map requirement if the land already meets certain standards.
- Complex:The section is heavily cross-referenced to state law (SMA sections) and other city code sections, making it difficult for a non-lawyer to understand applicability without consulting multiple sources.
- Could be simpler:Subsection (d) is a long, conditional sentence that could be restructured for clarity; it combines multiple exceptions and scenarios in one dense passage.
AI-generated · claude-haiku-4-5 · informational only, not legal advice.
Official text
(a) This Code supplements SMA, prescribing rules, regulations and procedures authorized therein.
(b) The necessity for Tentative Maps, Final Maps and Parcel Maps shall be governed by this Section and SMA.
(c) For subdivisions creating five or more parcels or units, a Tentative Map and a Final Map shall be required pursuant to this Code and SMA.
(1) A Tentative Map and a Final Map shall be required for all such subdivisions except those coming within the exceptions set forth in Section 66426 of SMA.
(2) A Tentative Map and a Parcel Map shall be required for all subdivisions coming within the exceptions set forth in Section 66426 of SMA.
(d) For subdivisions creating fewer than five parcels or units, no Tentative Map shall be required except as provided in Section 1433.1(a) for Vesting Tentative Maps and except where the Director deems a Tentative Map would be appropriate and the applicable City regulations for the subject property would permit development at a density such that the subject property, or any portion thereof, may be resubdivided in a manner which would ultimately permit five or more parcels on the subject property. In all other subdivisions creating fewer than five parcels or units, a Parcel Map containing the information specified by Section 1459 of this Code and SMA shall be required. Said Parcel Map shall be filed with the Director and recorded according to the procedure set forth in Sections 1460 through 1464 of this Code.
(e) No Tentative Map, Final Map or Parcel Map shall be required for those specific types of subdivision exempted by Sections 66412 and 66428 of SMA; provided, however, that with respect to subdivisions described in Subsection (h) of Section 66412 of the SMA, certification pursuant to the provisions of Section 1397 must be obtained.
(f) The Director shall waive the requirement of a Parcel Map for any improved or unimproved land shown on the latest equalized County assessment roll as contiguous units or parcels where the units or parcels have been subdivided legally and comply with the requirements as to lot width and area, improvement and design, floodwater drainage control, appropriate improved public roads, sanitary disposal facilities, water supply availability and environmental protection.
(g) Nothing herein shall preclude the approval and filing of Subdivision Maps for purposes of financing and conveyancing only as provided in Section 1412.1 herein.
(Added by Ord. 329-98, App. 10/30/98)