Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 03-15, § 1, adopted May 12, 2015, amended chapter 16.32 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former chapter 16.32, §§ 16.32.010—16.32.040, pertained to Lot Line Adjustments. See the Code Comparative Table and Disposition List for complete derivation.
A "lot line adjustment" is for the adjustment of property boundaries between four or fewer existing adjoining parcels, where the land taken from one parcel is added to an adjoining parcel and where a greater number of parcels than originally existed is not thereby created.
(Ord. 03-15, 2015)
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title to the contrary, the procedure set forth in this chapter shall govern the processing of, and requirements for, lot line adjustments. A lot line adjustment may be filed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter to adjust the boundaries between four or fewer adjoining parcels, provided the City Engineer determines that the proposed lot line adjustment:
A. 
Does not create a greater number of lots or parcels than originally existed;
B. 
Involves an adjustment between four or fewer existing adjoining lots or parcels;
C. 
Does not impair any existing access or easements or create a need for any new access or easements serving adjacent lots or parcels;
D. 
Conforms to the City's General Plan, any adopted Specific Plan, the zoning ordinance, and the City's building codes, including lot frontage, depth, area, access, setbacks, lot coverage and parking;
E. 
Does not cause existing uses of the property to be out of compliance with any provisions of the Orange Municipal Code;
F. 
Does not require relocation of existing public improvements or create a need for a new public improvement;
G. 
Complies with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Ord. 03-15, 2015)
The following items shall be submitted to the City Engineer when applying for a lot line adjustment:
A. 
Application for lot line adjustment, filled out completely and signed by record owners of all parcels involved in proposed project;
B. 
A copy of the grant deed for each parcel setting forth a full legal description and showing names of the present record owner;
C. 
New legal descriptions and corresponding revised deeds for proposed parcels;
D. 
An original lot line adjustment map, prepared by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor, in a form that is clear and legible, drawn in black ink; and containing the following information:
1. 
Map scale and north arrow;
2. 
Location of the project site in relation to existing streets and the distance to the nearest cross street;
3. 
The existing and proposed lot layout, using a heavy solid line for project boundary, light dashed lines for existing property lines to be adjusted, and solid lines for proposed property lines;
4. 
Bearings and distances for all parcel lines;
5. 
A number for each parcel and the gross and net area of each parcel; net area equals the gross area minus any easements that restrict surface use of the property, such as vehicular, pedestrian or equestrian easements; and
6. 
Any other information as may be required by the City Engineer;
E. 
A site plan map prepared using the lot line adjustment map referenced in subsection D of this section as a base, including the following information:
1. 
Location and width of all existing easements or rights-of-way, whether public or private, and indicate to whom easement is granted to;
2. 
Location of any aboveground or underground structures on the site, labeling distances from proposed property lines to structures; if there are no structures on the lots proposed for adjustment, a note shall be included on the map stating that fact;
3. 
Any other information as required;
F. 
Any processing fees set forth in the City's master schedule of fees and charges.
(Ord. 03-15, 2015)
The following steps shall be followed for the review and approval of a lot line adjustment application:
A. 
The City Engineer shall determine the completeness of the application within 30 days of its submittal.
B. 
Once the application has been determined complete, the City Engineer shall forward the lot line adjustment request to the Community Development Director for review and comment. The Community Development Director shall review the application and related documents to verify compliance with the general plan, zoning and building ordinances and with established policies and procedures of the City. The Community Development Director shall recommend to the City Engineer approval or denial of the application based on the criteria outlined in this Section. Within 45 days of a determination that the application is complete, the City Engineer shall either approve the lot line adjustment or deny the lot line adjustment based on the criteria outlined in this section. The applicant shall be notified in writing of the City Engineer's action.
C. 
After a lot line adjustment has been approved, the lot line adjustment shall be recorded in the office of the County Recorder for the County of Orange. A copy of the recorded lot line adjustment shall be submitted to the City Engineer.
D. 
New grant deeds which reflect the new lot line adjustment shall be prepared and executed. The new grant deeds shall be recorded in the office of the County Recorder for the County of Orange. Copies of the deeds shall be submitted to the City Engineer.
E. 
The approval of a lot line adjustment shall expire and become void if the lot line adjustment has not been completed as required by this section within 12 months of approval.
(Ord. 03-15, 2015)
When a lot line adjustment is denied, the applicant shall be notified of the City Engineer's decision within 45 days from the date the application is deemed complete. The applicant shall be given the opportunity to correct the map. The applicant may file a revised lot line adjustment application along with any additional fees required. Failure to file a revised lot line adjustment within six months from the date of the denial of the original application shall terminate all proceedings.
(Ord. 03-15, 2015)
The applicant, any interested person, or member of the City Council may appeal to the City Council the decision of the City Engineer. All appeals shall be submitted and acted upon in the manner prescribed for appeals of actions as specified in Section 66452.5 of the California Government Code.
(Ord. 03-15, 2015)