Ownership and Land Use, 15% of the examination
Subdivision Map Act
The California statute governing the design, improvement, and mapping process when land is divided for sale, lease, or financing.
The Subdivision Map Act is a statewide statute implemented mainly by cities and counties through tentative maps, final or parcel maps, conditions, and local subdivision ordinances. It addresses the physical and procedural division of land. The Subdivided Lands Law is a separate consumer-protection scheme administered by DRE and can require a public report before subdivision interests are offered. The useful distinction is that local government approves the map, while DRE regulates covered public offerings.
What this is confused with
The exam rarely asks for a definition. It describes a situation and offers two terms that both sound plausible.
Subdivided Lands Act
A DRE consumer protection statute requiring the public report, not a local mapping control.
Test the distinction
A relevant question from Ownership and Land Use, selected because its facts or explanation use this concept.
Which California act governs the local division and mapping of land?
Written to DRE's published topic list. Not a real examination question, since reproducing those is a misdemeanor under B&P Code section 123.
Primary sources
Use these authorities when a course summary, forum answer, or older flashcard conflicts with the current California rule.