California Land Use & Development Law Report
California Land Use & Development Law Report
California Land Use & Development Law Report offers insights into legal issues relating to development and use of land and federal, state and local permitting and approval processes.
California Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of Declaratory Relief Under the California Public Records Act and Rejects Obligation to Retain Exempt Records
The California Supreme Court held that the California Public Records Act (CPRA) authorizes declaratory relief—even after it is undisputed that a public agency has disclosed all existing responsive, nonexempt records—if an agency is reasonably likely to repeat past conduct that allegedly violates the CPRA.
Pre-1972 Conveyance of Multiple Lots Did Not Create Separate Legal Parcels Under Map Act
Under the Subdivision Map Act, the creation of legal parcels prior to 1972 requires more than a deed referencing multiple lots—only a conveyance that separates a portion of land from contiguous property creates a new legal parcel. Cox v. City of Oakland, 17 Cal.5th 362 (2025).
Lot Created on 1869 Map and Conveyed With Fewer Than Four Other Lots Was Lawfully Subdivided
The First District Court of Appeal held that a single deed conveying four or fewer contiguous lots can qualify for a presumption of legality under section 66412.6(a) of the Subdivision Map Act so long as the lots are separately described (including by reference to an antiquated subdivision map) and all other requirements of section 66412.6(a) are satisfied.
City Lacked Authority to Close Public Street for Installation of Marilyn Monroe Statue
The City of Palm Springs' three-year closure of a public street for installation of a statue was unlawful because the Vehicle Code permits only temporary closure of streets for parades or other short-term events, not multi-year closure for installation of semi-permanent structures. Committee to Relocate Marilyn v. City of Palm Springs, 88 Cal.App.5th 607 (2023).
California Courts Lack Jurisdiction to Hear Challenges to Regional Housing Needs Allocations
The Fourth District Court of Appeal held that California courts do not have jurisdiction to adjudicate claims involving objections to regional housing needs assessment (RHNA) allocations. City of Coronado v. San Diego Association of Governments, 80 Cal. App. 5th 21 (2022).