LAND DIVISION
Provides land and engineering survey, title search, real property appraisal, negotiation, and document preparation services in conjunction with acquisition of lands and easements required for City projects and activities.

 

The Division is organized into three functional units: the Acquisition Branch, the Survey Branch, and the Appraisal Branch.  The Acquisition Branch conducts title searches, negotiates with property owners to acquire lands and easements for city projects, prepares conveyance documents, and processes such documents for City Council acceptance and recordation at the State Bureau of Conveyances.  The branch also prepares documents for Land Court.

 

The Survey Branch conducts land/control/topographic field surveys, makes land boundary studies, and stakes property boundaries.  The branch reviews consultants' work, prepares maps and descriptions, makes shoreline certifications, prepares subdivision and land court maps, and prepares maps/charts/graphs for use in court.

 

The Appraisal Branch prepares real estate cost estimates and appraisals for acquisition or use of real property needed for City projects.  The branch also prepares appraisals for the rental and disposal of city properties, and determines valuations for park dedications purposes.  It assists the Corporation Counsel in preparing the condemnation trials and provides expert witness testimony on property valuation in court.

 

Besides servicing the needs of the DDC, the Land Division also services the City Departments of Community Services, Transportation Services, Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation, and Facility Maintenance.  The division also assists the Departments of Corporation Counsel, Police, and Prosecuting Attorney by conducting title searches, performing site surveys and stakeouts, and preparing maps and charts for court cases.  The Department of Budget and Fiscal Services receives assistance in the preparation of maps, descriptions, searches, and appraisals for the rental, leasing, and disposal of City properties.