California Surveyors Forums

So I got an email from my client who is developing his property to construct a new home.
Alameda County required he dedicate a 5' strip for right of way (67' length).
It only took me 4-6 hours to prepare a plat and legal which was recorded rather easily.
He received a bill from the county real estate department for $8000 to document the dedication, totaling 56.5 hours!

Are other counties throughout the state this crazy too? This is almost extortion, since we all know the county won't finalize his project if he doesn't pay.

No wonder good citizens of California are leaving in droves!

Unfortunately, we need the pendulum to swing the other way and vote 'em out.

I'd try have a sit-down with his/her supervisor.

Absolutely correct, Keith . . . Government extortion! How much time does it take get a copy of the deed (from an online service I would hope!), scan it (Oh that's right - one obtained the deed digitally. It's already in digital form), copy and punch in folder if they require "paperwork"?! This is crazy. Minimally - inept!

A "Taking" in reverse?

That's Crazy Phil's two cents, Keith
Surveyor to Recorder! (It's not too late to change your vote!)

The client should be provided a detailed bill for this. Looks like a lump sum, and someone took the fee off the wrong line.

Back taxes?

dedkad wrote:Back taxes?

Nope, I asked my client about plan checks and other items, and he said,
"Yes I removed the land development plan check hours. The line item is from the same guy under “property negotiations”.

Someone at the county is truly milking the public!

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

Maybe the "press" should "press" the government?