Reading a Parcel Map
In this video tutorial, we'll take an in-depth look at all things parcel maps and cover how to find a certain parcel, different types of parcel maps, various labels and notes, and basically how to figure these things out. Breaking Down an APN -First let's look at how to break down an APN or Assessor's Parcel Number. The most common APN format would be a number like 025-132-005. The book number is 025 and the page number in the book is 13. The block number follows the page number and in this example is 2. If there is only one block on the map, however, the number will be 0. Finally, the last number is the specific parcel number, which is 005. Figuring Out APNs on a Parcel Map -Now let's look at how to figure out a full APN by finding a single parcel on a map page. In this example, we will use the Butte County parcel map for book 1, page 1, and find the APN for parcel 17 in block 14. -Since this is Butte County, the standard format is a three-digit book, two-digit page number followed by a block number, and a three-digit parcel number. So, the full APN is 001-014-017. Different Types of Parcel Maps -Next we have the different types of parcel maps you may come across. First there is the countywide index map, which shows where all of the map books are located for a particular county. Here is the index map for Butte County. Now let's go down a level and look at the index map for book 026. -Here is a book index map, which shows where all of the map pages are located within a particular map book. Let's go down one more level and look at the parcel map for page 27. -Finally we have a specific parcel map, which shows where all of the parcels are located within a particular map page. Various Map Annotations -Now let's move on to the various numbers, lines, notes and other items you may find on a parcel map. This time we'll check out a map in Tuolumne County. -Numbers of Importance: The first numbers of importance are the book and page number, which are usually located in the upper-right corner of the map. The first number is the map book which is followed by the map page. Parcel numbers are located within their corresponding parcel boundaries and are usually circled. Block numbers are generally located in the center of a parcel group and are circled with an ellipse. Also within the parcel boundary is the lot number. -Orientation & Scale: Maps are generally oriented to the north and you can tell this by looking at the arrow in the upper right corner of the map. This is also where you will usually find the scale, which gives you the ratio in inches to feet. The most common scale is 1" = 100' but you will see several other variations depending on the county and map book. Here are some examples. -Measurements: Most counties will include the estimated total area in acres for each parcel on the map. Otherwise, the total area may not be displayed, it may only show for certain parcels or it may be listed as total square feet. You will also sometimes see the length of one or more parcel edges measured in feet. -Lot Lines: Typically lot lines match up with the solid lines of existing parcel boundaries but if a lot line differs or there is more than one lot in a parcel, this will be shown as a dotted line. -Adjacent Parcel Maps: If you would like to see which parcels are located on an adjacent parcel map, the page or book and page of the map will be noted at the edge of the current map. -Section, Township & Range: If you are interested in knowing the particular section, township, and range where a parcel is located, this information is usually found at the top of the map. For this map in Tuolumne County, we are looking at a portion of the north half of Section 36, Township 2 North, and Range 14 East of the Mount Diablo Base & Meridian. -Map Revisions: As parcel changes occur, these have to be updated on current parcel maps. When a county mapper makes a revision, a record of this revision will usually appear somewhere around the border of the map. Single Sheet vs. Multi-sheet Map Pages -The last item we will look at is single sheet vs. multi-sheet map pages. -Most map pages consist of a single sheet but if you are unable to find a particular parcel on a map page, it may be that the page consists of multiple sheets. There should be a notation near the book and page number that tells you which sheet you are looking at and/or how many sheets there are total. -To view the subsequent map sheets, click on the single arrow button pointing to the right in the map viewer toolbar. So, I know that was a lot of information and your head may or may not be spinning but I hope this tutorial has helped broaden your understanding of the world of parcel maps. Thanks for watching!
