Real Property Records & Transactions

Introduction

The CSU Board of Trustees have the authority to acquire, sell and exchange any interest or use of real property. Depending on the structure of transaction, other government agencies may facilitate the acquisition process. The ability to administer and manage Trustees-held property greatly facilitates campus development and directly supports the educational mission of the CSU.

The Chancellor’s Office is responsible for reporting all real property acquisitions and dispositions to the state Department of General Services.

References:

• Education Code 89048
• Standing Orders of the Board of Trustees of the Calif​ornia State University
• SUAM Section III: Sections 9019-9020 – Real Property Acquisition and Real Property Disposal
  

Due Diligence

Introduction

Due diligence is the review, analysis and feasibility of CSU property transactions. The authority, need and campus endorsement are compiled and contemplated in a due diligence findings report.

This action is performed by campus staff and reviewed by Real Estate Services staff on behalf of the CSU Board of Trustees. In order to determine whether a property acquisition is appropriate and within CSU's authority, due diligence will reveal and support said transaction.

Areas of focus:

• funding source
• parcel title history
• environmental condition of property
• CEQA approach
• Existing structure condition assessment

A financial plan for cost of acquisition and any immediate improvements will also need to be defined. This serves as a valuable tool when determining appropriate financing options. At the conclusion of the due diligence investigation, campus stakeholders should have all the information required to make an informed decision to support proposed acquisition.

References:

• California Education Code 89048
• SUAM Appendix G: Sample Property Acquisition Summary Due Diligence Report
• SUAM Section III: Sections 9015-9020
  

Easement Requests

Introduction

At times, CSU projects require infrastructure provided by local utilities or municipalities. The land right for a utility to exist/operate on campus property is captured in an Easement Agreement between Grantor and Grantee.

Easements aim to protect rights of both parties and define responsibilities of Grantor and Grantee for term of land right. Any easements granted should benefit and enhance campus operations. On those requests that do not benefit the campus in some fashion, compensation from grantee will be required.

Please contact Land Title Program Manager in Real Estate Services for assistance in processing easement requests.

References:

• California Education Code 89048 (a-c)
• SUAM Section III: Sections 9018-9018.04 – Acquisition and Granting of Easements and Acceptance of Quitclaims
  

Forms/Templates:

• Agreement and Grant of Easement Form​
  

Site Clearances & Certificates

Introduction

A site clearance is a campus determination and review that a project site is within CSU jurisdiction and identifies how that location interacts with existing title encumbrances of record (e.g., easements, limitations imposed on a site relating to existing revenue bonds).

A site certification is built upon this exercise that is further reviewed and approved by Office of General Counsel staff.

These actions protect CSU from violating existing land agreements with other parties and act as financial due diligence for any planned financing of proposed projects.

Please contact CAD/GIS Land Record Coordinator in Real Estate Services for assistance with site clearances or certificates.

References:

• SUAM Section III: Section 9017 – Land Records Database and Title Investigation
  

Forms/Templates:

• Temporary Permit Template

Records of Survey

Introduction

Records of Survey are technical, legal map instruments that establish the boundaries of the Board of Trustees’ property and adjacent lands. These are helpful tools that visualize the extent of a given campus's ownership and are organized by campus.

Reference:

• Campus Records of Survey (for CSU staff; login required)

Encumbrance Maps & Data

Introduction

One -way in which the CSU's property history has been preserved and tracked is with Encumbrance Maps. These maps identify and locate existing land matters of record that occur on campus property. An encumbrance can be a utility easement, lease or license that occurs on CSU land. This information is critical when planning and accommodating for future campus projects.

Campus planners, project managers and construction professionals use this data to confirm a project is on CSU property and not infringing on an existing land right of another party.

Chancellor’s Office staff actively maintains these maps systemwide:

Reference:

• Ca​mpus Encumbrance Maps and Data (for CSU staff; login required)

Land Records Database (LRDB)

Introduction

The Land Records Database further improves on accessing land information for campus development. It provides CSU professionals with an intuitive map database for CSU property information. The system identifies campus ownership, location and land rights and displays these within an easy-to-use web interface. This tool provides web access to vesting deeds, easements and maps.

CSU staff can quickly determine ownership and access land records with this system. This provides planning professionals with real property history for a campus and allows stakeholders to make data-driven design decisions early in the planning process.

Reference:

• Land Records Database (login required)

Master Plan Database (MPDB)

Introduction

The Master Plan Database is the CSU's platform for organizing and managing campus Master Plan Maps systemwide. This database also facilitates the organization of annual updates to campus Master Plans.

Every campus has a portal at which its Master Plan can be accessed. Campus and Chancellor’s Office staff use this web-based database as a tool to share, submit and review Master Plan map files.

Reference:

• Master Plan Database (login required)
• ​Campus Master Plan - CAD Stan​dards​