How to read your assessor's parcel map - sample document

Definitions included on the map:

Acreage - is noted only if larger than one acre.

Adjacent Page # - adjoining Assessor map page.

Assessor Parcel # - a number assigned to parcels of real property (or portions thereof) for tax assessment purposes.

Block # - used to subdivide a map page.

Book & Page - located on top right of assessor parcel map.

Change Box - notes revisions made to assessor map. Includes revision date, block number, tax year, old and new assessor parcel numbers, initials of mapper, and project file number.

Easement - a defined area (land/airspace) where someone who is not the owner holds a limited amount of legal rights.

Historical Lot Line - these indicate where previous property boundaries may have been located.

Lot # and Parcel # - these numbers are defined by a specific parcel map or subdivision map recorded with the County of Marin (see Record of Survey definition below).

Map Scale - is the relationship between distance on the map and distance in real life.

Record of Survey # - a reference number for a survey that has been officially recorded with the County of Marin. Their boundaries are delineated by a corner symbol marking their corners. See standard survey prefixes below:
O.S. - Official Survey
P.M. - Parcel Map (Minor Subdivision)
R.S. - Record of Survey
R.M.  - Record Map (Major Subdivision)

Tax Rate Area - a defined area of land with the same combination of taxing districts.