News Room
Plain-language guides to the California rules behind land surveys, parcel and subdivision maps, site design and construction stormwater, each with its sources cited.
The American Engineering News Room publishes plain-language, source-cited guides to California land surveying, subdivision maps, site design and construction stormwater rules, each with its published and updated dates. Articles are written by the American Engineering team.
What changed, who it affects, and what to do next, for property owners, developers, builders and the people who review their plans. Newest first.
FeaturedStormwater
Qualifying forecast storms trigger pre- and during-storm SWPPP inspections on top of weekly checks, and 0.5 inch or more at the site rain gauge triggers a post-storm inspection within 96 hours under the 2022 Construction General Permit. When each is due, who can do it, and what to record.
Land Development
From January 1, 2027, tentative maps for subdivision (tract) maps last 48 months instead of 24. Tentative parcel maps keep the 24-month clock.
Land Surveying
The 2026 standards took effect February 23, 2026. What changed in Table A, including the new Item 20, and what California buyers should order.
Stormwater
Where the statewide Small MS4 permit applies, projects that create or replace 5,000 sq ft or more of impervious surface need LID. What the July 2026 draft would change.
Civil Engineering
The manufacturer designs the steel frame, not the foundation. Who designs the footings, when you need a soils report, and what the 2025 code changed.
Land Surveying
When you need an Elevation Certificate, when a LOMA makes more sense, who can certify one, and whether it expires.
Stormwater
Who needs a SWPPP, how Construction General Permit risk levels are set, what QSDs and QSPs do, and the reporting rules in effect for 2026.
Land Development
What to check before you close: title, survey, hazards, utilities, and eligibility for AB 130, SB 79 and SB 423 streamlined approvals.
Land Surveying
How drone photogrammetry, lidar and GNSS surveys work, which FAA and Caltrans rules apply, and why a licensed surveyor or engineer signs the map.
Public Contracting
Federal transportation programs run on an extension to December 11, 2026, and Caltrans is restarting DBE goals. What that means for California projects.
Public Contracting
How state agencies and prime contractors meet the 3% DVBE participation goal: who qualifies, the bid forms, the bid incentive, and SB/DVBE Option limits.
Each article lists its sources and shows the date it was published and, when revised, the date it was last updated. Articles are general information, not legal or engineering advice for a specific property. Requirements often vary by city and county, so check with your local agency.
Articles grouped the same way as our services, with links to the services each topic touches.
Survey standards, flood elevation certificates, and the tools surveyors use to measure and map a site.
Related services: ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, Topographic surveying, Elevation certificates, Records of survey
Explore Land SurveyingSubdivision Map Act rules for parcel and tract maps, and the due diligence that comes before you buy land.
Related services: Parcel and subdivision maps, Lot line adjustments, Feasibility studies
Explore Land Development & MappingBuilding code and design rules that shape foundations, grading and site improvements.
Related services: Metal building foundation design, Grading plans, Site layout
Explore Civil Engineering & Site DesignConstruction General Permit compliance, storm-event inspections, and post-construction LID requirements.
Related services: SWPPPs, SWPPP inspections, Stormwater calculations, Erosion and sediment control plans
Explore Stormwater & Erosion ControlThe funding programs and contracting rules behind public civil and transportation projects in California.
The agencies, laws and standards our articles cite most often.