Special Categories of Land

Certain land types are subject to special legal rules and limitations.

Land owned by government entities.

• Federal, state, or local ownership
• Includes parks, roads, schools, and government facilities
• Generally not subject to private ownership
• May be leased for limited private use

Land held in trust by the federal government for Native American tribes or individuals.

• Not subject to state real estate laws
• Transfers and encumbrances require federal approval
• Often exempt from property taxation

Land used primarily for farming or grazing.

• May qualify for preferential tax treatment (e.g., Williamson Act)
• Subject to zoning and use restrictions
• Conversion to other uses may be limited

Land located within California’s coastal zone.

• Regulated by the California Coastal Commission
• Development requires coastal permits
• Strong environmental and public access protections

Land saturated with water that supports aquatic vegetation.

• Heavily regulated under state and federal law
• Development often restricted or prohibited
• Permits required for alteration or filling

Rights above and below the surface of the land.

• Airspace rights may be sold or leased
• Subsurface rights include minerals, oil, and gas
• Rights may be severed from surface ownership