Bay Area Real Estate Wiki

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====== Special Categories of Land ======

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

===== 1. Public Land =====
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

===== 2. Native American (Tribal) Land =====
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

===== 3. Agricultural Land =====
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

===== 4. Coastal Land =====
Land located within California’s coastal zone.

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

===== 5. Wetlands =====
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

===== 6. Airspace and Subsurface Rights =====
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