CHAPTER 5. Boundaries [51000. - 51009.]

Cal. Government Code - GOV 5.

in effect

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 51000. Section 51000.

When the location of a boundary line of a local agency, as defined in Section 53510 of the Government Code, is indefinite or uncertain, or the boundary line has been obliterated from any cause, it may be determined, defined, and established pursuant to this chapter.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 51001. Section 51001.

The legislative body of the local agency having an indefinite, uncertain, or obliterated boundary line may cause a proceeding to be brought in the name of the local agency to have the boundary line determined, defined, and established. The legislative body shall take such action upon the petition of twenty-five or more taxpayers of the local agency.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 51002. Section 51002.

The superior court of the county in which the initiating local agency is located has jurisdiction over the proceeding. In the event that a boundary line of a district having territory in more than one county is indefinite or uncertain, the superior court of either county shall have jurisdiction.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 51003. Section 51003.

In counties having three or more superior judges, the presiding judge may assign three or more judges to sit at the hearing in the proceeding, whether initiated by the county or a city in the county.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 51004. Section 51004.

The petition for the determination of the boundary line shall be accompanied by documents, maps, or other exhibits as may be essential to a determination of the case.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 51005. Section 51005.

The petitioner shall serve a copy of the petition and exhibits on the local agencies directly interested and immediately adjacent to the boundary line, by delivering the copy personally to the presiding officer of the legislative bodies of the local agencies.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 51006. Section 51006.

A local agency, or any person, corporation, or taxpayer thereof, interested in the determination and establishment of the boundary line, may demur or answer the petition as defendants or intervene in the proceeding. The rules of pleading and practice provided by the Code of Civil Procedure not in conflict with this chapter are applicable to the special proceeding provided for in this chapter.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 51007. Section 51007.

The court shall determine the location of the boundary line by courses and distances or by giving such other definite description as is necessary or desirable.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 51008. Section 51008.

The court shall make a finding and render its judgment determining, defining, and establishing the location of the boundary line. After the judgment becomes final the court shall cause a certified copy of the judgment to be filed at once with the Secretary of State.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 51009. Section 51009.

From the date of filing, the boundary line is established and fixed for all purposes and constitutes the true and official boundary line of the local agency.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026