(a) The local agency to which property is dedicated in fee for public purposes, or for making public improvements or constructing public facilities, other than for open space, parks, or schools, shall record a certificate with the county recorder in the county in which the property is located. The certificate shall be attached to the map and shall contain all of the following information:

(1) The name and address of the subdivider dedicating the property.

(2) A legal description of the real property dedicated.

(3) A statement that the local agency shall reconvey the property to the subdivider if the local agency makes a determination pursuant to this section that the same public purpose for which the property was dedicated does not exist, or the property or any portion thereof is not needed for public utilities, as specified in subdivision (c).

(b) The subdivider may request that the local agency make the determination that the same public purpose for which the dedication was required still exists, after payment of a fee which shall not exceed the amount reasonably required to make the determination. The determination may be made by reference to a capital improvement plan as specified in Section 65403 or 66002, an applicable general or specific plan requirement, the subdivision map, or other public documents that identify the need for the dedication.

(c) If a local agency has determined that the same public purpose for which the dedication was required does not exist, it shall reconvey the property to the subdivider or the successor in interest, as specified in subdivision (a), except for all or any portion of the property that is required for that same public purpose or for public utilities.

(d) If a local agency decides to vacate, lease, sell, or otherwise dispose of the dedicated property the local agency shall give at least 60 days notice to the subdivider whose name appears on the certificate before vacating, leasing, selling, or otherwise disposing of the dedicated property. This notice is not required if the dedicated property will be used for the same public purpose for which it was dedicated.

(e) This section shall only apply to property required to be dedicated on or after January 1, 1990.

(Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 822, Sec. 1.)