reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 10 - FINANCIAL SUPERVISION OF DISTRICTS › CHAPTER 3 - Water District Taxes › Section 20220.

20220. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a mobilehome used primarily for residential purposes and located on rental spaces within a mobilehome park is not property subject to ad valorem property taxes for debt service of any water district or of any improvement district therein.
(b) As used in this chapter, “water district” means any district or other political subdivision, other than a city or county, a primary function of which is the irrigation, reclamation, or drainage of land or the diversion, storage, or distribution of water primarily for domestic, municipal, agricultural, industrial, recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement, flood control, or power production purposes.
(Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 56, Sec. 179.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20517.

20517. “Land” except in Chapter 2A (commencing with Section 23800) of Part 7 and Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 26875) of Part 11 means land in the district or proposed district involved.
(Amended by Stats. 1974, Ch. 545.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20518.

20518. “Principal county” means the county in which all the land is situated, or if the land is situated in more than one county, the county in which the greatest portion of the area of the land is situated.
In proceedings for consolidation or reorganization of districts having different principal counties, the term “principal county” means the county in which the greatest portion of the total combined acreage in the districts to be consolidated or reorganized is located.
(Amended by Stats. 1968, Ch. 244.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20524.

20524. “Elective officers” irrespective of the method of selection in any particular instance are:
(a) A director from each division except as otherwise provided in this division.
(b) An assessor, a collector, and a treasurer, except when one or more of such officers are appointed pursuant to Section 21123.
(Amended by Stats. 1975, Ch. 206.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20525.

20525. “General district election” is the district election required to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in each odd-numbered year.
(Amended by Stats. 1965, Ch. 2019.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20527.

20527. “Elector,” “voter,” and “precinct board” have respectively the same meaning as in the Elections Code, but an “elector” or “voter” shall also be a resident of the district or proposed district involved.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20527.5.

20527.5. Notwithstanding Section 20527, or any other provision of law to the contrary, in the Jackson Valley Irrigation District every owner of real property within the district, but no others, may vote at elections for directors or otherwise. Such owners need not be residents of the district in order to qualify as voters. The last equalized assessment book of the district is conclusive evidence of the ownership of real property so owned, except that in the event that an assessment for a district shall not have been made and levied for the year in which the election is held or an equalized assessment book prepared, the last equalized county assessment roll shall be used in lieu of the assessment book of the district. Where land is owned in joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or any other multiple ownership, the owners of such land shall designate in writing which one of the owners shall be deemed the owner of such land for purposes of qualifying as a voter.
The legal representative of a corporation or estate owning real property may vote on behalf of such corporation or estate. As used in this section, legal representative means an official of a corporation owning real property, and means a guardian, conservator, executor, or administrator of the estate of the holder of title to real property who:
(a) Is appointed under the laws of this state.
(b) Is entitled to the possession of the estate’s real property.
(c) Is authorized by the appointing court to exercise the particular right, privilege, or immunity which he seeks to exercise.
Before a legal representative votes at a district election he shall present to the precinct board a certified copy of his authority which shall be kept and filed with the returns of the election.
(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 730.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20527.7.

20527.7. Notwithstanding Section 20527, or any other provision of law, in the Montague Water Conservation District in Siskiyou County every owner of real property within the district, but no others, may vote at elections for directors or otherwise. Such owners need not be residents of the district in order to qualify as voters. The last equalized county assessment role is conclusive evidence of ownership of the real property so owned. Where land is owned in joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or any other multiple ownership, the owners of such land shall designate in writing which one of the owners shall be deemed the owner of such land for purposes of qualifying as a voter.
The legal representative of a corporation or estate owning real property may vote on behalf of such corporation or estate. As used in this section, legal representative means an official of a corporation owning real property or a guardian, conservator, executor, or administrator of the estate of the holder of title to real property who:
(a) Is appointed under the laws of this state.
(b) Is entitled to the possession of the estate’s real property.
(c) Is authorized by the appointing court to exercise the particular right, privilege, or immunity which he seeks to exercise. Before a legal representative votes at a district election, he shall present to the precinct board a certified copy of his authority which shall be kept and filed with the returns of the election.
Every voter, or his legal representative, may vote at any district election either in person or by a person duly appointed as his proxy, but shall be entitled to cast only one vote. The appointment of a proxy shall be as provided in Section 35005.
Notwithstanding Section 21100 or any other provision of law, any voter as defined in this section is eligible to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Montague Water Conservation District.
(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 730.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20527.8.

20527.8. Notwithstanding Section 20527, or any other provision of law, in the Cordua Irrigation District every owner of land within the district, but no others, may vote at elections for directors or otherwise. Such owners need not be residents of the district in order to qualify as voters. Each voter shall be entitled to cast one vote for each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation of land to which he has title. The last equalized county assessment role is conclusive evidence of ownership and of the value of the land so owned. Where land is owned in joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or any other multiple ownership, the owners of such land shall designate in writing which one of the owners shall be deemed the owner of such land for purposes of qualifying as a voter.
The legal representative of a corporation or estate owning real property may vote on behalf of such corporation or estate. As used in this section, legal representative means an official of a corporation owning real property or a guardian, conservator, executor, or administrator of the estate of the holder of title to real property who:
(a) Is appointed under the laws of this state.
(b) Is entitled to the possession of the estate’s real property.
(c) Is authorized by the appointing court to exercise the particular right, privilege, or immunity which he seeks to exercise. Before a legal representative votes at a district election, he shall present to the precinct board a certified copy of his authority which shall be kept and filed with the returns of the election.
Every voter, or his legal representative, may vote at any district election either in person or by a person duly appointed as his proxy. The appointment of a proxy shall be as provided in Section 35005.
Notwithstanding Section 21100 or any other provision of law, any voter as defined in this section is eligible to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Cordua Irrigation District or to serve as an elective officer of the district.
(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 730.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20527.9.

20527.9. Notwithstanding Section 20527, or any other provision of law, in the Provident Irrigation District in Glenn and Colusa Counties every owner of real property within the district, but no others, may vote at elections for directors or otherwise. Such owners need not be residents of the district in order to qualify as voters. The last equalized county assessment role is conclusive evidence of ownership of the real property so owned. Where land is owned in joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or any other multiple ownership, the owners of such land shall designate in writing which one of the owners shall be deemed the owner of such land for purposes of qualifying as a voter.
The legal representative of a corporation or estate owning real property may vote on behalf of such corporation or estate. As used in this section, legal representative means an official of a corporation owning real property or a guardian, conservator, executor, or administrator of the estate of the holder of title to real property who:
(a) Is appointed under the laws of this state.
(b) Is entitled to the possession of the estate’s real property.
(c) Is authorized by the appointing court to exercise the particular right, privilege, or immunity which he seeks to exercise. Before a legal representative votes at a district election, he shall present to the precinct board a certified copy of his authority which shall be kept and filed with the returns of the election.
Every voter, or his legal representative, may vote at any district election either in person or by a person duly appointed as his proxy, but shall be entitled to cast only one vote. The appointment of a proxy shall be as provided in Section 35005.
Notwithstanding Section 21100 or any other provision of law, any voter as defined in this section is eligible to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Provident Irrigation District.
(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 730.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20527.91.

20527.91. Notwithstanding Section 20527 or any other provision of law, in the Big Springs Irrigation District in Siskiyou County and in the Princeton-Codora-Glenn Irrigation District, every owner of real property within the district, but no others, may vote at elections for directors or otherwise. Owners need not be residents of the district in order to qualify as voters. The last equalized county assessment roll is conclusive evidence of ownership of the real property so owned. Where land is owned in joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or any other multiple ownership, the owners of the land shall designate in writing which one of the owners shall be deemed the owner of the land for purposes of qualifying as a voter.
The legal representative of a corporation or estate owning real property may vote on behalf of the corporation or estate. As used in this section, legal representative means an official of a corporation owning real property or a guardian, conservator, executor, or administrator of the estate of the holder of title to real property who is all of the following:
(a) Appointed under the laws of this state.
(b) Entitled to the possession of the estate’s real property.
(c) Authorized by the appointing court to exercise the particular right, privilege, or immunity which the legal representative seeks to exercise. Before a legal representative votes at a district election, the legal representative shall present to the precinct board a certified copy of his or her authority which shall be kept and filed with the returns of the election.
Every voter, or his or her legal representative, may vote at any district election either in person or by a person duly appointed as his or her proxy, but shall be entitled to cast only one vote. The appointment of a proxy shall be as provided in Section 35005.
Notwithstanding Section 21100 or any other provision of law, any voter, as defined in this section, is eligible to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Big Springs Irrigation District or the Board of Directors of the Princeton-Codora-Glenn Irrigation District.
(Amended by Stats. 1987, Ch. 56, Sec. 180.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20527.10.

20527.10. (a) Notwithstanding Section 20527 or any other provision of law, in the Glenn Colusa Irrigation District, every owner of real property within the district, but no others, may vote at district elections. Owners need not be residents of the district in order to qualify as voters.
(b) The last equalized district assessment roll is conclusive evidence of ownership of the real property.
(c) (1) If land is owned in joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or any other multiple ownership, the owners of the land shall designate, in writing, which one of the owners is deemed the owner of the land for purposes of qualifying as a voter.
(2) The designation shall be made upon a form provided by the district, and shall be filed with the district at least 40 days prior to the election and shall remain in effect until amended or revoked. No amendment or revocation may occur within the period of 39 days prior to any election.
(d) The district shall provide a list of eligible voters pursuant to Section 10525 of the Elections Code at least 35 days prior to an election, which list shall provide for the limitation of one vote for each owner as specified in this section.
(e) The legal representative of a corporation or estate owning real property may vote on behalf of the corporation or estate.
(f) (1) Every voter, or his or her legal representative, may vote at any district election either in person or by a person appointed as his or her proxy, but may cast only one vote.
(2) The Glenn Colusa Irrigation District has the powers of a California water district with regard to Section 35005 and the appointment of a proxy shall be pursuant to that section.
(g) Notwithstanding Section 21100 or any other provision of law, any voter, as specified in this section, may be a member of the Board of Directors of the Glenn Colusa Irrigation District as long as the voter is a landowner within the division that the voter represents, unless divisions are abolished as provided in Section 21550.
(h) (1) As used in this section, “legal representative” means an official of a corporation owning real property or a guardian, conservator, executor, or administrator of the estate of the holder of title to real property who is all of the following:
(A) Appointed under the laws of this state.
(B) Entitled to the possession of the estate’s real property.
(C) Authorized by the appointing court to exercise the particular right, privilege, or immunity which the legal representative seeks to exercise.
(2) Before a legal representative votes at a district election, the legal representative shall present to the precinct board a certified copy of his or her authority which shall be kept and filed with the returns of the election.
(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 923, Sec. 224. Effective January 1, 1995.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20528.

20528. “Holder of title” includes a holder of evidence of title and, also, a holder of land under a possessory right acquired by entry or purchase from the United States or the State of California.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20529.

20529. “Property” except in Part 10 embraces all real and personal property, including water, water rights, works, franchises, concessions and rights.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20530.

20530. “Works” includes dams, reservoirs, wells, conduits, pumps, power houses, power generating equipment, power lines, and their appurtenances.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20536.

20536. “Assessment book” includes any substantial record showing the information required to be kept in it, whether in the form of bound volumes or of cards arranged and kept to provide a record of the assessments.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 2 - Definitions › Section 20540.

20540. “Limited assessments” means any or all of the following:
(a) Completion assessment.
(b) Particular purpose assessment.
(c) Emergency assessment.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 - General Provisions › Section 20560.2.

20560.2. In the case of any district that owns and operates facilities for the generation, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electric power, the district shall give notice to the California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission, at least 30 days prior to the proposed sale date, of the proposed sale of any evidence of indebtedness issued to provide financing of any works of the district. The notice shall include the information required by subdivision (i) of Section 8855 of the Government Code. Failure to give this notice shall render the sale invalid. The California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission may waive the 30-day notice period upon application by the district.
In carrying out the purpose of this section, the California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission may charge fees payable solely from the proceeds of the sale of the debt issue in an amount equal to one-fortieth of 1 percent of the principal amount of the issue, but not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any one issue.
The bonds shall be legal investments for all trust funds, for the funds of all insurance companies, commercial banks, savings banks, trust companies, the state school funds, and for any funds which may be invested in bonds of cities, cities and counties, counties, school districts, or municipalities in the state.
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 303, Sec. 556. (AB 731) Effective January 1, 2016.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 - General Provisions › Section 20562.

20562. Whenever by this division a notice is required to be published for a designated number of weeks or once a week for a designated number of weeks, the notice need be published on only one day of each week and for only the same number of times as the number of weeks designated.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 - General Provisions › Section 20563.

20563. Whenever any act is required to be done or proceeding taken on the first Tuesday in any month, the act may be done or proceeding had upon the day of the month otherwise specified for the regular meeting of the board.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 - General Provisions › Section 20564.

20564. Whenever an instrument provided for in this division is acknowledged or proved, it shall have the same effect as evidence as a conveyance of real property which has been acknowledged and in case of any petition under this division is evidence of the fact of place of residence of a petitioner as stated by him on the petition.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 - General Provisions › Section 20565.

20565. Whenever an instrument is by this division required to be acknowledged, each signer shall acknowledge the instrument, or his signature shall be proved, in the manner provided by law before his signature shall be effective.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 - General Provisions › Section 20566.

20566. A guardian, conservator, executor, administrator, or other person holding property in a trust capacity under appointment of court may sign any petition provided for in this division, when authorized by an order of court, which order may be made without notice.
(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 730.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 - General Provisions › Section 20567.

20567. If any land is assessed on any assessment book to unknown or fictitiously named owners, or to unnamed owners in addition to any owner or owners named thereon, the land has, for the purposes of any petition provided for in this division, but one owner in addition to any owner or owners whose true name or names may be purported to be given on the assessment book.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 - General Provisions › Section 20568.

20568. The holder of title to an undivided interest in any land may sign any petition provided for in this division. Undivided interests shall be counted and valued as though they were separate interests. If the assessment book fails to indicate the extent of any undivided interest, the holders of title whose undivided interests in any land are not specifically defined have, for the purposes of this division, equal shares therein.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 - General Provisions › Section 20568.1.

20568.1. No person may sign for the owner of property or the owner of an undivided interest therein without the authorization of the owner.
(Added by Stats. 1959, Ch. 1083.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 - General Provisions › Section 20569.

20569. The value of any land and the holders of title to the land are conclusively determined, for the purpose of any petition provided for in this division, by the district assessment book last equalized at the time of the presentation of the petition.
When no assessment book of the district has been equalized, the county assessment roll of the county in which the land is situated last equalized at the time of the presentation of the petition is conclusive evidence of the value and title.
However, for the purposes of a petition to form a district and so far as land outside a district is concerned for the purposes of a petition to form an improvement district under Chapter 2A of Part 7 the county assessment roll of the county in which the land is situated, last equalized at the time of the first publication of the petition is conclusive evidence of the value and title.
(Amended by Stats. 1947, Ch. 816.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 3 - General Provisions › Section 20571.

20571. Assessments of a district, for whatsoever purpose, levied on all assessable land at a like rate on the basis of the assessed valuation of the land are hereby declared to be charges for the services furnished by the district and not a capital investment of the landowners.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 187.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 4 - State Public Land › Section 20590.

20590. As used in this chapter “public land” is limited to land belonging to the State which is subject to entry or has been entered and for which no certificate of purchase has been issued.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 4 - State Public Land › Section 20592.

20592. When public land is affected, all notices required by this division shall promptly after issuance be served upon the State Lands Commission by mailing to its office a copy inclosed in a sealed envelope with postage prepaid.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 4 - State Public Land › Section 20594.

20594. No public land which was unentered at the time any assessment was levied against it by any district shall be sold for the delinquency of the assessment, but the assessment shall be and continue a lien upon the land, and no patent shall be issued therefor until the applicant presents a certificate from the collector stating that no unpaid assessments or charges are delinquent upon it.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 5 - Information by Department › Section 20626.

20626. Whenever the department deems it in the public interest that preliminary surveys and field investigations of a proposed district project should be made at the expense of the State, the department shall make the surveys and field investigations.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 5 - Information by Department › Section 20627.

20627. Pending the completion of the preliminary surveys and field investigations, the State Water Resources Control Board may withhold from appropriation any unappropriated water likely to be needed by the district.
(Amended by Stats. 1967, Ch. 284.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 1 - Petition for Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Petitioners and Land › Section 20700.

20700. A majority in number of the holders of title to land susceptible of irrigation from a common source and by the same system of works, including pumping from subsurface or other water, who are also the holders of title to a majority in value of the land may propose the formation of a district under the provisions of this division; or the formation of the district may be proposed by not less than 500 petitioners, each of whom is an elector residing in the proposed district or the holder of title to land therein and which petitioners include the holders of title to not less than 20 per cent in value of the land included within the proposed district.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 1 - Petition for Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Petitioners and Land › Section 20702.

20702. “Land susceptible of irrigation” as used in section 20700 of this code includes land used for residential or business purposes susceptible of receiving water for domestic or agriculture purposes and if land of that character constitutes a majority in area of the land in the proposed district the holders of title thereto or electors residing thereon shall be counted as qualified petitioners for the formation of the district.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 499.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 1 - Petition for Formation › ARTICLE 2 - Petition › Section 20720.

20720. A petition for the formation of a district shall contain:
(a) Generally, a description of the land.
(b) Generally, the sources, which may be in the alternative, from which the land is proposed to be irrigated.
(c) The name of a person to whom notice of the final hearing on the petition may be sent.
(d) A prayer that the land described be formed into a district.
(e) Signatures of the petitioners.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 1 - Petition for Formation › ARTICLE 2 - Petition › Section 20721.

20721. A petition for the formation of a district may request any of the following:
(a) Three divisions in the proposed district.
(b) Election of the directors of the proposed district by the district at large.
(c) Consolidation of any offices allowed to be consolidated.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 1 - Petition for Formation › ARTICLE 2 - Petition › Section 20723.

20723. The petition shall be accompanied by a sufficient undertaking, to be approved by the board of supervisors, in double the amount of the probable cost of forming the district, conditioned that the sureties shall pay all of the costs in case the formation is not effected.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 1 - Petition for Formation › ARTICLE 2 - Petition › Section 20724.

20724. Signatures to the petition may be withdrawn at any time before its publication is commenced, by filing a declaration, signed and acknowledged by the petitioner, with the board of supervisors of the principal county, stating that it is the intention of the petitioner to withdraw therefrom.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 1 - Petition for Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Publication › Section 20740.

20740. The petition and a notice of the time of the meeting at which it will be presented shall be published for at least two weeks before the time at which it is to be presented. Publication shall be in a newspaper of general circulation printed and published in the principal county and in a newspaper published in each other affected county. The notice shall be signed by the county elections official of the principal county.
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 221, Sec. 152. Effective January 1, 2003.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 1 - Petition for Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Publication › Section 20741.

20741. When the petition consists of a number of separate instruments, only one need be published, but the names attached to all of the instruments shall appear in the publication.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 1 - Petition for Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Publication › Section 20742.

20742. No defect in the form or contents of the published notice, title to it, or petition, nor failure to publish or error in publishing any signature to the petition shall vitiate the proceedings.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Preliminary Hearing › Section 20802.

20802. The board of supervisors shall hear all competent and relevant testimony offered in support of or in opposition to the sufficiency of the petition and the publication of the notice.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Preliminary Hearing › Section 20804.

20804. At the hearing the board of supervisors shall determine by resolution whether or not the petition and notice comply with Chapter 1 of this part. Notwithstanding Section 22116 or any other provision of law, the board shall also determine whether the petition has been presented and the district is proposed to be formed for the primary purpose of providing irrigation services.
(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1042, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2001.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Preliminary Hearing › Section 20805.

20805. (a) If the board of supervisors determines that any of the requirements for the formation petition or notice were not complied with, the petition shall be dismissed without prejudice to the right of the proper number of persons to present a new petition covering the same matter or to present the same petition with additional signatures if additional signatures are necessary to comply with the requirements of Chapter 1 of this part.
(b) If the board of supervisors determines that the district is being formed for a primary purpose other than providing irrigation services, the petition shall be dismissed without prejudice to the right of the proper number of persons to present a new petition for the primary purpose of providing irrigation services.
(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1042, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2001.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Preliminary Hearing › Section 20806.

20806. If the board of supervisors determines that the requirements for the formation petition and notice have been complied with, the resolution so determining shall be known as the preliminary formation resolution.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 2 - Reference to Department › Section 20820.

20820. On or before the day on which the petition is presented to the board of supervisors, a copy of the petition shall be filed in the office of the department.
(Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 2 - Reference to Department › Section 20821.

20821. Upon the adoption of the preliminary formation resolution the board of supervisors shall send a copy of the resolution to the department.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 2 - Reference to Department › Section 20822.

20822. Upon receiving a copy of the resolution, the department shall make such preliminary investigation as may be practicable to determine the feasibility of the proposed project.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 2 - Reference to Department › Section 20823.

20823. The department shall report in writing to the board of supervisors as soon as practicable, but at all events within 90 days from the date of the adoption of the preliminary formation resolution, except that upon receiving a written request from the department the board of supervisors may before the expiration of the 90 days grant to the department not more than 90 days additional time in which to make the report.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 2 - Reference to Department › Section 20824.

20824. If the department reports within the specified time that the supply of water available for the use of the proposed district or that may be acquired by any practicable means, including the condemnation of existing rights, is not sufficient or that the project is not feasible for any other reason, the hearing of the petition shall be continued for not more than two months and shall then be dismissed unless within the period of the continuance either:
(a) The board of supervisors is petitioned in writing by three-fourths of the holders of title to land to grant the petition.
(b) The board of supervisors, if not so petitioned, modifies the project proposed in the petition to conform to the recommendations made by the department for the proposed district.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Final Hearing › Section 20840.

20840. The board of supervisors not later than its first regular meeting after the occurrence of any one of the following shall set a time for the final hearing of the formation petition:
(a) Receipt of a favorable report from the department.
(b) Modification of the project by the board to conform to the recommendations made by the department.
(c) Receipt of the requisite petition after an adverse report by the department.
(d) Expiration of the time allowed for the making of a report by the department when the report has not been received within the time allowed.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Final Hearing › Section 20841.

20841. The time set for the final hearing shall not be less than one week from the meeting at which the time is set.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Final Hearing › Section 20842.

20842. Notice of the time of the final hearing shall be given either by:
(a) Registered mail to the person designated for that purpose in the petition.
(b) Publication for at least three days in one daily newspaper published in the principal county.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Final Hearing › Section 20844.

20844. On a final hearing the board of supervisors may adjourn from time to time, but at no time for a longer period than three days, until a determination of the matter is reached.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Final Hearing › Section 20845.

20845. At the final hearing the board of supervisors shall determine the land to be formed into the proposed district:
(a) Land shall be excluded which will not in the judgment of the board of supervisors be benefited by the project.
(b) No land included by the petition in the proposed district or in the modified project as the case may be which is susceptible of irrigation from any of the proposed, or if modified, the modified sources shall be excluded unless the owner consents to the exclusion.
(c) Riparian land and land already subject to irrigation may be included if in the judgment of the board of supervisors, it will either be benefited or the rights to the water used on it should be acquired by the proposed district.
(d) Land not included in the original formation petition, susceptible of irrigation from any of the proposed sources, may in the discretion of the board of supervisors be included on application by its owner.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Final Hearing › Section 20846.

20846. At the final hearing no evidence shall be heard against the genuineness or sufficiency of the petition or notice unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the board of supervisors that new evidence which if uncontradicted would disprove the genuineness or sufficiency of the petition or notice has been discovered since the board adopted the preliminary formation resolution. In case any new evidence is admitted, full opportunity shall be given for the introduction of evidence in rebuttal.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Final Hearing › Section 20847.

20847. At the conclusion of the final hearing on the petition the board of supervisors shall make an order containing all of the following:
(a) Reaffirmance, when it is consistent with its conclusions, of the sufficiency of the petition and of the notice of the preliminary hearing.
(b) Recital that a report on the proposed district has been made by the department if it was in fact made, and if that be so, that it is on file in the records of the board.
(c) Description of the land as determined by the board.
(d) Name for the proposed district.
(Amended by Stats. 1974, Ch. 364.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Final Hearing › Section 20848.

20848. The order on final hearing shall also contain all of the following:
(a) Division of the district into the following number of divisions, which shall be as nearly equal in size as may be practicable:
(1) Five divisions unless otherwise requested, numbered from one to five respectively.
(2) Three divisions when requested in the petition, numbered from one to three respectively.
(b) Statement, when requested in the petition, that the directors of the proposed district are to be elected at large.
(c) Statement, when and as requested in the petition, of the consolidated district offices.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 2 - Hearings on Formation › ARTICLE 3 - Final Hearing › Section 20850.

20850. A finding of the board of supervisors in favor of the genuineness and sufficiency of the petition and notice shall be conclusive against all persons except the State upon suit by the Attorney General commenced within one year after the order of the board of supervisors declaring the district formed.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 3 - Election on Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Calling of Election › Section 20890.

20890. Upon making the order on final hearing of the formation petition, the board of supervisors shall call and give notice of a formation election to be held in the proposed district for the purpose of determining whether or not it shall be formed and electing persons to fill the offices of the proposed district if it is formed.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 3 - Election on Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Calling of Election › Section 20891.

20891. The notice of the formation election shall contain:
(a) Date and hours of election.
(b) Place of polls in each precinct.
(c) Description of the land.
(d) Name of the proposed district.
(e) Offices for which candidates shall be elected at the election.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 3 - Election on Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Calling of Election › Section 20892.

20892. Notice of the formation election shall be published once a week for three weeks previous to the election, in a newspaper published in each affected county.
(Added by Stats. 1943, Ch. 372.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 3 - Election on Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Calling of Election › Section 20893.

20893. Within five days after the district formation election has been called, the legislative body which has called the election shall transmit, by registered mail, a written notification of the election call to the executive officer of the local agency formation commission of the county or principal county in which the territory or major portion of the territory of the proposed district is located. Such written notice shall include the name and a description of the proposed district, and may be in the form of a certified copy of the resolution adopted by the legislative body calling the district formation election.
The executive officer, within five days after being notified that a district formation election has been called, shall submit to the commission, for its approval or modification, an impartial analysis of the proposed district formation.
The impartial analysis shall not exceed 500 words in length and shall include a specific description of the boundaries of the district proposed to be formed.
The local agency formation commission, within five days after the receipt of the executive officer’s analysis, shall approve or modify the analysis and submit it to the officials in charge of conducting the district formation election.
(Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 736.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 3 - Election on Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Calling of Election › Section 20894.

20894. The board of supervisors or any member or members of the board authorized by the board, or any individual voter or bona fide association of citizens entitled to vote on the district formation proposition, or any combination of such voters and associations of citizens, may file a written argument for or a written argument against the proposed district formation.
Arguments shall not exceed 300 words in length and shall be filed with the officials in charge of conducting the election not less than 54 days prior to the date of the district formation election.
(Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 736.)
2023 California Code › Water Code - WAT › DIVISION 11 - IRRIGATION DISTRICTS › PART 2 - FORMATION › CHAPTER 3 - Election on Formation › ARTICLE 1 - Calling of Election › Section 20895.

20895. If more than one argument for or more than one argument against the proposed district formation is filed with the election officials within the time prescribed, such election officials shall select one of the arguments for printing and distribution to the voters.
In selecting the arguments, the election officials shall give preference and priority in the order named to the arguments of the following:
(a) The board of supervisors or any member or members of the board authorized by the board.
(b) Individual voters or bona fide associations of citizens or a combination of such voters and associations.
(Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 736.)