Legal Definitions - APN

APN stands for Assessor's Parcel Number.

An Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) is a unique identification code assigned by a local government's tax assessor to a specific piece of real estate within their jurisdiction. This number serves as a primary identifier for property tax assessment, record-keeping, and various other official property-related transactions. It allows government agencies and the public to precisely locate and reference a particular parcel of land and any structures built upon it.

Here are some examples illustrating how an APN is used:

• Property Purchase and Sale: When a family decides to purchase a new home, the APN for that specific property will be prominently featured on critical legal documents such as the deed, title report, and escrow instructions. This ensures that all parties involved—the buyer, seller, lender, and government—are referring to the exact same piece of land and its improvements, preventing any ambiguity about which property is being transferred.

• Annual Property Tax Bills: Every year, property owners receive a tax bill from their local government. This bill will clearly display the APN associated with their property. The APN allows the homeowner to verify that the bill correctly pertains to their specific parcel and enables the assessor's office to accurately track and collect the appropriate property taxes for that unique piece of real estate.

• Applying for Building Permits: Imagine a homeowner wants to construct a new deck or add an extension to their house. When they apply for a building permit from the city or county planning department, they will be required to provide the APN for their property. This number allows the planning department to quickly access all relevant information about the parcel, including zoning regulations, previous permits, and ownership details, ensuring the proposed construction complies with local ordinances.