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HomeCivil CodeDiv. 2Pt. 4§ 1007 Prescriptive Title Limitations

§ 1007 Prescriptive Title Limitations

Civil Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1007 Prescriptive Title Limitations

This law says you cannot gain ownership of public land, utilities, or other property just by using it for the legally required time; public property stays owned by the government no matter how long someone occupies it.

Key Takeaways

  • •Public land and utilities cannot be taken by prescription.
  • •Only private property can be claimed through adverse possession under normal rules.
  • •The rule applies to any property dedicated to public use or owned by the state.

Example

A person tries to claim a public park by living there for many years to try to become the owner.

Because the park is public land, the law says that even if someone stays there for a long time, they cannot take ownership away from the government.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1007 Prescriptive Title Limitations

Occupancy for the period prescribed by the Code of Civil Procedure as sufficient to bar any action for the recovery of the property confers a title thereto, denominated a title by prescription, which is sufficient against all, but no possession by any person, firm or corporation no matter how long continued of any land, water, water right, easement, or other property whatsoever dedicated to a public use by a public utility, or dedicated to or owned by the state or any public entity, shall ever ripen into any title, interest or right against the owner thereof. (Amended by Stats. 1968, Ch. 1112.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

title by prescriptionpublic usepublic utilitystate or any public entity

Related Statutes

  • § 1006 Occupancy Title Limitations
  • § 8802 Subcontractor Progress Payments
  • § 1 Rent Increase Notice Requirement
  • § 10 Vehicle Registration And Taxes
  • § 1000 Property Acquisition Methods

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 1007.
View Official Source