San Marcos, CA · San Diego County
Hold Harmless Agreement - Drainage
A recordable indemnity agreement a property owner signs and notarizes to release San Marcos from liability for drainage improvements tied to an approved grading or improvement plan.
- California-licensed notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
When San Marcos approves a grading or improvement plan that affects drainage, the property owner may need to record a Hold Harmless Agreement agreeing to indemnify the city against injury or property damage caused by the drainage design, construction, or maintenance. Because the signed agreement is recorded with the County Recorder, the owner's signature must be notarized before the document is submitted for recording.
Who needs it
Property owners in San Marcos whose approved grading or improvement plan requires a recorded drainage hold harmless agreement.
Why it needs a notary
The document is recorded with the County Recorder and includes a full California notary acknowledgment block that must be completed by a notary before recording.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Agreement
Get the Hold Harmless Agreement - Drainage PDF from San Marcos's Engineering Division.
- 2
Fill In Plan Details
Enter the grading/improvement plan numbers, Assessor's Parcel Number, and property description.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a Rush Notary remote online notarization session.
- 4
Sign on Video
Sign as the property owner in front of the notary during your video session.
- 5
Submit for Recording
Return the notarized agreement to the City for recording with the County Recorder.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from San Marcos. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed California online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- Who signs this agreement?
- The property owner(s) of record for the parcel covered by the approved grading or improvement plan sign the agreement.
- Do I need a notary for this form?
- Yes — this is a recordable document, and the County Recorder requires a notarized signature before it can be recorded.
- How do I get this notarized online?
- Download the agreement, fill in the property and plan details, then book a Rush Notary remote online notarization session to sign in front of a notary via video.
- Where does the signed agreement go after notarization?
- It is submitted to the City of San Marcos for recording with the San Diego County Recorder.
- Will San Marcos accept an online notarization?
- California generally recognizes notarial acts valid under the notary's home state law; check with the Engineering Division if you are unsure before submitting.