As used in this article:
§ 772.020.Definitions
Title 10. Actions In Particular Cases · Chapter 4.5. Special Actions and Proceedings to Clear Title · Article 3. Right of Entry or Occupation of Surface Lands Under Oil or Gas Lease · Enacted 1980 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 772.020 defines three terms used throughout this article: “surface zone,” the area above a plane 500 feet below the land's surface; “subject land,” the specific area a plaintiff targets; and “lease facilities,” equipment like storage tanks and separators used in oil or gas production.
Full Text of § 772.020
(a) "Surface zone" means the zone which lies above a plane which is 500 feet below the surface of the land.
(b) "Subject land" means that area occupied by the particular described surface and surface zone for which plaintiff seeks to terminate the leasehold right of entry and occupation.
(c) "Lease facilities" means storage tanks, wash tanks, separators, heaters, and other facilities reasonably necessary for the production of oil or gas, including secondary recovery operations.
Plain-English Summary
This article turns on precise physical boundaries, and this section sets them. “Surface zone” means everything above a plane located 500 feet below the surface — a defined depth that separates the near-surface area a landowner might want back from the deeper strata where actual oil and gas production continues.
“Subject land” is narrower still: the particular area of surface and surface zone that a specific plaintiff is targeting in a specific action under § 772.030. And “lease facilities” covers the physical equipment tied to production — storage tanks, wash tanks, separators, heaters, and similar equipment reasonably necessary for producing oil or gas, including secondary recovery operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “surface zone” under this article?
The zone lying above a plane located 500 feet below the surface of the land.
What does “subject land” mean?
The particular area of surface and surface zone a plaintiff seeks to free from the lessee's right of entry and occupation in a given action.
What counts as “lease facilities”?
Storage tanks, wash tanks, separators, heaters, and other equipment reasonably necessary for oil or gas production, including secondary recovery operations.
Amendment History
Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 44, Sec. 16.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: surface zone definition california oil leaselease facilities definition california