Within three years after the filing of the complaint, a summons shall be issued which shall contain the matters required by Section 412.20, designating the defendants as in the complaint, and in addition, a description of the property and a statement of the object of the action.
§ 801.6.Summons
Title 10. Actions In Particular Cases · Chapter 4.6. Actions Concerning Real Property Titles Affected by Public Improvement Assessments · Last amended 1969 · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 801.6 requires a summons to be issued within three years after the complaint is filed, containing everything § 412.20 requires plus a description of the property and a statement of the action's object.
Full Text of § 801.6
Plain-English Summary
This action allows a long runway between filing and issuing the summons — up to three years — reflecting how these old assessment matters can take time to sort out. But that runway isn't unlimited; the summons has to issue within that three-year window.
Content-wise, the summons follows the general requirements of § 412.20 that apply to civil summonses generally, plus two additions specific to this chapter: a description of the property and a statement explaining what the action is trying to accomplish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after filing the complaint can the summons issue?
Within three years after the complaint is filed.
What must the summons contain?
Everything § 412.20 requires for a civil summons, plus a description of the property and a statement of the action's object.
Amendment History
Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 1611.
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: summons requirements assessment action california