A "Builder/Tract Code" is an abbreviation for a "Builder/Tract Name." Builder's often use names to market their projects. For example, in Irvine Standard Pacific built 258 homes in a project they called, "Summerfield."
The image on the right is a tract map* (click on the image for a larger view). It shows 2 tracts, Tract 10716 (shown in green) and Tract 10365 (shown in gray). You wouldn't know it by looking at this map but the Summerfield homes were built on both tracts. If you were to do a search on Tract 10716 you would only find 6 of the 258 homes!
Below is another map. Although it has lot numbers, it is not a tract map. It is a site plan* (click on the image for a larger view).
A site plan shows the location of the various models within the development.
By looking at this site plan, you can clearly see that the Summerfield homes were built on the 2 tracts mentioned above.
Not only can one project be developed on more than one tract, multiple projects can be developed within the same tract. And you can find combinations of both.
So a Builder/Tract is not always the same as a subdivided tract.
If you wanted to find homes in a specific development, searching within a Tract Number may not be the best way. There is a better way. Searching on the Builder/Tract Code is the easiest, fastest way to find homes in a specific development.
How Do I Find the Builder/Tract Code?
That's easy. Better still, it's Free!
On our Home Page, click on the button. From there you will be taken to a form that allows you to search for "builder/tract names" and "builder/tract codes." For example, enter "Tidewater" for Street - then click the "Go" button. Next you will see a list of tracts. At the bottom of the list you will see a tract named, "Summerfield (WB)", and next to the tract name you will see the Builder/Trace Code - "SF"
You can find a lot more information there as well. Now you know what a Builder/Tract Code is and how to find one.
*colors added for clarity