Nevada § 539.020 - Petition for organization of district
Full text of Nevada Nevada Revised Statutes § 539.020 — Petition for organization of district, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 539.020. Petition for organization of district
1. A majority in number of the holders of title, or evidence of title, to lands susceptible
of one mode of irrigation from a common source or combined sources, and by the same
system or combined systems of works, may propose the organization of an irrigation
district pursuant to this chapter if they hold title or evidence of title to at least
one-half part of the total area of the land in the proposed district. In computing the total area in the proposed district, the public domain of the United
States of America, excepting any portion thereof held by entrymen pursuant to any
law of the United States, must be excluded. 2. Every signer of a petition for the organization of an irrigation district must
be the holder of title or evidence of title to land within the proposed district.
The holder of a bona fide contract to purchase land, having been in the actual possession
thereof at least 1 year pursuant to the contract, and whose name appears upon the
preceding equalized county assessment roll for the payment of taxes of the land, shall
be deemed the holder of title thereto for all of the purposes of this chapter. 3. The equalized county assessment roll next preceding the presentation of a petition
for the organization of an irrigation district is sufficient evidence of title for
the purpose of this chapter, but other evidence may be received, including receipts
or other evidence of rights of entrymen on land pursuant to any law of the United
States. These entrymen are competent signers of the petition and the land on which they have
made entries shall, for the purpose of the petition, be deemed to be owned by them.
The entrymen share all the privileges and obligations of freeholders and owners of
private land within the district pursuant to this chapter, including the right to
vote and hold office, subject to the terms of the Act of Congress entitled “An Act
to promote the reclamation of arid lands,” approved August 11, 1916, being c. 319,
39 Stat. 506, also designated as 43 U.S.C. §§ 621 - 630 .
Source: official Nevada text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada § 539.020
What does Nevada Revised Statutes § 539.020 cover?
Section 539.020 ("Petition for organization of district") is part of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Nevada. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Nevada § 539.020?
A common citation format is "Nevada Revised Statutes § 539.020" (Nevada). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Nevada law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nevada official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nevada attorney.
How does Nevada § 539.020 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nevada can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nevada.