HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-11 - AGENDA REPORTS - ACCEPT OF DONATED REAL PROPTY OF +/-10 ACRES IN SC (2)Agenda Item: 3
DATE: February 11, 2020
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF DONATED REAL PROPERTY OF +/-10 ACRES
IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, LOS ANGELES COUNTY,
ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO. 2827-027-007 AND APPROVAL OF
REMAINING OAK TREE MITIGATION OBLIGATION
ASSOCIATED WITH MASTER CASE 04-117
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Kevin Tonoian
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Accept the donation of +/-10 acres of real property, for the purpose of public recreation and
open space preservation, Assessor's Parcel Number 2827-027-007.
2. Determine that acceptance of the property is exempt from California Environmental Quality
Act as a Class 17 and Class 25 categorical exemption.
3. Approve remaining Oak Tree Mitigation obligation associated with Master Case No. 04-117.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney
approval.
BACKGROUND
In February 2005, the City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission (Planning Commission)
approved the construction of a single-family residence at 23708 La Salle Canyon. As part of this
project, the Planning Commission authorized Michael Stuart (Applicant) to remove 32 oak trees
to allow for the construction of this residence. The value of these trees, as calculated by the City
of Santa Clarita's (City) Oak Tree Arborist (Arborist), is $99,080.
In August 2019, the Applicant communicated his desire to finalize mitigation obligations
associated with Master Case 04-117, proposing the following:
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1. $51,000 - Donation of +/-10 acres of real property, with an acquisition value of $5,000
per acre, accessible via the Gateway Ranch Open Space area, inclusive of the cost
associated with preparing the title report (see Site Aerial Exhibit).
2. $33,000 - Purchase and installation of six, 72-inch boxed Coast Live Oak trees, with the
fair market value equal to $5,500 per tree.
3. $19,680 - Installation of irrigation to support six mitigation and fourteen existing oak
trees located on property (see Oak Tree Planting Location Exhibit).
4. Establishment and monitoring of all newly planted mitigation oak trees for a period of
three years.
Staff recommends approving the Applicant's combined proposal of donated real property and in -
kind contributions. Acquisition of this real property provides a publicly accessible trail
connection and advances the goals of the Open Space Preservation District and the Santa Clarita
2020 Community Strategic Plan. Further, the installation of mitigation oaks and supporting
irrigation will help to restore the La Salle Canyon area, which incurred significant damage
during the 2018 South Fire.
Inclusive of the donated real property and in -kind contributions, the total proposed mitigation
value equals $103,680, which exceeds the Applicant's obligation. The City's Urban Forestry
Administrator and Arborist have evaluated the proposal and determined cost values assigned for
the mitigation oaks and irrigation improvements are consistent with market value.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed donation is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Article
19 Categorical Exemptions, Section 15317 and Section 15325. The project is exempt as a Class
17 categorical exemption and as a Class 25 categorical exemption. A Class 17 exemption
includes the acceptance of easements or fee interests in order to maintain the open space
character of the area. A Class 25 exemption consists of the transfers of ownership of interests in
land in order to preserve open space, habitat, or historical resources, including but not limited to,
acquisition, sale, or other transfer to preserve open space or lands for park purposes.
Accordingly, a Notice of Exemption has been prepared.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other actions as determined by the City Council
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund associated with this proposed action.
ATTACHMENTS
Stuart Real Property Site Exhibit
Oak Tree Planting Location Exhibit
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