HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - FY 2020-21 ANNUAL LEVY FOR OSPD (2)27
Agenda Item:16
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: June 23, 2020
FISCAL YEAR 2020-21 ANNUAL LEVY FOR OPEN SPACE
SUBJECT:
PRESERVATION DISTRICT
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Kevin Tonoian
RECOMMENDED ACTION
for the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Annual Levy of Assessments for the Open Space Preservation
District.
BACKGROUND
The property owners of the City of Santa Clarita (City) overwhelmingly approved the creation of
the Open Space Preservation District (OSPD) in July 2007 to facilitate the purchase and
preservation of undeveloped land in and around the City. As a result, the OSPD has acquired
3,229 acres of open space since its formation and now maintains an inventory of nearly 11,000
acres throughout Santa Clarita Valley. In the coming operational year, staff anticipates the OSPD
will acquire an additional 400 acres in the northeast area.
Property owners authorized a $1.00 increase in the maximum assessment rate each subsequent
fiscal year during creation of the OSPD in order to maximize the ability to purchase and preserve
undeveloped land in and within proximity to the City to create a surrounding green belt.
In consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff does not recommend increasing the maximum
rate for FY 2020-21. This action will authorize City staff to levy the current rate of $37.00 per
EDU, which is $1.00 less than the maximum FY 2020-21 voter authorized assessment rate of
$38.00.
Conservancy, Riverside Land Conservancy, The Trust for Public Land, County of Los Angeles,
and Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Through these partnerships, the City is
able to utilize and leverage OSPD funds for the purchase and maintenance of properties with
Page 1
Qbdlfu!Qh/!261
27
grant funds, land bank mitigation funds, or other special funds.
The process of ordering, approving, and setting the public hearing on the annual levy of the
OSPD is required by the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and allows the City to continue
levying assessments in FY 2020-21 for the purpose of acquiring open space properties. The
attached Engineer's Report describes the OSPD, including the improvements, budgets, parcels,
and assessments proposed for levying in FY 2020-21.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other direction as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund associated with this action.
ATTACHMENTS
OSPD Public Hearing Notice
FY 2020-21 OSPD Approving Resolution
FY 2020-21 OSPD Engineer's Report (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)
FY 20-21 Santa Clarita OSPD Prelim Roll (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)
Page 2
Qbdlfu!Qh/!262
27/b
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:
A public hearing will be held before the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita in the City Hall
Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, first floor, Santa Clarita, California, on the 23rd
day of June 2020, at or after 6:00 p.m., to consider the Fiscal Year 20-21 Annual Levy of
Assessments for the CityOpen Space Preservation District.
The City Council, pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, being a Division of the
Streets and Highways Code of the State of California, desires to levy annual assessments for the
district pursuant to Article XIII D of the California Constitution.
Proponents, opponents, and any interested persons may appear and be heard on this matter at that
time. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Neighborhood Services Department,
23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, CA 91355; (661) 290-2200, Kevin Tonoian, Special
Districts Manager.
If you wish to challenge this action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or
someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence
delivered to the City Council, at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Dated: June 10, 2020
Mary Cusick, MMC
City Clerk
Publish Dates: June 12, 2020; June 16, 2020
Buubdinfou;!PTQE!Qvcmjd!Ifbsjoh!Opujdf!!)GJTDBM!ZFBS!3131.32!BOOVBM!MFWZ!GPS!PQFO!TQBDF!QSFTFSWBUJPO!EJTUSJDU*
Qbdlfu!Qh/!263
27/c
RESOLUTION NO. 20-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA
CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ANNUAL
LEVY REPORT, ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS,
ORDERING CONTINUED ACQUISITIONS AND MAINTENANCE FOR THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION DISTRICT
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-21
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita (City Council), pursuant to the
provisions of the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972, Part 2, Division 15 of the California
Streets and Highways Code, commencing with Section 22500 (Act), did by previous resolution,
order Willdan Financial Services (Engineer), to prepare and file a report in accordance with
Chapter 1, Article 4, of the Act, commencing with Section 22565, in connection with the
proposed levy and collection of assessments for the City of Santa Clarita Open Space
Preservation District (District), for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2020, and ending June 30,
2021; and
WHEREAS, said resolution was duly and legally published in the time, form, and manner
as required by law and which resolution is on file in the office of the City Clerk; and
WHEREAS, the Engineer has prepared and filed with the City Clerk of the City of Santa
Clarita (City Clerk), and the City Clerk has presented to the City Council such report entitled
2020-21
WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully examined and reviewed the Report as
presented and is satisfied with each and all of the items and documents as set forth therein, and
finds that the levy has been spread in accordance with the special benefits received from the
property acquisitions, improvements, operation, maintenance, and services to be performed, as
set forth in said Report; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to levy and collect assessments against parcels of
land within the District for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2020, and ending June 30, 2021,
to pay the costs and expenses of property acquisitions, operating, maintaining, and servicing the
improvements within the District; and
WHEREAS, the assessment rates within the District are exempt from the assessment
balloting procedures set forth in Section 4 of Proposition 218, because the District was formed
by consent of the landowners, and the proposed assessments per lot or parcel are not proposed to
increase by more than the assessment rates approved by the landowners at the time of annexation
into the District.
Њ
Buubdinfou;!GZ!3131.32!PTQE!Bqqspwjoh!Sftpmvujpo!!)GJTDBM!ZFBS!3131.32!BOOVBM!MFWZ!GPS!PQFO!TQBDF!QSFTFSWBUJPO!EJTUSJDU*
Qbdlfu!Qh/!264
27/c
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, California, does
hereby resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. That the above recitals are all true and correct.
SECTION 2. The Report as presented consists of the following:
a. Plans and specifications describing the general nature, location, and extent of the
improvements to be maintained and of the maintenance work.
b. Estimate of the cost of maintenance of the improvements for the District for the
Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21.
c. An annual assessment for FY 2020-21 of the estimated costs of property acquisitions,
the maintenance of open space properties and improvements to be maintained during
such fiscal year, assessing the net amount upon all assessable lots and parcels within
the District in proportion to the special benefits received; together with a formula
pursuant to which such annual assessment may be adjusted annually for inflation
pursuant to the Assessment Law without the necessity for additional assessment
ballot procedures.
The Report, as presented, is hereby approved, and is ordered to be filed in the office of
the Clerk of the City Council as a permanent record and to remain open to public inspection.
SECTION 3. The Clerk of the City Council shall certify to the passage and adoption of
this resolution, and the minutes of this meeting shall so reflect the presentation of the Report.
SECTION 4. That the City hereby proposes an annual levy of assessments for the District
thereon to provide for the following work:
The acquisition of open space properties, and the installation, construction, or
maintenance of any authorized improvements under the Act, including, but not limited to,
landscape and irrigation improvements and any facilities which are appurtenant to any of the
aforementioned, or which are necessary or convenient for the maintenance or servicing thereof.
SECTION 5. Following notice duly given, the City Council has held a full and fair public
hearing regarding its resolution approving and or amending the Report prepared in connection
therewith; the levy and collection of assessments, and considered all oral and written statements,
protests, and communications made or filed by interested persons.
SECTION 6. The City Council hereby finds that each and every part of the Enginee
Report as submitted to the City Council and filed with the City Clerk.
Ћ
Buubdinfou;!GZ!3131.32!PTQE!Bqqspwjoh!Sftpmvujpo!!)GJTDBM!ZFBS!3131.32!BOOVBM!MFWZ!GPS!PQFO!TQBDF!QSFTFSWBUJPO!EJTUSJDU*
Qbdlfu!Qh/!265
27/c
SECTION 7. The City Council does hereby reference the Report, which indicates the
amount of the assessments, the District boundaries, description of improvements, and the
methods of assessment. The Report is on file in the office of the City Clerk, and reference to the
Report is hereby made for all particulars.
SECTION 8. The City Council hereby directs staff levy and file said assessments of
$37.00 per benefit unit with the County Auditor for collection with the regular property taxes for
FY 2020-21.
SECTION 9. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of June 2020.
______________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________
CITY CLERK
DATE: __________________________
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Mary Cusick, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Resolution 20-______ was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa
Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 23rd day of June, 2020, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
______________________________
CITY CLERK
Ќ
Buubdinfou;!GZ!3131.32!PTQE!Bqqspwjoh!Sftpmvujpo!!)GJTDBM!ZFBS!3131.32!BOOVBM!MFWZ!GPS!PQFO!TQBDF!QSFTFSWBUJPO!EJTUSJDU*
Qbdlfu!Qh/!266
City of Santa Clarita
Engineer’s Report
Open Space Preservation District
F ISCAL YEAR 2020/2021
Intent Meeting: June 9, 2020
Public Hearing: June 23, 2020
Prepared on: May 7, 2020
27368 Via Industria
Suite 200
Temecula, CA 92590
T 951.587.3500 | 800.755.6864
F 951.587.3510
www.willdan.com
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION DISTRICT
ENGINEER’S REPORT
CERTIFICATE
This Report describes the District including the improvements, budgets, parcels and assessments to be levied for
Fiscal Year 2020/2021, as they existed at the time of the passage of the Resolution of Intention. Reference is
hereby made to the Los Angeles County Assessor’s maps for a detailed description of the lines and dimensions of
parcels within the District. The undersigned respectfully submits the enclosed Report as directed by the City
Council.
Dated this ______ day of____________, 2020.
Willdan Financial Services
Assessment Engineer
By: ________________________________ By:_____________________________
Stacee Reynolds Richard Kopecky
Sr. Project Manager, District Administration Services R. C. E. # 16742
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer’s Report, together with Assessment Roll and Assessment Diagram
thereto attached was filed with me on the _____day of________, 2020.
By:_____________________________
Mary Cusick, City Clerk
City of Santa Clarita
Los Angeles County, California
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer’s Report, together with Assessment Roll and Assessment Diagram
thereto attached was approved and confirmed by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, California, on the
_____day of________, 2020.
By:_____________________________
Mary Cusick, City Clerk
City of Santa Clarita
Los Angeles County, California
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
A.BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................................................. 1
B.EFFECTS OF PROPOSITION 218 .................................................................................................................. 1
II.PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................... 2
A.IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORIZED BY THE 1972 ACT .................................................................................... 2
B.DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MAINTAINED AND SERVICED ............................................. 3
III.ESTIMATE OF COST .......................................................................................................................................... 4
IV.METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT........................................................................................................................ 5
A.GENERAL ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
B.REASON FOR THE ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................... 5
C.SPECIAL BENEFIT ANALYSIS ...................................................................................................................... 5
D.SPECIAL BENEFIT DETERMINATION .......................................................................................................... 5
E.AREA OF BENEFIT ........................................................................................................................................ 7
F.GENERAL BENEFIT ....................................................................................................................................... 8
G.SPECIAL BENEFIT METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................... 8
V.ASSESSMENT ROLL ........................................................................................................................................ 14
VI.ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM ................................................................................................................................. 14
APPENDICES
1)Certificate of Participation (Open Space and Parkland Acquisition Program)
Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
OVERVIEW
A.BACKGROUND
Since the City of Santa Clarita’s (“the City”) incorporation in 1987, the City has made a significant effort to
preserve the greenbelts and undeveloped land within and outside the City. This includes implementing the
vision of the first and subsequent City Councils to buffer the Santa Clarita Valley with a greenbelt to help
maintain the character and quality of life for residents. During the “The Big Picture” Community Strategic
Planning process in 2004, several open space goals were reaffirmed. Additionally, in 2007 a number of
community members spoke to the Council in support of preserving undeveloped land and asked the Council
to, once again, pursue the creation of a mechanism to finance the acquisition and preservation of
undeveloped land. In April 2007, the City Council adopted a resolution to initiate the formation of the City of
Santa Clarita Open Space Preservation District.
On August 13, 2014, LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission) approved Annexation 2013-03 (North
Saugus) to the City of Santa Clarita. On October 14, 2014 LAFCO approved the boundary change of the
City of Santa Clarita to include the North Saugus area. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2015/16, parcels in
Annexation 2013-03 are subjected to the Open Space Preservation District Assessment.
On April 12, 2016, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 16-12, initiating annexation proceedings for the
West Creek/West Hills annexation with the LAFCO. Annexation Application No. 2016-07 was submitted to
LAFCO on April 14, 2016.
On June 28, 2016, the City Council approved and adopted a Joint Resolution between the City and Los
Angeles County approving and accepting the negotiated exchange of property tax revenue relating to the
pending annexation of areas within the unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County. Following the
Council's action, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the same Joint Resolution at their
Board meeting of July 19, 2016. LAFCO approved Annexation 2016-07 at their August 10, 2016, meeting
and further held the protest hearing at their October 12, 2016, meeting. Annexation 2016-07 was complete
on November 15, 2016 when the annexation was recorded with the State.
On April 24, 2018, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 18-14, which initiated annexation proceedings
for the Plum Canyon annexation with the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). Annexation
Application No. 2018-04 was submitted to LAFCO on June 27, 2018.
On July 10, 2018, the City Council adopted a joint resolution between the City of Santa Clarita (City) and
County of Los Angeles, approving and accepting the negotiated exchange of property tax revenue relating
to the pending annexation of areas within the unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County. Following the
Council's action, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the same joint resolution at their
board meeting on September 18, 2018. LAFCO approved Annexation 2018-04 at their October 10, 2018,
meeting and further held the protest hearing at their November 14, 2018, meeting. Annexation 2018-04 was
complete on November 15, 2018, when the annexation was recorded with the state.
B.EFFECTS OF PROPOSITION 218
On November 5, 1996, the electorate approved Proposition 218, Right to Vote on Taxes Act, which added
Articles XIIIC and XIIID to the California Constitution. The Article XIIID affects all assessments upon real
property for a special benefit conferred on the property. Assessments imposed under the Landscaping and
Lighting Act of 1972 are these types of benefit assessments.
The provisions of Proposition 218 can be summarized in four general areas:
1. Strengthens the general and special tax provisions of Propositions 13 and 62;
2. Extends the initiative process to all local taxes, assessments, fees and charges;
3. Adds substantive and procedural requirements to assessments; and
4. Adds substantive and procedural requirements to property-related fees and charges.
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
A.IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORIZED BY THE 1972 ACT
As applicable or may be applicable to this District, the 1972 Act defines improvements to mean one or any
combination of the following:
The installation or planting of landscaping.
The installation or construction of statuary, fountains, and other ornamental structures and
facilities.
The installation or construction of public lighting facilities, including, but not limited to, traffic
signals.
The installation or construction of any facilities which are appurtenant to any of the foregoing or
which are necessary or convenient for the maintenance or servicing thereof, including, but not
limited to, grading, clearing, removal of debris, the installation or construction of curbs, gutters,
walls, sidewalks, or paving, or water, irrigation, drainage, or electrical facilities.
The installation of park or recreational improvements, including, but not limited to, all the following:
Land preparation, such as grading, leveling, cutting and filling, sod, landscaping, irrigation
systems, sidewalks, and drainage.
Lights, playground equipment, play courts, and public restrooms.
The maintenance or servicing, or both, of any of the foregoing.
The acquisition of land for park, recreational, or open-space purposes.
The acquisition of any existing improvement otherwise authorized pursuant to this section.
Incidental expenses associated with the improvements include, but are not limited to:
The cost of preparation of the report, including plans, specifications, estimates, diagram,
and assessment;
The costs of printing, advertising, and the publishing, posting and mailing of notices;
Compensation payable to the County for collection of assessments;
Compensation of any engineer or attorney employed to render services;
Any other expenses incidental to the construction, installation, or maintenance and
servicing of the improvements;
Any expenses incidental to the issuance of bonds or notes pursuant to Section 22662.5.
Costs associated with any elections held for the approval of a new or increased
assessment.
The 1972 Act defines "maintain" or "maintenance" to mean furnishing of services and materials for the
ordinary and usual maintenance, operation, and servicing of any improvement, including:
Repair, removal, or replacement of all or any part of any improvement.
Providing for the life, growth, health, and beauty of landscaping, including cultivation, irrigation,
trimming, spraying, fertilizing, or treating for disease or injury.
The removal of trimmings, rubbish, debris, and other solid waste.
The cleaning, sandblasting, and painting of walls and other improvements to remove or cover
graffiti.
B.DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MAINTAINED AND SERVICED
The Open Space Preservation District expands the City’s existing Open Space, Park and Parkland Program.
This program preserves, improves, finances, services and maintains facilities as described below.
It is the City Council’s intent to utilize the additional funding from the Open Space Preservation District to
expand the existing Open Space, Park, and Parkland Program to accelerate vacant land acquisition in and
around the City in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Open Space Acquisition Implementation
Work Program, which is included herein and is provided in the Appendix.
The improvements are the acquisition, preservation, improvement, financing, servicing and maintenance of
parks, parkland and open space lands and appurtenant equipment and facilities, including but not limited to,
personnel, electrical energy, utilities such as water, materials, contracting services, debt service costs, and
other items necessary for the satisfactory provision of these facilities and services.
Facilities include but are not limited to:
Open Space Lands
The Santa Clara River Watershed
Trail Systems
Wildlife Corridors
Park and Recreation Facilities and Equipment
Maintenance means the furnishing of services and materials for the ordinary and usual maintenance,
operation, preservation and servicing, including repair, removal or replacement of all or part of any of the
park, parklands and open space lands or appurtenant equipment or facilities; providing for the life, growth,
health and beauty of the landscaping, including cultivation, irrigation, trimming, spraying, fertilizing and
treating for disease or injury; the removal of trimmings, rubbish, debris and other solid waste; brush clearing;
and the cleaning, sandblasting, and painting of walls and other improvements to remove or cover graffiti.
Servicing means the furnishing of water for the irrigation and the furnishing of electric current or energy, gas
or other illuminating agent for the operation of the park, parklands and open space lands or appurtenant
equipment or facilities.
The City financed a portion of the facilities through the issuance of bonded indebtedness.
The plans and specifications for the improvements, showing the general nature, location and the extent of
the facilities, are on file in the City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and are by
reference herein made a part of this report.
ESTIMATE OF COST
The City's budget for the Open Space, Park, and Parkland Program, shown below, details the estimated costs for
Fiscal Year 2020/2021 as available at the time of preparation of this report. The 1972 Act provides that the total cost
of the construction, acquisition, preservation, improvement, servicing and maintenance, together with incidental
expenses, may be financed from the assessment proceeds. The incidental expenses may include engineering fees,
legal fees, printing, mailing, postage, publishing, and all other related costs identified with the district proceedings.
Open Space, Park and Parkland Program Estimate of Costs:
Open Space, Park, and Parkland Program $8,252,866
Expansion of the Program through the Preservation District 2,906,050
Less General Benefit Contribution (69.60%)(7,766,606)
Assessment shall not exceed Special Benefit Quantification of (30.40%):$3,392,310
Budget for Expansion of the Program through the Open Space Preservation District
Resources:
Beginning Land Acquisition Reserve (Beginning Fund Balance FY 20/21) $5,055,746
Other Revenue (interest, etc.) 228,218
Total Resources: $5,283,964
Uses:
Administration$773,612
Bond Debt Service 766,406
Capital Projects 30,000
Operating Reserve Per Section 22569(a) 785,009
Ending Land Acquisition Reserve (Ending Fund Balance FY 20/21)
5,834,987
Total Uses: $8,190,014
Total Preservation District Expansion Budget: $2,906,050
Total Assessable Benefit Units 78,541.88
Maximum Assessment per Benefit Unit $38.00
Applied Rate per Benefit Unit $37.00
Note:
(1) Detailed estimated cost of components of the Program are available in the Neighborhood Services Department and are incorporated herein by this reference.
(2) Under the Preservation District, the total estimated cost of the Improvements to be funded by the Preservation District is greater than the amount that can be
conveniently raised from a single annual assessment. The City is authorized to determine such costs of one or more Improvements, including related debt
service, to be collected in installments over a period not to exceed thirty (30) fiscal years from its initial funding, as provided in the annual Engineer’s Report. On
December 12, 2007, the City executed and delivered $15,525,000 Certificates of Participation (Open Space and Parkland Acquisition Program) 2007 Series (the
“Certificates”) to fund such Improvements and the assessments from the Preservation District were pledged to make debt service payments on the Certificates.
The debt service schedule is attached hereto as Appendix 1.
The 1972 Act requires that a special fund be set-up for the revenues and expenditures of the District. Funds raised
by assessment shall be used only for the purpose as stated herein. The City may advance funds or incur bonded
indebtedness, if needed, to ensure adequate cash flow or timing of the provision of the facilities, and will be
reimbursed for any such advances or payment of annual bond debt service upon receipt of assessments. Any
surplus or deficit remaining on July 1 must be carried over to the next fiscal year.
METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT
A.GENERAL
Part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code, the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, permits
the establishment of Assessment Districts by cities for the purpose of providing certain public improvements
which include the construction, maintenance and servicing of park and recreation improvements and the
acquisition of land for park, recreation or open space purposes.
Section 22573, Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 requires that assessments be levied according to
benefit rather than according to assessed value. This section states:
"The net amount to be assessed upon lands within an assessment district may be apportioned by any
formula or method which fairly distributes the net amount among all assessable lots or parcels in proportion
to the estimated benefits to be received by each such lot or parcel from the improvements.”
The Act permits the designation of zones of benefit within any individual assessment district if "by reason of
variations in the nature, location, and extent of the improvements, the various areas will receive different
degrees of benefit from the improvements." (Sec. 22574). Thus, the 1972 Act requires the levy of a true
"assessment" rather than a "special tax."
In addition, Proposition 218, the "Right to Vote on Taxes Act" which was approved on the November 1996
Statewide ballot and added Article XIIID to the California Constitution, requires that a parcel's assessment
may not exceed the reasonable cost of the proportional special benefit conferred on that parcel. XIIID
provides that only special benefits are assessable and the City must separate the general benefits from the
special benefits. XIIID also requires that publicly owned properties that benefit from the improvements be
assessed.
B. REASON FOR THE ASSESSMENT
The District funds a portion of the City’s Open Space, Park, and Parkland Program (the “Program”) as
previously defined herein in Section II of this Report.
This Program covers park and recreation facilities, open space lands, the Santa Clara River watershed, trail
systems and wildlife corridors throughout the City of Santa Clarita, and open space preservation around the
perimeter of the City.
C.SPECIAL BENEFIT ANALYSIS
Parcels within the District are assessed for those improvements that provide a special benefit to the
properties. Article XIIID of the California Constitution defines special benefit as:
"A particular and distinct benefit over and above general benefits conferred on real property located in
the district or to the public at large. General enhancement of property value does not constitute ‘special
benefit’."
D.SPECIAL BENEFIT DETERMINATION
In determining the proportionate special benefit derived by each identified parcel, the proximity of the parcel
to the public improvements detailed in Part A above, and the capital, maintenance and operating costs of
said public improvements, was considered and analyzed. Due to the close proximity of the parcels to the
improvements detailed in Part A above, it has been demonstrated and determined the parcels are uniquely
benefited by, and receive a direct advantage from, and are conferred a particular and distinct special benefit
over and above general benefits by, said public improvements.
The overall quality of life and desirability of an area is enhanced when parks, open space and recreational
facilities are in place, improved, operable, safe, clean and maintained. Property desirability in an area also
increases when there is an increase in the number of parks, open space and recreation facilities.
Studies in a number of communities have indicated that recreation areas and facilities, if well maintained
and wisely administered, have caused a marked increase in the property values of parcels in the community.
Consequently, such recreation and park facilities have proved to be a potent factor in maintaining a sound
economic condition and a high standard of livability in the community. These studies confirm the opinion
long held by planning authorities as to the economic value of parks and recreational facilities in a
community.
"The recreation value is realized as a rise in the value of land and other property in or near the
recreation area, and is of both private interest to the landowner and others, holding an economic stake
in the area, and of public interest to the taxpayers, who have a stake...." (National Recreation and Park
Association, June 1985)
“Recreation and park amenities are central components in establishing the quality of life in a
community. ... \[businesses’\] main resource is their employees for whom quality of life is an important
issue... The availability and attractiveness of local parks and programs influences some companies’
relocation decisions. ... the presence of a park encourages real estate development around it....”
(California Parks & Recreation, Winter 1997)
The special benefit of parks and other recreational facilities conferred to residential and non-residential
properties has been summarized by a number of studies. The United States Department of the Interior,
National Park Service, in a publication dated June 1984, concluded that:
"Parks and recreation stimulate business and generate tax revenues."
"Parks and recreation help conserve land, energy, and resources."
"An investment in parks and recreation helps reduce pollution and noise, and makes for a more
pleasing community...”
"Public recreation benefits all employers by providing continuing opportunities to maintain a level of
fitness throughout one's working life, and through helping individuals cope with the stress of a fast-
paced and demanding life."
Collaborative Economics, a Silicon Valley think-tank, has found strong connections between the physical
design and attractive maintenance of community facilities and the new knowledge-driven, service-oriented
economy (Linking the New Economy to Livable Communities, Collaborative Economics 1998). Businesses
are increasingly valuing “quality of life” as a way to recruit and retain skilled workers (Profiles of Business
Leadership on Smart Growth, National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals,
1999).
Non-residential property (either vacant or developed) located within a community that actively promotes the
design and maintenance of park and recreation facilities, is conferred a distinct and special benefit because
these features attract businesses, ensuring the highest and best use of the property. Area desirability helps
to assure that vacant property is actually marketable to willing buyers and helps assure that the property
owner can actually capture the full market value for property.
Residential property (both vacant and developed) benefits from the “area desirability” because workers are
attracted to community, and will purchase homes, which again assures the highest and best use of the
property. As described above, when an area is desirable, property is more marketable and owners are
better positioned to capture the benefits full market value.
The entire community, and parcels within the community, are conferred a special benefit when parks and
recreational facilities are included as part of the overall community design standard and are maintained.
The Supreme Court of California, in Knox v. City of Orland, acknowledged that parks confer special benefit.
In this opinion, the Supreme Court of California stated, “in California, there is a lengthy history of legislative
and judicial recognition that parks constitute proper subjects for special assessment.”
Homebuyers over age 55, considering a move, were surveyed about the amenities that “would seriously
influence them in selecting a new community” in Boomers on the Horizon: Housing Preferences of the 55+
Market, National Association of Home Builders, 2002. The following results were found:
% Seeking Rank on
AmenityGroupAmenityList
Walking and jogging trails 55+ 52
1
Walking and jogging trails 55+ >$75k per year 65
Outdoor spaces 55+ 51
2
Outdoor spaces (park) 55+, moving to suburbs 55
Open Spaces 55+ 46 4
Finally, the ERE Yarmouth and Real Estate Research Corporation has found that “smart communities”
(those that actively plan and maintain parks, open space, streetscaping and pedestrian friendly features)
will experience the fastest rise in real estate values (Defining New Limits, Emerging Trends in Real Estate,
ERE Yarmouth and Real Estate Research Corporation, 1988).
In addition, all of the aforementioned above illustrates that parks, open space and recreational facilities
contribute to a specific increase in property desirability which confers a particular and distinct special
benefit upon the real property located within the district.
E.AREA OF BENEFIT
Proposition 218 states, “No assessment shall be imposed on any parcel which exceeds the reasonable cost
of the proportional special benefit conferred on that parcel. Only special benefits are assessable, and an
agency must separate the general benefits from the special benefits conferred on a parcel.”
Based on the above, the area of benefit for the facilities and services funded by the District are defined
below:
The National Recreation and Park Association standards are used to define the service area of the City’s
existing parklands and open space areas. These standards state that a community park, which serves the
needs of several neighborhoods, has a service radius of up to 3 miles. Properties within this 3-mile service
radius are considered to receive special benefit from the facility.
To define the service area of the District, a 3-mile radius was drawn around all of the City’s existing
parklands and open space areas. This is shown on the Assessment Diagram at the back of this Report.
Parcels within the District service area are considered to receive special benefit from the District. The total
area served by the Program, as defined above, is 149,340.58 acres. Of that area, 103,984.51 acres, or
approximately 69.60 percent, is outside the city boundaries. The benefits conferred on these non-city
parcels within the service areas are considered the “general benefits” associated with the District.
Therefore, only 30.40 percent of the District budget is assessed to City properties as the quantification of
special benefits received, and 69.60 percent of the budget will be provided from other sources (e.g.: general
fund, Proposition A funds, etc.).
F.GENERAL BENEFIT
Section 4 of Article XIIID requires that the general benefits imparted by the Open Space, Park and Parkland
Program be separated from the special benefits and that only the special benefit portion of the costs of the
project be assessed against those parcels which are identified as receiving special benefits.
As stated above, only 30.40 percent of the District budget is assessed to properties within the City
boundaries as the quantification of special benefits received, and 69.60 percent of the budget is defined as
the “general benefits”.
This quantification of general benefit is considered a conservative estimate as much of the area outside the
City boundaries is currently sparsely developed when compared with the development intensity within the
City.
All properties within the City of Santa Clarita are within the service area of the City’s existing parklands and
open space areas. Therefore, these properties receive special benefit from the existing facilities. The
existing facilities are distributed throughout all areas of the City. Due to the uniform distribution of the
existing parklands and open space areas in the City, it is considered a reasonable approximation of the
ultimate service area of the parklands and open space to be obtained, developed and preserved through the
Program.
Any future acquisition of undeveloped lands will be within the City of Santa Clarita city limits or within the
service area of the City’s existing parklands and open space areas. Due to this account and the fact that any
undeveloped lands outside the City boundaries will remain essentially in their natural state, these additional
areas are not considered to increase the benefit boundaries of the District.
Additional general benefits to the public at large are considered incidental and non-quantifiable and are
more than adequately funded by the City’s additional contribution.
G.SPECIAL BENEFIT METHODOLOGY
The District boundaries are coterminous with the City of Santa Clarita. To establish the special benefit to the
individual parcels within the District, a Benefit Unit system is utilized. Each parcel of land is assigned Benefit
Units (BU's) in proportion to the estimated special benefit the parcel receives relative to the other parcels
within the District from the Program. Benefit Units are established by considering both the dwelling unit
equivalency of a property and the benefits provided, as discussed above.
Basic Formula:
(Equivalent Dwelling Units) x (Benefit Factor) = Benefit Units
EQUIVALENT DWELLING UNITS
In order to allocate benefit fairly between the parcels, an Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) methodology is
utilized, which equates different types of land uses to a single-family residential parcel, thereby allowing a
uniform method of assessment.
The EDU method uses the single family home as the basic unit of apportionment. A single family home
equals one Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU). Every other land use is converted to EDU's as described below.
All assessable properties in the District are assigned dwelling units and land use classifications per the
County Assessor's roll. (Inaccuracies in the County data will be reviewed on a case by case basis as they
are brought to the City’s attention.)
The methodology to calculate the EDU’s for other residential land uses and for non-residential parcels is as
follows:
Every land use is converted to EDU's. Parcels containing apartments are converted to EDU's based on the
number of dwelling units on each parcel of land; non-residential parcels are converted based on the lot size
of each parcel of land.
Table 1 outlines the EDU formula.
Table I: EDU Formula
EDUEquivalent Dwelling Unit
Land Use Assessed Unit xFactor=Rate (EDU)
Residential
Single family home 1 dwelling x1 = 1.00 EDU/dwelling
Single family vacant 1 parcel x0.25 = 0.25 EDU/parcel
Multi-Family (incl. Condo/Apt) 1 dwelling x0.75 = 0.75 EDU/dwelling
Mobile Home Parks 1 space x0.5 = 0.50 EDU/space
Developed Non-Residential
Commercial, Industrial, 1 acre x6 = 6.00 EDU/acre
Government, Church 1.00 EDU/parcel min
Vacant
1 acre x1.5 = 1.50 EDU/acre
0.25 EDU/parcel min
5 acre x1.5 = 7.50 EDU/parcel max
Residential
Single Family Residences (SFR). A single family home equals 1 EDU.
Multi-family Residences (Apartments and Condominiums) and Mobile Home Parks. Multifamily
residential parcels and Mobile Home Park equivalencies are determined by multiplying the number of
dwelling units on each parcel by 0.75 and 0.5, respectively, due to the relative population density of these
types of dwelling units and reduced unit size compared to the typical density and size of an SFR. Studies
have consistently shown that the average apartment unit impacts infrastructure approximately 75% as much
as a single-family residence and the average mobile home unit impacts infrastructure approximately 50%.
(Sources: Institute of Transportation Engineers Informational Report Trip Generation, Fifth Edition, 1991;
Metcalf and Eddy, Wastewater Engineering Treatment, Disposal, Reuse, Third Edition, 1991). Trip
generation and wastewater usage are a function of population density. Based on this, it is concluded that
other infrastructure will be similarly impacted at a reduced level. The smaller average unit size of multiple-
residential and mobile homes results in a lesser enhancement per unit to property values.
The EDU's assigned to a multi-residential or to a mobile home parcel are calculated based on the number of
dwelling units and the appropriate EDU factor. For example, the EDU factor for multi-residential (0.75) is
multiplied by the number of dwelling units on the parcel to determine the total EDU's for the multiple
residential parcel. Similarly, the total EDU's for a mobile home parcel are calculated by multiplying the EDU
factor (0.5) by the number of mobile home units on the parcel.
Developed Non-Residential
Developed non-residential properties are defined as improved commercial, industrial and institutional
properties (such as churches). In converting these properties to EDU's, the size of the parcels is compared
to the median size of a single-family residential lot, which is 0.17 acres. This equals approximately 6 SFR
lots per acre of land. Therefore, developed non-residential parcels are assigned EDU’s at a rate of 6 EDU’s
per acre. The minimum EDU assignment for a developed non-residential parcel is 1.0 EDU per parcel, which
is the same as a developed SFR.
The area of non-residential condominium parcels is calculated based on the individual area of the condo
plus an equal share of the common area associated with the condominium project.
Vacant
Vacant property consists of parcels with few or no improved structures. These properties have virtually no
impacts on infrastructure to make a comparison to developed property; however, based on the Los Angeles
County Assessor’s data, the average land value of an SFR property is between 45% and 50% of the total
value. Splitting the difference between value and impacts, vacant property is assigned EDU’s at the rate of
25 percent of improved property.
A vacant parcel, designated exclusively for a single-family residential unit by a recorded Tract Map or Parcel
Map, will be assigned 0.25 EDUs per lot.
Other vacant parcels, including those properties designated as agricultural, are assessed based upon the
acreage of the parcel. All of these parcels will be assigned EDU's at the rate of 25% of the developed non-
residential properties, or 1.5 EDU’s per acre.
Regarding larger vacant properties, a strict application of the EDU rate per acre will result in an
inappropriately large assessment, particularly considering the fact that the vacant parcel provides some of
the open space attributes the park system endeavors to provide. As the size of a parcel increases, it begins
to provide proportionally larger open space characteristics. In order to recognize this, the EDU rate for
vacant, non-SFR property is applied to the first 5 acres only. This provides the City with a mechanism to
effectively model the benefits received by vacant, non-SFR property in the more urbanized areas (where
vacant lot sizes tend to be smaller because of encroaching development) while also crediting the open
space benefits provide by larger, undeveloped parcels.
Therefore, vacant, non-SFR parcels will be assessed 1.5 EDU’s per acre up to a maximum of 5 acres per
parcel. The minimum EDU assignment for a vacant parcel is 0.25 EDU’s per parcel, which is 25% of a
developed SFR.
Exempt
Exempted from the assessment are the areas of streets, avenues, lanes, roads, drives, courts, alleys, and
public easements, rights-of-ways, and parkways. Also exempted from assessment are utility rights-of-way,
common areas (such as in condominium complexes), landlocked parcels and small parcels vacated by the
City as these parcels have little or no value and therefore do not benefit from the improvements.
In addition, parks, greenbelts and open space are exempt from assessment, as are public schools, golf
courses (which are considered as parks in most cities’ planning documents) and cemeteries, which are also
considered to provide a type of parkland and open space.
Government-Owned Property
Prop. 218 states, “Parcels within a district that are owned or used by any \[public\] agency…shall not be
exempt from the assessment unless the agency can demonstrate…that \[the\] parcels in fact receive no
special benefit.”
Government-owned (public) properties must be assessed for the benefits they receive. If no benefit is
received (for example, parks and schools as discussed above) then the government owned parcels can be
“exempt” from the assessment. Uses such as City Hall and maintenance yards are assessed as developed
non-residential property.
BENEFIT FACTORS
Proper preservation of parklands and open space within and surrounding the City benefits properties by
providing environmental quality and recreational enhancement. The amount of benefit received will vary with
the different land use of the property. There are two categories from which the total benefit of a parcel is
derived, and these benefits are weighted equally with respect to each other:
1.Environmental Quality Benefit. The improvement of the quality of air, visual aesthetics and
attractiveness of the community as a place to live, work and do business. All properties within the
District are considered to receive this benefit.
2.Recreation Enhancement Benefit. The availability of useable and safe parkland and recreational
facilities. Only residential properties are considered to receive this benefit as it more directly relates to
the enhancement of the quality of life in the residential community.
Table 2 outlines the Benefit Factors for the Open space, park and parkland program:
Table II: Open Space & Parkland Benefit Factors
Land Use: Residential Non-Residential
1. Environmental Quality 0.50.5
2. Recreation Enhancement 0.50
Total Benefit Factor = 10.5
BENEFIT UNITS
As discussed above, the basic formula for calculating Benefit Units for each property is as follows:
Basic Formula:
(Equivalent Dwelling Units) x (Benefit Factor) = Benefit Units
Table 3, below, outlines the Benefit Unit calculations for various properties:
Table III: Benefit Unit Calculation
AssessedEDUBenefit
Land Use UnitxFactorxFactor=Benefit Unit (BU) Rate
Residential
Single family home 1 dwelling x1.0x1.0=1.00BU / dwelling
Single family vacant 1 parcel x0.25x1.0=0.25BU / parcel
Multi-Family (incl. Condo) 1 dwelling x0.75x1.0=0.75BU / dwelling
Mobile Home Parks 1 space x0.5x1.0=0.50BU / space
Developed Non-Residential
Commercial, Industrial, Gov, Church 1 acre x6x0.5=3.00BU / acre
1 EDU min x0.5=0.50BU/ parcel min
Vacant
1 acre x1.5x0.5=0.75BU / acre
0.25 EDU min x0.5=0.125BU/ parcel min
5 acre x1.5x0.5=3.75BU/ parcel max
Table 4, below, provides a summary of Benefit Units for the City of Santa Clarita.
Table IV: Assessable Benefit Unit Summary by Land Use
No. of No. of
Land Use Parcelsdwellings No. of Acres No. Of Benefit Units
Residential
Single family home 41,17041,17041,170.00
Single family vacant 1,6561,656414.00
Multi-family residential 43512,3439,257.25
Condominiums19,01919,01914,264.25
Mobile Home Parks 292,5081,254.00
Developed Non-Residential
Commercial / Industrial 1,9833,457.2610,459.24
(incl. Government & Church)
Vacant
Vacant 5 acres or less 615854.83661.02
Vacant more than 5 acres 2807,030.981,062.12
Totals: 65,18776,69611,343.0678,541.88
ASSESSMENT RATE CALCULATION
Table 5 provides the assessment rate calculation for FY 2020/2021.
Table V: Assessment Rate Calculation
FY 2020/21
FY 2019/20
FY 2020/21 Applied Maximum*
Estimated Budget No. of BU's Maximum
Assessment per BU Assessment per
Assessment per BU
BU
$2,906,050 78,541.88 $37.00$38.00$37.00
* The maximum annual assessment rate will be increased each year by $1.00 per Benefit Unit (table below).
The actual assessments levied in any fiscal year will be as approved by the City Council and may not
exceed the maximum assessment rate without receiving property owner approval for the increase.
Sample calculations for various land uses are provided in the following Table 6:
Table VI: Sample Calculations
FY 20-21
No. of Units or EDUBenefit Benefit Annual
Land Use Parcel Size xFactorxFactor=Units Asmt.
Residential
Single family home 1 dwelling x1x1=1$37.00
Single family vacant (subdivided) 1 parcel x0.25x1=0.25$9.25
Condominium1 dwelling x0.75x1=0.75$27.75
Duplex2 dwellings x0.75x1=1.5$55.50
4-plex4 dwellings x0.75x1=3$111.00
10-unit Apartment 10 dwellings x0.75x1=7.5$277.50
Mobile Home Parks 10 spaces x0.5x1=5$185.00
Developed Non-Residential
Commercial, Industrial, Gov, Church 0.25 acres x6x0.5=0.75$27.75
Commercial, Industrial, Gov, Church 0.5 acres x6x0.5=1.5$55.50
Commercial, Industrial, Gov, Church 1 acre x6x0.5=3$111.00
Vacant
Vacant 0.5 acres x1.5x0.5=0.38$14.06
Vacant 1 acres x1.5x0.5=0.75$27.75
Vacant 5 acres x1.5x0.5=3.75$138.75
Vacant * 10 acres =3.75$138.75
* Vacant parcels with more than 5 acres are assessed a maximum amount of 3.75 benefit units.
ASSESSMENT DURATION
The Open Space Preservation District is proposed to exist for thirty (30) years beginning with 2007/08 and
maturing in Fiscal Year 2036/37.
ASSESSMENT ROLL
The Assessment Roll is a listing of the proposed assessment for Fiscal Year 2020/2021 apportioned to each lot or
parcel, as shown on the last equalized roll of the Assessor of the County of Los Angeles. The Preliminary
Assessment Roll is provided as part of this report and is incorporated herein.
The description of each lot or parcel is part of the records of the Assessor of the County of Los Angeles and these
records are, by reference, made part of this Report.
ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM
The Assessment Diagram for the District is provided on the following page. The lines and dimensions of each lot or
parcel within the District are those lines and dimensions shown on the maps of the Assessor of the County of Los
Angeles, for the year when this Report was prepared, and are incorporated by reference herein and made part of this
Report.
Appendix 1
Certificates of Participation
Open Space and Parkland Acquisition Program 2007 Series
Debt Service Schedule
Appendix 2
Open Space Acquisition
Implementation Work Program
O PEN S PACE A CQUISITION I MPLEMENTATION
W ORK P ROGRAM
F ISCAL Y EAR 2020-21
Approved at the Financial Accountability and Audit Panel Meeting: March 4, 2020
Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3
WORK PROGRAM
WORK PROGRAM
A. PresentChallenges 5
A. Present Challenges5
be Acquired 5
B.Types of Undeveloped Land to
be Acquired 5
B.Types of Undeveloped Land to
C. Acquisition Principles 6
C. Acquisition Principles 6
D. Acreage Allocation Ratio 7
D. Acreage Allocation Ratio 7
E. Description of Land Acquisition Projects 7
E. Description of Land Acquisition Projects 7
F. Acquisition Work Plan 10
F. Acquisition Work Plan 10
o Potential Open Space
o Potential Open Space
o RankingProcess
o RankingProcess
o Applications
o Applications
G. Open Space Evaluation Process 15
G. Open Space Evaluation Process 15
o Step-by-Step Instructions
o Step-by-Step Instructions
Appendix A – Open Space Inventory Criteria (OSIC) Checklist & Definitions
Appendix A – Open Space Inventory Criteria (OSIC) Checklist & Definitions
Appendix B – Open Space Preservation DistrictMap
Appendix B – Open Space Preservation DistrictMap
City of Santa Clarita Page 2
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
Open Space Preservation District
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Background
Since the City of Santa Clarita’s (City) incorporation in 1987, the City has made a significant
effort to preserve greenbelts and undeveloped land within and outside the City. This includes
implementing the vision of the first and subsequent City Councils to buffer the Santa Clarita
Valley with a greenbelt to help maintain the character and quality of life for residents. During
“The Big Picture” Community Strategic Planning processin 2004, several open space goals were
reaffirmed. Additionally, in 2007 a number of community members spoke to the Council in
support of preserving undeveloped land and asked the Council to, once again, pursue the creation
of a mechanism to finance the acquisition and preservation of undeveloped land. In April 2007,
the City Council adopted a resolution to initiate the formation of the City of Santa Clarita Open
Space Preservation District.
Open Space Preservation District Formation
Property owners from the City voted to support the new Open Space Preservation District
(District), with 69 percent ballots in favor and 31 percent opposed. The District needed a simple
majority of assessment to pass, which was received. On July 17, 2007, the City Council adopted
a resolution forming the City of Santa Clarita Open Space Preservation District.
The City of Santa Clarita’s Open Space Preservation District represents a significant step
forward in the City’s ongoing efforts to acquire, preserve and protect open space.
District Purpose
The Open Space Preservation District will expand upon the City’s existing Open Space, Parkand
Parkland Program(Program).
The City already has an extensive Program for the acquisition, preservation, improvement,
servicing and maintenance of parks, parkland and open space lands. The program is responsible
for the implementation of various functions associated with park maintenance, park planning and
development. It provides planning and administration for the acquisition and construction of
parks, open space, trails and grounds, as well as the operations and maintenance supplies to
maintain the parks, facilities, trails and open space. In addition, this program works with the
community on the master plans and designs of various park facilities and oversees the
implementation of these designs by managing the construction process. Many properties outside
the City’s boundaries benefit from the City’s Program.
It is the City Council’s intent to use the additional funding from the District to expand the
Program to accelerate vacant land acquisition in and around the City. The City had been doing
this to some extent in previous years, but this allowed more funds to be used for this purpose.
City of Santa Clarita Page 3
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
District Funds
When the District was formed in Fiscal Year 2007-08, the City’s Parks Program budget was
approximately $6.8 million. The District was projected to increase the funds by approximately
$1.5 million and the City Council had committed the $1.5 million funds from the District to
acquire vacant lands in and around the City, as identified in this Annual Open Space Acquisition.
In 2007, the City Council approved the issuance of debt to finance the acquisition of open space
and parkland by executing and delivering $15,525,000 in Certificates of Participation (COPs -
Open Space and Parkland Program) 2007 Series. This represented approximately half of the
City's borrowing capacity and was the first bond issuance in a series of two.
As of fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, all bond proceeds have been exhausted.
Parcel Payments into the District
In 2007, a single-family residence paid $25, which is the designated Assessment Rate.
Condominiums, townhomes and apartments paid $18.75 for each unit and mobile home parks
paid $12.50 per space.
Non-residential developed property, such as commercial, industrial and institutional land uses
paid $75 per acre and vacant parcels paid $18.75 per acre up to 5 acres (not to exceed $93.75).
The maximum assessment rate that can be charged may increase by $1 each year. For fiscal year
FY 2019-20, the assessment rate is $37,equal to theadjusted maximum allowable rate. The
actual assessment rate in any fiscal year must be approved by the City Council priorto the levy
and may not exceedthe maximum Assessment Rate without receiving property owner approval
for the increase.
Assessment District Duration
The assessment will be in place for thirty (30) years through Fiscal Year 2036-37.
Engineer’s Report and Annual Work Program
An Engineer’s Report for the formation of this District was developed. The Engineer’s Report is
a legally required document, pursuant to Article XIIID of the California Constitution, for
assessment districts.
This document (Work Program) outlines how the open space acquisition will be accomplished,
what the priorities are, etc. The Work Program provides acquisition principles, such as:
The acquired land is within the threemile benefit area boundary for the District (which is
defined as within a three mile radius of the City’s boundary).
City of Santa Clarita Page 4
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
At least 90 percent of the acres purchased will be preserved for natural open space (so that no
more than 10 percent of the acres purchased will be used for future improved active
parkland).
WORK PROGRAM
WORK PROGRAM
A. PRESENT CHALLENGES
A. PRESENT CHALLENGES
The City of Santa Clarita incorporated in 1987 and encompasses the communities of Canyon
Country, Newhall, Saugus and Valencia. Surrounding the City are various unincorporated
areas and the Angeles National Forest. At the end offiscal year 2018, the City had over 390
acres of developed parkland, over 90 miles of trails and nearly 11,000 acres of City-owned
open space. In FY 2017-18, the City annexed the Plum Canyon area and Skyline Ranch
development, raising the City’s population to approximately 222,000 as of November 2018.
The City’s General Plan requires five acres of active parkland per 1,000 in population.
Based on the requirement, the City faces a deficit of approximately 717 acres of active
parkland and continues to seek a greenbelt/buffer of preserved open space around the Santa
Clarita Valley (Valley) and the City.
Since incorporation, the City has experienced significant growth in area and population that
has impacted the relationship between open space areas and developed land. The City
desires to ensure that our open space areas are protected and maintained, as it recognizes that
growth must be complemented with continued protection of our open spaces and the addition
of parks and recreation opportunities if the area’s quality of life is to be maintained.
The City should build upon its strong history of park stewardship, development, trail
construction and open space preservation. If the City wishes to pass on to future generations
of residents a community that retains the attractions that drew them here, the City must
continue to protect and enhance its open space and parkland.
B. TYPES OF UNDEVELOPED LAND TO BE ACQUIRED
B. TYPES OF UNDEVELOPED LAND TO BE ACQUIRED
The following category descriptions explain the variety of open space preservation actions
that are needed in the City:
Undeveloped Land Preservation – This effort will seek to preserve and protect the
undeveloped areas around the Valley and further the City’s goal to create a
greenbelt/buffer around the Valley and reduce sprawl.
Santa Clara River Watershed – To bring the last unchanneled river in Southern
California into public ownership and protect its wild, valuable habitat has long been a
City goal.
City of Santa Clarita Page 5
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
Trails – Santa Clarita is well known for its miles of scenic and effective bike and
multi-use trails which link neighborhoods to parks and open space, yet many more
critical linkages remain to be added and completed.
Wildlife Corridors – Protection and enhancement of the core habitat of unique, endemic
and valuable plants and animals is a critical goal.
C. ACQUISITION PRINCIPLES
C. ACQUISITION PRINCIPLES
The following principles are the basis for allocation categories and the criteria within each
allocated category. They will alsoguide the implementation of this Work Programand serve
as benchmarks for the Financial Accountability and Audit Panel in reviewing project
expenditures.
The principles are intended to maximize the special benefit derived from this Work
Program, maintain the integrity of the Work Program and to assure fair and equitable
distribution of acreage. A land acquisition project does not need to address each of these
principles to be acquired, but the consistency with principles will be considered when
allocations are determined.
1) To acquire parcels of undeveloped land.
2) To provide local matching funds as a way to attract state, federal and foundation funds.
3) To provide new methods for undeveloped land preservation, including the appropriate
use of conservation easements, trails and protection of rivers and creeks.
4) To distribute the open space acquisition equitably in and around the City and/or the three
mile Area of Benefit boundary.
5) To assure that new and existing undeveloped lands receive the necessary stewardship.
6) To ensure that land that is acquired is within the three mile benefit area boundary; this is
defined as within a three mile radius of the City’s existing boundary.
7) To acquire ecologically significant parcels of undeveloped land and engage in regional
cooperative efforts.
8) To acquire parcels of undeveloped land of regional importance.
In addition, there are several principles that assure that the District funds will be expended in
a way that complement good public policy. These will also be used by the Financial
Accountability and Audit Panelto gauge the appropriateness of expenditures.
City of Santa Clarita Page 6
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
9) To minimize impacts and respect adjacent property owners and the values they place on
their property.
10) To rely on institutions to implement this Work Program, to the extent possible, so that
funds are spent efficiently.
11) To endeavor to acquire property and easements from willing sellers.
12) To acquire parcels in a fiscally responsible manner.
D. ACREAGE ALLOCATION RATIO
D. ACREAGE ALLOCATION RATIO
Funds derived from the District thatare utilized for this Work Program shall fund the
acquisition of acres of undeveloped land in the following ratio:
At least 90 percent of the acres purchased will be preserved natural open space.
No more than 10 percent of the acres purchased will be used for future improved
active parkland.
E. DESCRIPTION OF LAND ACQUISITION PROJECTS
E. DESCRIPTION OF LAND ACQUISITION PROJECTS
The City of Santa Clarita’s 2002 Open Space Acquisition Plan, the Nature Conservancy’s
2006 Santa Clara River Upper Watershed Conservation Plan, Santa Clarita River Watershed
Plan, LA County SEA, South Coast Wildlands Missing Linkages, Rim-of-the-Valley studies
and other relevant technical documents will be considered to prioritize properties for land
acquisition.
The City of Santa Clarita’s Open Space Acquisition Plan, adopted by the City Council in
August 2002, established a set of guidelines and policies for bringing open space in the Santa
Clarita Valley into public ownership. The primary objective defined in the Open Space
Acquisition Plan is creating a greenbelt of open space around the City. The purpose of the
greenbelt is to ensure the character and natural habitat of the pristine environment
surrounding the City. In addition, the Open Space Acquisition Plan also identifies finding
open space within the City as a priority, not only as natural land, but as active park space as
well.
During the community process that helped form the Open Space Acquisition Plan, staff was
able to identify what members of the public consider open space to be. Open space was
defined as vacant, undeveloped land in its natural state as well as both active and passive
park space. It should be noted that in order for park space to be considered open space, the
park needs to be of regional size. A small neighborhood tot lot, for example, is not
considered open space. However, the City’s Central Park, Newhall Park and Canyon
Country Park (to name a few) are considered to be open space.
City of Santa Clarita Page 7
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
The Open Space Acquisition Plan’s primary function as a planning tool is to identify sites
that represent the best acquisition value for the City. This is done by a set of established and
approved criteria that can be applied to any potential property. At the same time, the Open
Space Acquisition Plan can be used to determine if a potential property does not represent a
good value tothe City. Under either circumstance, when land is acquired, the City endeavors
to respect the land use for which the current terrain, topography and environmental
characteristics best represents. To establish a regional scope, the Open Space Acquisition
Plan identifies five key areas in the Valley that are consistent with the City Council’s
direction for potential open space acquisition. These regions are:
Eastern Region:
o Approximate Area: From the 14 Freeway east to the Angeles National Forest and
from the intersection of the 5/14 Freeways north to Vasquez Rocks.
o Goals: To create a continuous strip of open space along the eastern border of the
City of Santa Clarita. Connect open space between the City’sboundary and the
Angeles National Forest whenever possible.
o Status: The City has made considerable progress in the eastern region. Open
space property is in public ownership near the proposed Transit Mixed Concrete
(CEMEX) project, Whitney Canyon and several hundred acres associated with the
Golden Valley Ranch development. The City, working with the Mountains
Recreation and Conservation Authority, purchased an additional 243 acres in this
region in 2010 and in 2012, in partnership with Santa Monica Mountains
Conservancy and Los Angeles County, acquired 1,027 acres in the Eastern CAPP.
The 13-acre Alfieri Property, adjacent to the CEMEX site, waspurchased in FY
2015-16. In October 2016, 52 acres were added to Golden Valley Ranch Open
Space and additional 89 acres were added in April 2017, totaling 141 acres in FY
16-17. In December 2017, 10 acres adjacent to Golden Valley Ranch Open Space
were donated by the StevensonFamily.
Southern Region:
o Approximate Area: From the intersection of the 5/14 Freewayinterchangenorth
to the City of Santa Clarita boundary and between the identified eastern and
western regions.
o Goals: Link natural habitat and habitat migration corridors between the eastern
and western regions.
o Status:A total of 249 acres were acquired inJuly 2016 and March 2017 as part
of the Newhall Pass Open Space. This region also contains the historic Beale’s
Cut property.
City of Santa Clarita Page 8
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
Western Region:
o Approximate Area: From the 5 Freeway to the Santa Susanna Mountains
Significant Ecological Area in the west, areas around Stevenson Ranch and from
theInterstate 5/14 Freeway interchange to San Francisquito Creekin the north.
o Goals: To create a continuous strip of open space along the western border of the
City of Santa Clarita.
o Status: Several significant properties exist in the region including the Santa Clarita
Woodlands, Towsley Canyon, Mentryville and 6,000 acres associated with the
Newhall Ranch Development.
Northern Region:
o Approximate Area: From the northern boundary of the City of Santa Clarita north
to the Angeles National Forest and from the Interstate 5 Freeway/Highway 126
interchange to Vasquez Rocks.
o Goals: To create a continuous strip of open space along the northern border of the
City of Santa Clarita. Connect open space between the City of Santa Clarita and
the Angeles National Forest whenever possible.
o Status: In FY 16-17, the City marked its first acquisition in this region of
surrounding greenbelt with the purchase of 78 acres in Tapia Canyon. In FY 18-
19, 176 acres were added to this region with the acquisition of the San
Francisquito Open Space. Further development of this region should be monitored
and open space dedication pursued whenever possible.
City of Santa Clarita:
o Area: All areas contained within the defined boundaries of the City of Santa
Clarita.
o Goals: Work with all City departments, partners and in conjunction with the Open
Space Plan;the Parks, Recreation and Open SpaceMaster Plan; River Features
Study and other documents to acquire and protect open space, both active and
passive, within the City limits. Work in partnership with the development
community to secure open space through dedication.
o Status: In FY 17-18, the City acquired 8 acres for the future Canyon Country
Community Center. To date, the City has acquired nearly 11,000 acres of open
space, approximately 418 acres of developed parkland and over 90 miles of trails.
City of Santa Clarita Page 9
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
The regions described above cover a significant area in the Santa Clarita Valley. As a result,
a considerable acreage of land must be considered and analyzed prior to deciding upon a set
of properties to pursue. The Open Space Acquisition Plan, along with thisWork Program,
can be used as a tool to assist the City Council and planners in determining which property or
properties represent the best value for the City. The land acquisition projects to be
considered for funding from the Open Space Preservation District will be located within the
benefit area as identified in the Engineer’s Report.
F. ACQUISTION WORK PLAN
F. ACQUISTION WORK PLAN
Procedures to Accomplish and Implement Goals
The goals and objectives of the Open Space Acquisition Plan will be met by an objective
work plan. This work plan will enable the City of Santa Clarita to evaluate and rank
potential open space in the Valley and maximize the limited funding and resources available
for land acquisition and the Open Space Preservation District funds.
Potential Open Space
It is important to note that existing undeveloped land is not considered open space. For
purposes of this plan, property will only be considered preserved open space if it is:
In public ownership and/or;
Appropriately zoned, designated or identified as open space or parkland.
Properties being considered for acquisition will be considered potential open space until such
a time that they come into public ownership and/or receive the appropriate designation or
zoning.
Ranking Process
The City of Santa Clarita lacks the financial means to purchase all of the potential open space
in the Valley. As a result, the identification and acquisition of the most valuable pieces of
potential open space becomes critically important to maximize the allocation of the City’s
limited resources.
To achieve this end, an objective method of evaluation must be established to evaluate and
rank each potential open space property being considered for acquisition. Ideally, those
properties that present the greatest value to the City and/or Region should be acquired.
The following seven step process will allow the City of Santa Clarita to determine which
potential open space properties represent the greatest value for acquisition. This process will
be applied to each parcel being considered for acquisition.
Step One – Category of Land
City of Santa Clarita Page 10
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
Determine the category of the potential open space. There are two possible
categories:
1. Inside the City of Santa Clarita.
2. Outside the City of Santa Clarita and within the Open Space Preservation
District’s three mile Area of Benefit boundary.
Potential open space outside the City of Santa Clarita and within the three mile Area
of Benefit boundary should receive priority for acquisition because:
Preserving land outside the City will assist in the development of a greenbelt and
ecological value surrounding the Valley.
More development is occurring in Los Angeles County than in the City.
Land outside the City can create corridors between the City and the Angeles
National Forest.
There is more potential open space to acquire outside the City.
Step Two – Development Status
Determine the development status of the potential open space. The seven status
categories are:
A. Entitlements Pending: Development plans have been formally submitted to the
City or Los Angeles County and are in the process of being considered or
prepared for submittal.
B. Information Inquiries: The property owner has approached the City or Los
Angeles County regarding the property with the intent to develop.
C. Entitlements Approved: Plans to develop the property have been approved by the
City or Los Angeles County, and an opportunity exists to acquire open space from
the property owner.
D. Amendments: When changes or amendments to the property are proposed.
E.Boundaries: The property’s boundary status has changed because of factors such
as annexation. The property is now within the three mile Area of Benefit
boundary.
F. No Action: No action has been taken to develop the property on the part of the
property owner, orthe owner has indicated no interest in developing the property.
G. No Information: There is no information and/or the development status of the
property is unknown.
Status categories are shown in order of priority, with Status A being the highest.
Step Three – Availability Status
Determine if the owner of the potential open space property is a willing seller or
would enter into agreements to have the land acquired by the City.
City of Santa Clarita Page 11
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
Priority should be given to properties with a willing seller/donor unless the
acquisition of the property presents an overriding benefit to the public good, as
determined by the City Council.
Step Four – Create Subcategories
The potential open space property will now fit into one of several subcategories
depending on whether it is inside or outside of the City, inside the three mile Area of
Benefit boundaryand on its development status. Hence, each potential open space
property will fall within one of the following categories:
Inside the City Outside the City and
Within the Area of Benefit
Development Status A Development Status A
Development Status BDevelopment Status B
Development Status C Development Status C
Development Status D Development Status D
Development Status EDevelopment Status E
Development Status F Development Status F
Development Status G Development Status G
Each category will have several potential open space properties within it forming a
catalog of properties in each category. However, each potential open space property
will not receive a relative ranking until Step 5 below.
At this time, the properties in each list should be sorted by their availability status.
Those properties with willing sellers/donors should be placed at the top of the list and
those without at the bottom.
Step Five – Apply Criteria
This step will apply the Open Space Inventory Checklist (OSIC) to each property on
each list. (This step will also be the most time consuming.)
The OSIC identifies resources that the City of Santa Clarita believes to be valuable.
These resources are divided into five categories: Habitat Areas; Ridgelines and
Viewsheds; Recreational Resources; Cultural and Historical Resources; and Other
Resources. Each category contains several elements and sub-elements. Each element
and sub-element represents a specific benefit that is either present or not present at
each individual property. Each element and sub-element is weighed equally.
The purpose of the OSIC is to assign numerical scores to each parcel of potential
open space surveyed, based on their overall benefit to the City. Over time, as more
parcels are considered, it will be possible to determine which parcels are more
desirable and which are less desirable based on their relative scores.
City of Santa Clarita Page 12
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
To determine the numerical score for each property, the following steps should be
followed:
1. Beginning with the Habitat Area Category, place a check in the “status” column
of the OSIC for each element and/or sub-element that is present on the property.
2. Do not place a check in the “status” column in the OSIC of elements or sub-
elements that do not exist on the property.
3. Apply Steps 1 and 2 to each of the remaining categories.
4. Count the number of check marks in each category and write that number in the
corresponding “Category Subtotal” space.
5. Transfer the numbers from each “Category Subtotal” space to the front page of
the OSIC in the spaces provided.
6. Add each of the category subtotals together and place the results on the front page
of the OSIC in the space marked “Total Score.” This figure is the final numerical
score of the property and will be used to establish its rank with other potential
open space properties.
A copy of the Open Space Inventory Checklist and corresponding definitions is
attached as Appendix A.
Step Six – Catalog Generation
After each potential open space property has a numerical value assigned to it, each
property should be listed within each category in numerical order, with the highest
value at the top of each list. As indicated in Step 3, properties that do not have a
willing seller/donor should be listed at the bottom of each list. The only exception to
this is if any property that has been identified as one whose acquisition would present
significant benefit to the public good, as defined by the City Council. These
properties should be listed among the properties with willing sellers/donors.
In addition, a general assessment of maintenance costs and liability of each property
should be weighed at this time. All else being equal, the properties that present fewer
maintenance challenges and reduced liability should be considered before those with
more challenges and greater risks. The properties that present unreasonable
maintenance costs or significant risk may not be considered, regardless of their
numerical score.
Step Seven – Recommend Parcels for Acquisition
When each property has been ranked, a final catalog of the highest priority properties
can be compiled by staff. A variety of methods can be used to create the final list of
recommendations. This catalog will grow as more properties are considered.
Plan Flexibility
City of Santa Clarita Page 13
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
It is important to realize that this plan is only a guide. The ultimate decision on the
acquisition of property belongs to the City Council. The evolving catalog of
properties to acquire will not obligate the City but will serve as a tool in the decision
making process.
The plan must be flexible enough to allow for amendments. Because development
occurs rapidly and the status of land changes in a similar fashion, the plan, or parts of
the plan, should be updated as needed. An explanation of steps one through seven is
explained further in Section G: Open Space Evaluation Process, Step-by-Step.
Applications
This plan can be used for a variety of applications, however, there are three major areas of
implementation:
1. Dedication: Often the City is approached by developers and/or property owners who wish
to dedicate all or portions of their property to the City as open space. Although
additional natural land is needed in Santa Clarita and may present numerous
opportunities, in some cases, costs or liability associated with property ownership may
not warrant acquisition.
In cases where the City is approached by a property owner with the intention to dedicate
property, either the City can evaluate the property using the OSIC, or it may be the case
that the City has already evaluated the property independently. In either case, the
property will receive or already have a numerical score.
In both cases, the proposed parcel will receive a score and be ranked against other
potential open space in the Valley. Depending on its score and rank, the City will be able
to make an objective decision on whether to accept or deny the dedication.
2. Development Review Committee: Developers often propose to dedicate open space as
part of the development process. The OSIC can be used by staff during the development
review process to help determine whether the proposed open space meets the City’s
needs.
Depending on the rank given to the property using the OSIC, City staff will be able to
make an objective decision about how the dedication will fit into the overall development
process.
3. Grant Writing: There is a significant amount of grant funds available for acquisition of
open space. Being able to provide an objective statement of value for any given property
being sought for acquisition will help build valid justification for bringing the site into
public ownership and enhance the City’s ability to receive funding.
City of Santa Clarita Page 14
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
City staff applies for grants as they become available and as they meet the objectives of
the City. Staff resources will be utilized to apply for available grant funds for acquisition
of open space.
Over time, a substantial catalog of potential open space properties will be compiled.
G. OPEN SPACE EVALUATION PROCESS
G.OPENSPACEEVALUATIONPROCESS
Step-by-Step Instructions
The City’s Open Space Acquisition Plan outlines the evaluation process for open space in the
Valley. The work plan is a series of seven steps designed to categorize and objectively
determine the overall value of potential open space properties. This section includes detailed
instructions for each step in the process.
1. Land Category– Determine whether the property is inside or outside of theDistrict’s
three mile Area of Benefit boundary.
2. Development Status – Determine the development status of the property.
3. Availability Status – Determine if the property owner is a willing seller or donor.
4. Create Subcategories – Categorize the property according to Steps 1-3.
5. Apply Criteria – Apply criteria on the OSIC to the property.
6. Create Final Lists – Based on the property’s OSIC score, determine its relative rank
within the property’s sub-list from Step 4.
7. Catalog Generation– Based on the final lists in Step 6, make recommendations on
whether the property should or should not be considered for acquisition. Note that
recommendations should always be directed to the City Council for approval.
Step 1 – Land Category
Step 1 requires the evaluator to determine whether the property is inside or outside of the
three mile Area of Benefit boundary. This can be done by consulting the District map
(Appendix B).
After Step 1 is completed, the potential property will be categorized as either “Inside the
City” or “Outside the City and within the three mile Area of Benefit boundary.” Properties
categorized as “Outside the City and Within the threemile Area of Benefit boundary” have
been identified by the City Council as higher priority than those categorized as “Inside the
City and Within the three-mile Area of Benefit boundary.”
City of Santa Clarita Page 15
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
Step 2 – Development Status
Step 2 in the process is to obtain the development status of the property from the Planning
Division. Provide Planning with one of the following pieces of information (listed in priority
order):
1. Address
2. Location (i.e., cross streets, etc.)
3. Tentative Parcel Map or Tentative Tract Map
4. Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)
Based on the results of the Development Status search, the evaluator should assign the
development history to one of the following categories:
A. Entitlements Pending: Development plans have been formally submitted to the City
or Los Angeles County and are in the process of being considered or prepared for
submittal.
B.Information Inquiries: The property owner has approached the City or Los Angeles
County regarding the property with the intent to develop.
C.Entitlements Approved: Plans to develop the property have been approved by the City
or Los Angeles County and an opportunity exists to acquire open space from the
property owner.
D. Amendments: When changes or amendments to the property are proposed.
E. Boundaries: The property’s boundary status has changed because of annexation, etc.
The property is now within the three mile Area of Benefit boundary.
F. No Action: No action has been taken to develop the property on the part of the
property owner, orthe owner has indicated no interest in developing the property.
G. No Information: There is no information and/or the development status of the
property is unknown.
Development status categories are shown in priority order, with Status A being the highest
priority.
By the end of Step 2, the property should be categorized as either “Inside the City” or
“Outside the City and within the three mile Area of Benefit boundary” and assigned a
Development Status. (To this point, a property that is “Outside the City and within the three
mile Area of Benefit boundary” and has Development Status A would receive the highest
priority. This will be discussed in Step 4 – Creating Subcategories.)
Step 3 – Availability Status
In this step, determine if the property owner is known to be a willing seller/donor or a
non-willing seller/donor. If this is not known, it may be necessary to contact the property
owner. (Contact information should be provided by Planning in Step 2.)
City of Santa Clarita Page 16
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
Priority should be given to properties with a willing seller/donor unless the acquisition of the
property presents an overriding benefit to the public good, as determined by the City Council.
At the end of Step 3, the property should be categorized as “Inside the City” or “Outside the
City and within the three mile Area of Benefit boundary,” have a development status
assigned to it (A through G) and whether the property owner is a willing seller/donor.
Step 4–Create Subcategories
By this time, the potential open space property should have been categorized as indicated
above in Step 3. The first relative value judgment of that property can now be assessed and
compared with other open space properties that have been evaluated.
Properties that are “Outside the City and within the three mile Area of Benefit boundary” and
have a Development StatusA are identified as the highest priority for acquisition.
Conversely, properties that are “Inside the City” with a Development Status of D or E are
identified as the lowest priority for acquisition.
It should be noted that properties that are “Outside the City and within the three mile Area of
Benefit boundary” with a Development Status of D or E may or may not be a higher
acquisition priority than, for example, a property that is “Inside the City” and a Development
Status A. These instances should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
After Step 4, the property being evaluated should be placed in one of these categories:
Outside the City and Within
Inside the City
the Area of Benefit
Development Status ADevelopment Status A
Development Status BDevelopment Status B
Development Status CDevelopment Status C
Development Status DDevelopment Status D
Development Status E Development Status E
Development Status FDevelopment Status F
Development Status GDevelopment Status G
Step 5 – Apply Criteria
Step 5 of the evaluation is by far the most lengthy and involved segment of the process.
For each property, the evaluator should complete an (OSIC) form. In most cases, it will be
necessary to travel to the site itself to complete the form. Accessing each property will
generally require the permission of the property owner.
Steps to Complete the OSIC
City of Santa Clarita Page 17
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
1. Provide basic property information including:
The APN.
The date(s) the evaluation was conducted.
The initials of the evaluator.
The availability status (willing seller/donor).
A brief description of the location of the property.
2. Provide basic category and development status information. Circle whether the
property is inside or outside the City and inside or outside the three mile Area of
Benefit boundary and circle the letter that corresponds to the property’s appropriate
development status.
3. Evaluate each element and sub-element of each of the six inventory categories. These
six categories are:
Habitat Areas
Ridgelines and Viewsheds
Recreational Resources
Cultural/Historical Resources
Other Resources
Hazard/Other Areas
To evaluate the elements and sub-elements in each inventory category, place an “X”
or checkmark in the status column of each element or sub-element known to exist or
observed to exist on the property. Place no marks in the status column for elements
or sub-elements not known or observed to exist on the property.
For Example: If a hypothetical property being evaluated contains a wildlife migration
corridor, riparian habitat, a portion of the Santa Clara River and a known presence of
the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, then these elements and sub-elements should
each receive an “X” or checkmark in the corresponding status column. Other
elements and sub-elements that are not known to be or observed to be present on the
site should NOT receive a mark.
Special Instructions: Some elements and sub-elements have special scoring
instructions associated with them. In most cases, only one mark should be placed in
the corresponding status column of known or observed elements and sub-elements.
However, there are exceptions. The exceptions are:
Known threatened/endangered plant and animal species: The species listed on the
OSIC arethose that appeared on the 2008 list provided by the California
Department of Fish and Game. These elements and sub-elements should always
reflect the most current list of state and federally endangered and threatened
species. Place only one mark in the status column for each sub-element present
regardless of the population of the species. Do not, however, place one mark in
the status column for each individual species present on the property.
City of Santa Clarita Page 18
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
Ridgelines: Place a mark in the status column if there is at least one ridgeline
present on the property.
Cultural and/or Historical Resource Areas: Place one mark in each sub-element
for each site on the property. For example, a hypothetical property containing
two Native American sites and two other archaeological sites should receive a
total of four marks in the corresponding status column.
4. Score each inventory category. To complete this step, simply count all of the X’s or
checkmarks for elements and sub-elements within each inventory category. Record
the total number of marks for each category in the space provided in the category
column. In addition, record the same figures in the spaces provided in the score
summary box at the top left of the first page of the OSIC.
Note that marks in the Hazard/Other Area category are not included in the overall
total. Instead, these marks are meant to be general indicators of potentially negative
aspects of the property. The City may wish to reconsider acquisition of properties
that contain any of the sub-elements in this category, regardless of the extent or
frequency.
For Example: A hypothetical property has one primary ridgeline, the presence of
secondary ridgelines, a significant dark sky viewshed, a significant regional viewshed
and a unique on-site visual feature yielding a total of five marks in the Ridgeline and
Viewshed Category. The number 5 would be recorded in the category column and on
the front page in the space provided next to “Ridgelines and Viewsheds.” The same
process would be completed for each of the six inventory categories.
5. Add the inventory category scores to compute the property’s overall score. When
each category score has been recorded in the spaces provided on the front page of the
OSIC, the scores should be totaled (except those in the Hazards category). This is the
final score of the property being evaluated. By the end of Step 5, the property being
evaluated should have a total score associated with it. The higher the score, the
greater the relative value of the property to the City.
Step 6 – Catalog Generation
At this point, the property being evaluated should have the following assigned to it:
A land category either “Inside the City” or “Outside the City and within the three
mile Area of Benefit boundary”.
A development status of either A through G.
A total score based on criteria in the OSIC.
City of Santa Clarita Page 19
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
As the catalog of open space grows, properties should be sorted according to their land
category and development status. Properties of the same land category and development
status should then be sorted by the score received, based on the criteria in the OSIC. A
higher OSIC score represents a property of greater value. Hence, a property that is “Outside
the City and within the three-mile Area of Benefit boundary,” Development Status A and
with the highest OSIC score should theoretically represent the greatest overall value to the
City for acquisition.
Note: Those properties with non-willing sellers/donors should be grouped at the bottom of
subcategories, in OSIC score order.
Step 7 – Recommend Parcels for Acquisition
Based on the final set of lists, parcels that represent the greatest value for the City to acquire
should be recommended. All recommendations should be directed to the City Council for
final approval.
City of Santa Clarita Page 20
FY 2020-21 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
APPENDIX A
Open Space Inventory Criteria Form (OSIC)
Contents:
OpenSpace Inventory Site Checklist
Definitions
NO
STATUS
YES Entitlements PendingInformation InquiresEntitlements ApprovedNo ActionNo Information
AE
BCD
Development Status
___________
Appendix A - Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - 1 of 5
SUB ELEMENT
In-City
Category
Outside City & In B.A.A.*
Initials of Surveyor: _Within the 3 mile Acquisition Boundary? * (Benefit Assessment Area)NoneNoneElsmere/Whitney/Placerita Canyon Lyon CanyonSan Francisquito CanyonSanta Clara River
CorridorSanta Susana MountainsValley Oaks SavannaNone
NO
YES
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
ELEMENT
____________
Other Resources: _______Hazards: _______(Not included in total)
OPEN SPACE INVENTORY SITE CHECKLIST
Date of Entry: _Willing Seller?Wildlife migration corridorRiparian habitatContains part of a Significant EcologicalArea (SEA)(General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element)Contains
a block of known undisturbedcritical habitat
CATEGORY
APN#: ____________________Site ID Number: _____________TOTAL SCORE: __________Habitat: _______Ridgelines and Viewsheds: _______Recreational Resources: _______Cultural/Historical Resources:
_______Habitat AreasCategory Subtotal: __________
STATUS
Appendix A - Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - 2 of 5
SUB ELEMENT
Coast Live Oak WoodlandForestInterior Live Oak WoodlandMulefat ScrubRiversidean Sage ScrubSemi-Desert ChaparralSouthern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Valley Oak WoodlandEast CanyonElsmere
CanyonPlacerita CanyonRice CanyonSan Francisquito Canyon Towsley CanyonWhitney CanyonWiley Canyon"Other" canyonBouquet CreekNewhall CreekOther creek/tributaryPlacerita CreekSan Francisquito
CreekSand Canyon CreekSanta Clara RiverSouth Fork of the Santa Clara River
ELEMENT
Contains one of the seven identified major plant communities(General Plan Open Space andConservation Element)Contains land within an identified important canyon area(General Plan Open
Space andConservation Element)Contains rivers or creeks
CATEGORY
Habitat Areas (Continued)
STATUS
Appendix A - Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - 3 of 5
SUB ELEMENT
California CondorCalifornia Red-Legged FrogCoastal California GnatcatcherLeast Bells VireoQuino Checkerspot ButterflyRiverside Fairy ShrimpSanta Ana SuckerSouthern Mountain Yellow-Legged
FrogSouthern Rubber BoaSouthwestern Arroyo ToadSouthwestern Willow FlycatcherSwainson's HawkTownsend's Big-Eared BatUnarmored Three-Spined SticklebackWestern Yellow-Billed CuckooWillow
FlycatcherOtherCalifornia Orcutt GrassNevin's BarberrySan Fernando Valley SpineflowerSlender-Horned SpineflowerSpreading NavarretiaOther
ELEMENT
Contains known endangered or threatened animal species (pursuant to most recent list of state andfederal species. Those shown at leftare reflective of April, 2016 - CaliforniaFish and
Wildlife)Contains known endangered orthreatened plant species(pursuant to most recent list of state andfederal species. Those shown at leftare reflective of April, 2016 - CaliforniaFish
and Wildlife)
CATEGORY
Habitat Areas (Continued)
STATUS
Appendix A - Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - 4 of 5
SUB ELEMENT
Heritage OakNon-Heritage OakOak ForestOak SavannaOak WoodlandsPrimary ridgelinesSecondary ridgelines"Dark Sky" viewshedSignificant local viewshedSignificant regional viewshedUnique or
special visual features on-siteSite visible from public right of wayExisting pedestrian trailConnection to existing offsite trailsExisting equestrian trailExisting mixed-use trailOther
passive recreation resourcePotential equestrian trailPotential mixed-use trailPotential pedestrian trailNational Register of Historic PlacesState significant historic landmarkLocal
significant historic resourceNative American siteOther archaeological site/resource
ELEMENT
Contains oak treesContains identified ridgelinesContains visual resourcesContains passive recreation areasContains cultural and/or historical resource areas
CATEGORY
Habitat Areas (Continued)Ridgelines and ViewshedsCategory Subtotal: __________Recreational ResourcesCategory Subtotal: __________Cultural/Historical ResourcesCategory Subtotal: __________
STATUS
Appendix A - Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - 5 of 5
SUB ELEMENT
NoneAbuts existing open space Expands a regional open space corridorLocated in a parks/open space poor areaPotential buffer zoneProvides links to existing or future trail systemsExisting
equestrian accessExisting pedestrian accessExisting vehicular accessProvides access to other sitesNoneAreas of soil instability Fault zoneFire hazard areasFloodwayMineral resource areaSite
is Contaminated
ELEMENT
Contains a groundwater recharge areaIs in a significant locationAccess to siteConservation EasementUtility Easement or other EasementContains hazards rendering the siteundevelopable
(Not included in total)
CATEGORY
Other ResourcesCategory Subtotal: __________Hazard/Other Areas:Total Score: __________Notes:DGP:srl
S:\\FIN\\MA\\OSPD\\Work Program\\2017 Work Program\\OpenSpace Inventory Checklist Revised April 2016.xls
APPENDIX B
Open Space Preservation District Map
Contents:
Open Space Preservation District Map
R
NOY
N
O
S
E
B
DR
NOY
LL
EKSA
H
AN
D
M
COM
O
H
TI