HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-25 - AGENDA REPORTS - FY 24 25 ANNUAL LEVY OSPDO
Agenda Item: 3
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: Lj
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DATE: June 25, 2024
SUBJECT: FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 ANNUAL LEVY FOR OPEN SPACE
PRESERVATION DISTRICT
DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services
PRESENTER: Andrew Adams
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council conduct a public hearing and adopt a resolution approving the Engineer's Report
for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 annual levy of assessments for the Open Space Preservation District.
BACKGROUND
Property owners in 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, within the boundaries of the OSPD.
The City partners with a number of public entities to meet the goals of the OSPD, including
Santa Monica Mountains 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 grant funds, land bank mitigation funds, or other special funds.
During the creation of and in approving the OSPD, property owners authorized a $1.00 increase
in the maximum assessment rate each subsequent fiscal year to maximize the ability to purchase
and preserve undeveloped land in and within proximity to the City to create a surrounding green
belt.
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24, the City Council authorized levy of the maximum OSPD
assessment rate of $41.00 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU). It is important to note that the
actual assessment rate in any fiscal year must be approved by the City Council prior to the levy
and may not exceed the authorized maximum assessment rate without receiving property owner
approval for the increase.
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For FY 2024-25, staff is recommending the City Council approve a $1.00 adjustment from the
current levied assessment rate of $41.00 per EDU to the proposed levied assessment rate of
$42.00 per EDU, effective July 1, 2024. If approved, this adjustment conforms to the
requirements of Proposition 218, as it is equal to the maximum assessment rate for FY 2024-25
allowable by state law.
The ability to annually adjust the maximum assessment rate by $1.00 supports the bond
financing utilized by the City to purchase undeveloped land for the specific purpose of
expanding the greenbelt surrounding Santa Clarita.
The annual debt servicing for OSPD bonds was structured in a manner that incorporates
ascending debt service payments. By issuing ascending debt, the City was able to borrow against
future assessment rate increases in order to maximize the size of the borrowing. In FY 2023-24,
the OSPD debt service totaled $825,006, while the proposed debt service for FY 2024-25 totals
$844,806.
Annual debt service costs continue to increase every year through the 30-year repayment period
and will total $1,127,850 in the final year of 2037. To offset rising debt service costs, it is
necessary to adjust the annual OSPD rate by the voter -approved amount each year in order to
retire bond indebtedness.
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 2024-25 for the purpose of acquiring open space properties. The
attached Engineer's Report in the Reading File describes the OSPD, including the improvements,
budgets, parcels, and proposed assessments for FY 2024-25.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other direction as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Upon adoption of the Open Space Preservation District annual levy for Fiscal Year 2024-25,
$42.00 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit will be placed on the Los Angeles County tax roll. For
Fiscal Year 2024-25, annual OSPD special assessment revenues are estimated to be
approximately $4 million. The funds will be deposited into the OSPD Special Assessment
Revenue Account 358-402301 and will be utilized for open space, park, and parkland program
purposes.
ATTACHMENTS
Public Hearing Notice
Resolution
FY 2024-25 OSPD Engineer's Report (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)
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3.a
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 251h
day of June 2024, at or after 6:00 p.m., to consider the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Levy of
Assessments for the City's Open 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) 286-4188, Andrew Adams, 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, 2024
Mary Cusick, MMC
City Clerk
Publish Dates: June 14, 2024; June 18, 2024 Q
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3.b
RESOLUTION NO. 24-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE FINAL ENGINEER'S 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 2024-25
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, 2024, and ending June 30,
2025; 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
Final Engineer's Report, City of Santa Clarita Open Space Preservation District, Fiscal Year
2024-25 (Report); and
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, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025, v
to pay the costs and expenses of property acquisitions, operating, maintaining, and servicing the co
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.
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.
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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) 2024-25.
An annual assessment for FY 2024-25 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. 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 4. Following notice duly given, the City Council has held a full and fair public N
hearing regarding its resolution approving and or amending the Report prepared in connection
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therewith; the levy and collection of assessments, and considered all oral and written statements,
protests, and communications made or filed by interested persons.
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SECTION 5. The City Council hereby finds that each and every part of the Engineer's
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Report is sufficient, and the City Council hereby approves, passes on, and adopts the Engineer's
Report as submitted to the City Council and filed with the City Clerk
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SECTION 6. 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 7. The City Council hereby directs staff levy and file said assessments of
$42.00 per benefit unit with the County Auditor for collection with the regular property taxes for
FY 2024-25.
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SECTION 8. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and the
minutes of this meeting shall so reflect the presentation of the Report.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 251h day of June 2024.
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 No. 24- was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa
Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 25th day of June, 2024, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
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CITY CLERK
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City of Santa Clarita
Engineer's Report
Open Space Preservation District
FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025
Intent Meeting: June 11, 2024
Public Hearing: June 25, 2024
Prepared on: May 30, 2024
WWILLDAN
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 2024/2025, 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 , 2024.
IN
Willdan Financial Services
Assessment Engineer
By:
Stacee Reynolds Tyrone Peter
Sr. Project Manager, District Administration Services PE # C81888
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 , 2024.
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 , 2024.
By:
Mary Cusick, City Clerk
City of Santa Clarita
Los Angeles County, California
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW..........................................................................................................................................................1
A.
BACKGROUND..............................................................................................................................................1
B.
EFFECTS OF PROPOSITION 218..................................................................................................................2
IL
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 OFAPPORTIONMENT........................................................................................................................5
A.
GENERAL.......................................................................................................................................................5
B.
REASON FOR THE ASSESSMENT...............................................................................................................5
C.
SPECIAL BENEFIT ANALYSIS......................................................................................................................5
D.
SPECIAL BENEFIT DETERMINATION..........................................................................................................6
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)
2) Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
M/WILLDAN
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.
On November 12, 2019, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 19-57, which initiated annexation
proceedings for the Tesoro del Valle annexation with the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
Annexation Application No. 2020-01 was submitted to LAFCO on January 28, 2020. The Tesoro del Valle
annexation was completed on November 14, 2022.
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
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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;
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
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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.
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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.
The City's budget for the Open Space, Park, and Parkland Program, shown below, details the estimated costs for
Fiscal Year 2024/2025 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 $9,884,556
Expansion of the Program through the Preservation District 3,425,098
Less General Benefit Contribution 69.60% 9,263,520
Assessment shall not exceed Special Benefit e i -i$4,046,134
Budget for Expansion of the Program through the Open Space Preservation District
Resources:
Beginning Land Acquisition Reserve (Beginning Fund Balance FY 24/25) $8,200,130
Other Revenue interest, etc. 372,685
Total Resources: $8,572,815
Uses:
Administration $1,200,306
Bond Debt Service 844,806
Capital Projects 0
Operating Reserve Per Section 22569(a) 1,022,556
Ending Land Acquisition Reserve (Ending Fund Balance FY 24/25) 8,930,246
Total Uses: $11,997,913
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
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Page 4
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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.
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'."
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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
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Page 6
M/WILLDAN
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:
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:
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Page 7
M/WILLDAN
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 MID 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.
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
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Page 8
try WILLDAN
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
EDU
Equivalent Dwelling Unit
Land Use
Assessed Unit
X
Factor
Rate (EDU)
Residential
Single family home
1 dwelling
x
1
= 1.00 EDU/dwelling
Single family vacant
1 parcel
x
0.25
= 0.25 EDU/parcel
Multi -Family (incl. Condo/Apt)
1 dwelling
x
0.75
= 0.75 EDU/dwelling
Mobile Home Parks
1 space
x
0.5
= 0.50 EDU/space
Developed Non -Residential
Commercial, Industrial,
1 acre
x
6
= 6.00 EDU/acre
Government, Church
1.00 EDU/parcel min
Vacant
1 acre
x
1.5
= 1.50 EDU/acre
0.25 EDU/parcel min
5 acre
x
1.5
= 7.50 EDU/parcel max
Residential
Single Family Residences (SFR). A single family home equals 1 EDU.
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Page 9
M/WILLDAN
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
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Page 10
M/WILLDAN
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
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Page 11
try WILLDAN
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
1
Residential
Single family home
1 dwelling
x
1.0
x
1.0
= 1.00
BU / dwelling
Single family vacant
1 parcel
x
0.25
x
1.0
= 0.25
BU / parcel
Multi -Family (incl. Condo)
1 dwelling
x
0.75
x
1.0
= 0.75
BU / dwelling
Mobile Home Parks
1 space
x
0.5
x
1.0
= 0.50
BU / space
Developed Non -Residential
Commercial, Industrial,
1 acre
x
6
x
0.5
= 3.00
BU / acre
Gov, Church
1 EDU
min
x
0.5
= 0.50
BU/ parcel min
Vacant
1 acre
x
1.5
x
0.5
= 0.75
BU / acre
0.25 EDU min
x
0.5
= 0.125
BU/ parcel min
5 acre
x
1.5
x
0.5
= 3.75
BU/ 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
Land Use
Parcels
dwellings
No. of Acres
No. Of
Residential
Single family home
43,271
43,271
43,271.00
Single family vacant
1,285
1,285
321.25
Multi -family residential
434
12,467
9,350.25
Condominiums
20,095
20,095
15,071.25
Mobile Home Parks
28
2,477
1,238.50
Developed Non -Residential
Commercial / Industrial
2,053
3,510.04
10,613.91
(incl. Government & Church)
Vacant
Vacant 5 acres or less
607
877.81
667.54
Vacant more than 5 acres
271
i-
6,882.85
i
1,016.25
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Page 12
YN WILLDAN
ASSESSMENT RATE CALCULATION
Table 5 provides the assessment rate calculation for FY 2024/2025.
Table V: Assessment Rate Calculation
* 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
Residential
Single family home
1 dwelling
x
1
x
1 =
1
$42.00
Single family vacant (subdivided)
1 parcel
x
0.25
x
1 =
0.25
$10.50
Condominium
1 dwelling
x
0.75
x
1 =
0.75
$31.50
Duplex
2 dwellings
x
0.75
x
1 =
1.5
$63.00
4-plex
4 dwellings
x
0.75
x
1 =
3
$126.00
10-unit Apartment
10 dwellings
x
0.75
x
1 =
7.5
$315.00
Mobile Home Parks
10 spaces
x
0.5
x
1 =
5
$210.00
Developed Non -Residential
Commercial, Industrial, Gov, Church
0.25 acres
x
6
x
0.5 =
0.75
$31.50
Commercial, Industrial, Gov, Church
0.5 acres
x
6
x
0.5 =
1.5
$63.00
Commercial, Industrial, Gov, Church
1 acre
x
6
x
0.5 =
3
$126.00
Vacant
Vacant
0.5 acres
x
1.5
x
0.5 =
0.38
$15.96
Vacant
1 acres
x
1.5
x
0.5 =
0.75
$31.50
Vacant
5 acres
x
1.5
x
0.5 =
3.75
$157.50
Vacant*
10 acres
=
3.75
$157.50
* 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.
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Page 13
lry WILLDAN
ASSESSMENT ROLI
The Assessment Roll is a listing of the proposed assessment for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 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.
V1. 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.
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Page 14
Legend
13-wie BurrerAmuna C* LIMAS
:t Santa Clafa Rim
40 Parks & Open Spaces JOSPDj
Other Parks & Open Spaces
Angeles National Forest
— > C[y of Santa Clanta Baneary
■ � 2 NRn
)A/WI LLDAN
r `• Open Space Preservation District
Acquisition Diagram
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YN WILLDAN
Appendix 1
Certificates of Participation
Open Space and Parkland Acquisition Program 2007 Series
Debt Service Schedule
Fiscal Year City of Santa Clarita Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Open Space Preservation District APPENDIX 1
* WILLDAN
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19,638,945.62
Fiscal Year City of Santa Clarita Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Open Space Preservation District APPENDIX 1
YN WILLDAN
Appendix 2
Open Space Acquisition
Implementation Work Program
Fiscal Year City of Santa Clarita Engineer's Report
2024/2025 Open Space Preservation District APPENDIX 2
APPENDIX A
Open Space Inventory Criteria Form (OSIC)
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5 DECEM
Contents:
■ Open Space Inventory Site Checklist
■ Definitions
APN#:
Site ID Number:
TOTAL SCORE:
Habitat:
Ridgelines and Viewsheds: _
Recreational Resources:
Cultural/Historical Resources:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
OPEN SPACE INVENTORY SITE CHECKLIST
Date of Entry: Initials of Surveyor:
Willing Seller? YES ❑ NO ❑ Within the 3 mile Acquisition Boundary?
Outside City & In B.A.A.* A Entitlements Pending
Other Resources:
In -City B Information Inquires
Hazards:
(Not included in total) C Entitlements Approved
D No Action
E No Information
* (Benefit Assessment Area)
CATEGORY
ELEMENT
SUB ELEMENT
STATUS
Habitat Areas
Category Subtotal:
Wildlife migration corridor
None
Riparian habitat
None
Contains part of a Significant Ecological
Area (SEA)
(General Plan Open Space and
Conservation Element)
Elsmere/Whitney/Placerita Canyon
Lyon Canyon
San Francisquito Canyon
Santa Clara River Corridor
Santa Susana Mountains
Valley Oaks Savanna
Contains a block of known undisturbed
critical habitat
None
Appendix A - Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - 1 of 5
CATEGORY
ELEMENT
SUB ELEMENT
STATUS
Habitat Areas (Continued)
Contains one of the seven
identified major plant communities
(General Plan Open Space and
Conservation Element)
Coast Live Oak Woodland
Forest
Interior Live Oak Woodland
Mulefat Scrub
Riversidean Sage Scrub
Semi -Desert Chaparral
Southern Cottonwood -Willow Riparian
Valley Oak Woodland
Contains land within an identified important
canyon area
(General Plan Open Space and
Conservation Element)
East Canyon
Elsmere Canyon
Placerita Canyon
Rice Canyon
San Francisquito Canyon
Towsley Canyon
Whitney Canyon
Wiley Canyon
"Other" canyon
Contains rivers or creeks
Bouquet Creek
Newhall Creek
Other creek/tributary
Placerita Creek
San Francisquito Creek
Sand Canyon Creek
Santa Clara River
South Fork of the Santa Clara River
Appendix A - Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - 2 of 5
CATEGORY
ELEMENT
SUB ELEMENT
STATUS
Habitat Areas (Continued)
Contains known endangered or
threatened animal species
(pursuant to most recent list of state and
federal species. Those shown at left
are reflective of April, 2016 - California
Fish and Wildlife)
California Condor
California Red -Legged Frog
Coastal California Gnatcatcher
Least Bells Vireo
Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
Riverside Fairy Shrimp
Santa Ana Sucker
Southern Mountain Yellow -Legged Frog
Southern Rubber Boa
Southwestern Arroyo Toad
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
Swainson's Hawk
Townsend's Big -Eared Bat
Unarmored Three-Spined Stickleback
Western Yellow -Billed Cuckoo
Willow Flycatcher
Other
Contains known endangered or
threatened plant species
(pursuant to most recent list of state and
federal species. Those shown at left
are reflective of April, 2016 - California
Fish and Wildlife)
California Orcutt Grass
Nevin's Barberry
San Fernando Valley Spineflower
Slender -Horned Spineflower
Spreading Navarretia
Other
Appendix A - Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - 3 of 5
CATEGORY
ELEMENT
SUB ELEMENT
STATUS
Habitat Areas (Continued)
Contains oak trees
Heritage Oak
Non -Heritage Oak
Oak Forest
Oak Savanna
Oak Woodlands
Ridgelines and Viewsheds
Category Subtotal:
Contains identified ridgelines
Primary ridgelines
Secondary ridgelines
Contains visual resources
"Dark Sky" viewshed
Significant local viewshed
Significant regional viewshed
Unique or special visual features on -site
Site visible from public right of way
Recreational Resources
Category Subtotal:
Contains passive recreation areas
Existing pedestrian trail
Connection to existing offsite trails
Existing equestrian trail
Existing mixed -use trail
Other passive recreation resource
Potential equestrian trail
Potential mixed -use trail
Potential pedestrian trail
Cultural/Historical Resources
Category Subtotal:
Contains cultural and/or historical
resource areas
National Register of Historic Places
State significant historic landmark
Local significant historic resource
Native American site
Other archaeological site/resource
Appendix A - Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - 4 of 5
CATEGORY
ELEMENT
SUB ELEMENT
STATUS
Other Resources
Category Subtotal:
Contains a groundwater recharge area
None
Is in a significant location
Abuts existing open space
Expands a regional open space corridor
Located in a parks/open space poor area
Potential buffer zone
Provides links to existing or future trail
systems
Access to site
Existing equestrian access
Existing pedestrian access
Existing vehicular access
Provides access to other sites
Conservation Easement
Utility Easement or other Easement
None
Hazard/Other Areas:
Total Score:
(Not included in total)
Contains hazards rendering the site
undevelopable
Areas of soil instability
Fault zone
Fire hazard areas
Floodway
Mineral resource area
Site is Contaminated
DGP:srl
PD\Work Programt2017 Work Program\OpenSpace Inventory Checklist Revised April 2016.xis
Appendix A - Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - 5 of 5
Open Space Inventory Items — Definitions
TERM
DEFINITION
• Wildlife Corridor
Wildlife corridors are generally described as pathways or habitat linkages that connect discrete
areas of natural open space otherwise separated or fragmented by topography, changes in
vegetation, and other natural factors in combination with urbanization. Corridors: 1) allow
animals to move between remaining habitats, which allow depleted populations to be
replenished and promotes genetic exchange; 2) provide escape routes from fire, predators, and
human disturbances, thus reducing the risk that catastrophic events, such as fire or disease,
will result in population or species extinction; 3) serve as travel paths for individual animals as
they wander throughout their home ranges in search of food, water, mates, and other needs, or
for dispersing juveniles in search of new home ranges.
• Riparian Habitat
Specifically referring to habitat located on the banks of or within a natural watercourse,
including rivers, lakes, and tidewaters. These corridors are generally defined by a blue -line
stream designation on United States Geologic Survey maps. In Santa Clarita, the riparian
habitat of the Santa Clara River is home to several Federal and State Endangered Species,
including, but not limited to: the Unarmored Three -spine Stickleback, the Southwestern Arroyo
Toad, and the Least Bells Vireo. In addition to being important breeding grounds for a variety
of species, riparian habitat also protect water quality by reducing runoff and allowing for
groundwater recharge.
• Significant Ecological
Areas that contain significant or special biological resource value. Los Angeles County has
designated five SEAS in and around the City of Santa Clarita. They are 1) The Santa Clara
Areas
River Corridor, 2) The Santa Susana Mountains, 3) San Francisquito Canyon, 4) Lyon Canyon,
and 5) Valley Oaks Savanna. In addition, the City has recommended that sections of Elsmere
Canyon, Whitney Canyon, Placerita Canyon, Los Pinetos Canyon, and Los Pinetos Spring be
included as SEAS by Los Angeles County. Generally, the SEA designation provides protection
and special development standards designed to protect the significant or special biological
resources contained within them.
Open Space Inventory Definitions - Page 1 of 8
• Critical Habitat The specific areas within a geographical area, occupied by an endangered/threatened species,
on which are found those physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the
species and which may require special management, consideration, or protection.
• Major Plant The Open Space and Conservation Element of the General Plan identifies seven major plant
Communities communities in the Santa Clarita Valley. They are: 1) Interior Live Oak Woodland, 2) Valley
Oak Woodland, 3) Coast Live Oak Woodland, 4) Riversidean Sage Scrub, 5) Semi -Desert
Chaparral, 6) Southern Cottonwood -Willow Riparian Forest, and 7) Mulefat Scrub.
• Important Canyon The Open Space and Conservation Element of the General Plan identifies the following canyons
Areas as important for their habitat and biological resources: Whitney Canyon, Elsmere Canyon,
Wiley Canyon, East Canyon, Towsley Canyon, Rice Canyon, San Francisquito Canyon,
Placerita Canyon, and "other" canyons that provide important habitat (water, food, and shelter)
and biological resources, in addition to adding to the viewshed of the Santa Clarita Valley.
• Rivers and Creeks Rivers and creeks in Santa Clarita (most notably the Santa Clara River) support a variety of
natural habitats, including freshwater marsh, coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands, and riparian
woodlands. Many of the rivers and creeks in Santa Clarita remain dry for most of the year,
although a subsurface flow runs year round. In scattered areas, however, the water table under
the streambed is high, and lush riparian vegetation provides refuge for birds and wildlife.
The assemblage of vegetation is unlike that found in steeper mountain canyons and is rare in
the Los Angeles Basin. The Santa Clara River is the only major drainage from the San Gabriel
Mountains and remains unchannelized for most of its length.
Wetlands found along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries are considered a sensitive
resource by the California Department of Fish and Game and are subject to the Clean Water
Act, under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Open Space Inventory Definitions - Page 2 of 8
• Known Endangered and
The following species can be found in the Santa Clarita Valley, according to the State of
California Department of Fish and Wildlife list of State and Federally Endangered and
Threatened Animal
Species
Threatened Animal Species, April 2016: California Condor (FE, SE), California Red -Legged
Frog (FT), Coastal Gnatcatcher (FT), Least Bells Vireo (FE, SE), Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
(FE), Riverside Fairy Shrimp (FT), Santa Ana Sucker (FT), Southern Mountain Yellow -Legged
Frog (FE, SE), Southern Rubber Boa (ST), Southwestern Arroyo Toad (FE), Southwestern
Willow Flycatcher (FE, SE), Swainson's Hawk (ST), Townsend's Big -Eared Bat (SCT),
Unarmored Three-Spined Stickleback (FE, SE), Western Yellow -Billed Cuckoo (FT, SE), and
the Willow Flycatcher (SE).1
• Known Endangered and
The following species can be found in the Santa Clarita Valley, according to the State of
Threatened Plant
Species
California Department of Fish and Wildlife list of State and Federally Endangered and
Threatened Animal Species, April 2016: California Orcutt Grass (FE, SE), Nevin's Barberry
(FE, SE), San Fernando Valley Spineflower (SE), Slender -Horned Spineflower (FE, SE), and the
• Oak Trees
Spreading Navarretia (FT).
Heritage Oak Tree: Any oak tree of the genus Quercus including, but not limited to, Valley
Oak, California Live Oak, Interior Live Oak, Canyon Oak, and Scrub Oak, measuring one -
hundred -eight (108) inches or more in circumference or, in the case of multiple trunk oak trees,
two (2) or more trunks measuring seventy-two (72) inches each or greater in circumference
measured four -and -one-half (4 1/2) feet above the natural grade surrounding such a tree. In
addition, a Heritage Oak is defined as any oak tree specifically classified as such by the
Planning Commission and/or City Council when the tree possess exceptional historic, aesthetic,
and/or environmental qualities of major significance or prominence to the community.
Non -Heritage Oak Tree: Any oak tree not fitting the description of a Heritage Oak tree
(above) of the genus Quercus including, but not limited to, Valley Oak, California Live Oak,
Interior Live Oak, Canyon Oak, and Scrub Oak.
1 Where FE = Federally Endangered, FT = Federally Threatened, SE = State Endangered, ST = State Threatened, and SCT = State
Candidate Threatened
Open Space Inventory Definitions - Page 3 of 8
Structural Types: Oak trees are generally grouped into one of three structural types: Oak
Savannas, Oak Woodlands, and Oak Forests.
Oak Savanna: Of the three structural types, an Oak Savanna is the most spacious with oak
trees scattered far apart from each other over the landscape. Generally, Oak Savannas are
found in the driest and warmest environments at the lowest elevations of the three oak
structural types.
Oak Woodland: Of the three structural types, Oak Woodlands have a greater tree density
than Oak Savannas but are less dense than an Oak Forest. Individual oak canopies may touch,
but rarely overlap those of other oak trees. Oak Woodlands are generally found in higher
elevations and in cooler, moister, environments than Oak Savannas, but less than in Oak
Forests.
Oak Forest: Oak Forests are characterized by deep, overlapping canopies that produce
constant shade. Forests are generally associated with upland slopes, or with streams and
• Ridgelines rivers at any elevation where the environment is very moist and relatively cool.
Ridgelines: Ridgelines that surround or visually dominate the valley landscape, either
through their size in relation to the hillside or mountain terrain, of which they are a part; their
visual dominance, as characterized by a silhouetting appearance against the sky; as a
significant natural backdrop feature or separation of communities; through visual dominance,
due to proximity and view from existing development or major corridors; or as an area of
significant ecological, historical, or cultural importance, such as those which connect park or
trail systems.
Ridgelines are those which are characterized by any condition of significant ridgeline criteria.
Open Space Inventory Definitions - Page 4 of 8
Natural and cultural features of the environment that can be viewed by either stationary or
• Viewsheds transitory populations. Prominent visual features can be further identified as features that are
unique to the Santa Clarita Valley and/or those that stand out in relation to their surroundings.
• Trails
Significant Regional Viewshed: A viewshed where a significant number of prominent visual
features unique to the Santa Clarita Valley can be identified.
Significant Local Viewshed: A viewshed where a significant number of prominent visual
features unique to the Santa Clarita Valley or the City of Santa Clarita can be identified, but
that are secondary in quantity or nature to a Significant Regional Viewshed.
"Dark Sky" Viewshed: A location away from artificial or urban light sources, which
preserves the nighttime view of stars, planets, constellations, and other heavenly bodies.
Unique or Special Visual Resources: Unique or special scenic elements on -site, such as
waterfalls, wildflower displays, geologic formations, scenic vistas, etc.
Existing Trails: A trail of any class which has been established and is currently being
maintained.
Potential Trails: A location where developing trailheads or trails on the site is feasible.
Other Passive Recreation Resources: The potential for the development of other types of
passive recreation on -site.
Open Space Inventory Definitions - Page 5 of 8
• Cultural/Historical A variety of classifications of Cultural/Historical sites exist:
Resources
National Register of Historic Places: The National Register of Historic Places is the
Nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Authorized under the
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program
to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our
historic and archeological resources. At the time this document was published, the Santa
Clarita Valley contained no known sites of this kind.
State Significant Historic Landmarks: Properties of historical importance in California are
designated as significant resources in three state registration programs: State Historical
Landmarks, Points of Historical Interest, and the California Register of Historic Places.
Historical landmarks are sites, buildings, features, or events that are of statewide significance
and have anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural, economic, scientific,
technical, religious, experimental, or other value. At the time this document was published,
Santa Clarita contained nine State Historical Landmarks and over twenty State and City
Points of Historic Interest. State Historical Landmarks are: #1006 - Beale's Cut, #168 - The
Oak of the Golden Dream, #172 - Pioneer Oil Refinery, #516 — Well CSO4 (Pico 4), #516-2 -
Mentryville, #556 — Rancho San Francisco, #590 — Lang Station, #688 — Lyons Station
Stagecoach Stop, and #919 — The St. Francis Dam Disaster Site.
Native American Sites: Archaeological evidence suggests no fewer than twenty-two semi-
permanent villages throughout the Valley settled by the Tataviam Indians, circa 550 A.D.,
during their migration westward from the interior. It is estimated that approximately 500
Tataviams lived in these villages at that time.
Other Archaeological Site/Historical Resource: Other archaeological or historical
resources not mentioned above.
Open Space Inventory Definitions - Page 6 of 8
Areas that provide for the replenishment of underground water resources, specifically the
• Groundwater Recharge Saugus and alluvial aquifers. Primary groundwater recharge areas within the Santa Clarita
Area Valley include, but are not limited to, the Santa Clara River and its tributaries and local
canyons. Generally, natural or soft -bottom drainage channels and wide, natural floodways and
floodplains also serve as groundwater recharge areas.
• Conservation Easement In granting a conservation easement, a landowner transfers certain property rights to a
nonprofit conservation organization or government agency. The landowner agrees to restrict
uses of the property, and the agency or nonprofit gains the right to ensure that the restrictions
are upheld. Serves as a tool for preventing intensification of land use on property having
important natural, agricultural, scenic, or historical value. The landowner retains title to the
property but agrees to forgo certain uses, including, but not limited to, residential and/or
commercial development. Explicit and legally binding, but negotiable, so that the needs of all
parties involved can be accommodated. Uses are restricted only to the degree necessary to
protect the land's significant values. Conservation easements are written into the deed for the
property and run with the land. All subsequent property owners are bound by the terms of the
easement. (Source: California Wetlands Information System.)
• Significant Location I The site is significantly located in relation to other sites and/or resources:
Potential Buffer Zone: The location provides a buffer zone between more intensive and less
intensive uses.
Abuts Existing Open Space: The location abuts existing open space areas.
Located in a Parks/Open Space Poor Area: The location is in a part of the Santa Clarita
Valley that is poor in open space and/or park space. These areas tend to be those that have the
greatest urban density, such as, Newhall and Canyon Country.
Open Space Inventory Definitions - Page 7 of 8
Expands a Regional Open Space Corridor: The property is adjacent to and/or expands a
regional open space corridor.
Provides Links to Existing or Future Trail System: The location provides linkages to
other trail systems.
• Access A means to approach or enter a site. In order to be valuable, a site should have some form of
existing or attainable access.
• Mineral Resource Area Gold mining and oil production mineral extraction areas, within and around the Santa Clarita
Valley. Other mineral resource areas may include construction aggregate, titanium, and tuff
materials. Specifically, mineral resource areas identified for managed production and
protection include the Placer Gold Gulches, Lode Mines, Oil Fields, Construction Aggregate
Resource Areas, and Santa Clara River Bed, as identified in Exhibit OS-5 of the City of Santa
Clarita General Plan's Open Space and Conservation Element.
• Floodwav, Seismic Fault Natural hazard areas throughout the Santa Clarita Valley include, but are not limited to,
Zone, Fire Hazard Area, floodways, seismic fault zones, wildland fire hazard areas, and areas of geologic instability, due
Area of Soil Instability to the presence of unstable soil conditions. Areas of soil instability that may be targeted for
preservation should include unmitigable landslide and liquifaction hazard areas. Hazardous
areas as specified above are identified in the City of Santa Clarita General Plan's Open Space
and Conservation Element, City of Santa Clarita General Plan's Safety Element, and maps
produced by the California State Department of Mines and Geology.
• Utility Easement Infrastructure improvements used to service the public, located either above ground or below,
that include, but are not limited to, the following: solid waste collection, conversion, reduction
and disposal lines; communication service lines (e.g., cable television/telephone lines), water
supply and treatment lines, sewerage collection and treatment lines, storm drains, engineered
flood control channels, natural gas pipelines, and electrical transmission lines.
Open Space Inventory Definitions - Page 8 of 8