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Home My WebLink About2026-06-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - WP CANYON COUNTRY ASSOCIATES PROP PRESAgenda Item• 16 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA .` AGENDA REPORT CONSENT CALENDAR CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: DATE: June 23, 2026 SUBJECT: PRESERVATION OF 82 +/- ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, WP CANYON COUNTRY ASSOCIATES PROPERTY, ASSESSOR PARCEL NOS. 2854-004-017 AND 2854- 004-018. DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services PRESENTER: Susan Nelson RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council: 1. Approve the purchase of 82+/- acres of real property northeast of the City of Santa Clarita, Assessor Parcel Numbers 2854-004-017 and 2854-004-018, at a total cost of $251,322, which includes the purchase price, escrow, title, and due diligence costs. 2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $251,322 from Open Space Preservation District Fund (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Accounts 3587501-520104 ($246,000) and 3587501-516102 ($5,322). 3. Appropriate ongoing funds in the amount of $16,480 from the Open Space Preservation District Fund (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Accounts 3587501-518503 ($11,480) and 3587501-511105 ($5,000) for annual property taxes and ongoing maintenance. 4. Find this acquisition exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Article 19, Section 15313 (Class 13); Section 15317 (Class 17); and Section 15325 (Class 25). 5. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney review. Page 1 Packet Pg. 97 BACKGROUND The subject properties are located in the Canyon Country area, northeast of the City of Santa Clarita (City) boundary, and are within the Open Space Preservation District boundary. The properties are at the northern terminus of Wisteria Valley Road. The acquisition of these parcels will preserve ridge lines and native habitats, including Oak trees and California Poppies. In February 2026, the property owner, WP Canyon Country Associates, contacted the City regarding interest in selling the vacant property at a discounted rate as a partial donation. City staff evaluated the property and determined that acquiring the parcel would positively increase the City's open space preservation efforts on the northeast side of the valley and contribute towards fortifying the green belt directly adjacent to the City's boundary. The acquisition is contingent upon a clear title report and a satisfactory environmental report, which are currently in process. The seller of the property values the City's dedication to preserving open space lands and generously offered these parcels as a partial donation. Over the past few years, the City has paid an average of $7,505 per acre when acquiring open space land. The seller, WP Canyon Country Associates, has agreed to a sale price of $246,000, which equates to $3,000 an acre, contingent upon City Council approval. Additionally, escrow, title, and due diligence fees are estimated at $5,322, bringing the total cost and appropriation to $251,322. An on -going appropriation of $16,480 will be required for annual property taxes and maintenance. The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Article 19, Section 15313 (Class 13); Section 15317 (Class 17); and Section 15325 (Class 25). A Class 13 exemption consists of the acquisition of lands for fish and wildlife conservation purposes. A Class 17 exemption consists of the acceptance of easements or fee interests in order to maintain the open space character of the area. A Class 25 exemption consists of transferring ownership of interests in land to preserve open space, habitat, or historical resources. ALTERNATIVE ACTION Other actions determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT The total cost associated with the property acquisition is estimated at $251,322, with an ongoing cost of $16,480. Upon City Council approval of the recommended actions, funds to complete the acquisition, property taxes and ongoing maintenance will be available in Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Accounts 3587501-520104, 3587501-516101, 3587501- 518503 and 3587501-511105. ATTACHMENTS Site Map Page 2 Packet Pg. 98 N�� 16.a City of�� SANTA GLARITA WP CC Property. Feet " Parcels of Interest o 750 11500_77 z z Legend -;-� Lu Street centerlines developed & maintained W P CC Property by City of Santa Clarita GIS - . Q _ City -Owned Parcels The City Santa Clarita does not warrant , , the accuracy of the data and assumes no AftldMIL— � , z Q Parcel Boundary liability for any errors or omissions. C=AUREL CTv �l 0 Santa Clara River Map prepared by: City of Santa Clarita—'N J GIS Division-3� Z i Santa Clarita City Boundary —z 3 >_ Q:\PROJECTS\NS\260428a2\77561\WP CC Property.aprx < z «P- In _ - x Rp_Z,� F� N _ $NOW'DR'O' ACT, a,' I— NYON LU a ! Wn " P ! �. 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