HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-10 - AGENDA REPORTS - ANNUAL LEVY ASMT OSPD (2)CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT:
Agenda Item: 10
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by:
June 10, 2014
Kevin Tonoian
ANNUAL LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS FOR OPEN SPACE
PRESERVATION DISTRICT
Administrative Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution initiating proceedings for the levy and collection of assessments within the
Open Space Preservation District for Fiscal Year 2014-15.
2. Adopt a resolution declaring the City's intention to levy assessments, preliminarily approve
an Engineer's Report in connection with the Open Space Preservation District for Fiscal Year
2014-15, and set a public hearing for June 24, 2014.
BACKGROUND
Creation of the Open Space Preservation District (District) was overwhelmingly approved by the
property owners of the City of Santa Clarita in July 2007. The primary objective of the District is
to facilitate the purchase and preservation of undeveloped land in and around the City of Santa
Clarita.
Since the formation of the District, 1,873 acres have been acquired using District funds, with all
purchases leveraged with grant funds, land bank mitigation funds, or bridge and thoroughfare
funds. The District anticipates partnering to fund acquisitions of another 670 acres of dedicated
open space during Fiscal Year 2014-15 in the Newhall Pass area. The City partners with a
number of public entities including Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Riverside Land
Conservancy, The Trust for Public Land, County of Los Angeles, and Mountains Recreation
Conservation Authority.
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The process of ordering, approving, and setting the Public Hearing on the annual levy of the
District is required by the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and allows the City to continue
open space acquisitions for Fiscal Year 2014-15. Upon adoption of the attached resolutions, a
Public Hearing on ordering the Fiscal Year 2014-15 levies will be held on June 24, 2014.
For Fiscal Year 2014-15, no increase to the applied levy is recommended. If approved, the
applied levy amount will remain $30 per equivalent benefit unit (EBU) and will remain
unchanged for a second consecutive year. For background purposes, one (1) EBU is equal to one
single-family home.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Other direction as determined by City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for these reports are appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2013-14 Open Space Preservation
District budget.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution - Resolution Initiating Proceedings
Resolution - Resolution of Intention
FY 14/15 Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report available in the City Clerk's
Reading File
Preliminary Tax Roll available in the City Clerk's Reading File
RESOLUTION 14-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA,
INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION
OF ASSESSMENTS FOR ALL ZONES
WITHIN THE OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION DISTRICT
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-15
WHEREAS, the City Council of Santa Clarita, California, pursuant to the provisions of
the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, being Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code
of the State of California (Act), desires to initiate proceedings for the Open Space Preservation
District (District) and for the levy and collection of assessments within the proposed District for
Fiscal Year 2014-15, for the purposes provided therefore in the Act; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has retained Willdan Financial Services, for the purpose of
assisting with the Annual Levy of the District, and to prepare and file a report with the City Clerk
in accordance with the Act.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita does hereby resolve as
follows:
SECTION 1. Annual Levy Report: The City Council hereby directs Willdan Financial
Services, acting as Assessment Engineer, to prepare and file with the City Clerk the Assessment
Engineer's Annual Levy Report concerning the installation, construction, or maintenance of any
authorized improvements under the Act, and the levy and collection of assessments for the
District as required by the provisions of the Assessment Law.
SECTION 2. District Improvements: 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 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
Fi
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 10th day of June 2014.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
INTERIM CITY CLERK
DATE:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Armine Chaparyan, Interim City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify
that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at
a regular meeting thereof, held on the 10th day of June 2014, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
2
INTERIM CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION 14-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA,
DECLARING THE CITY'S INTENTION TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS,
PRELIMINARILY APPROVING AN ENGINEER'S REPORT IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-15
WHEREAS, under the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, being
Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California (Act), the Open Space
Preservation District (District) was approved by the property owners in 2007; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita (City) is desirous to take
proceedings for the annual levy of assessments for Fiscal Year 2014-15 to provide for the costs
and expenses necessary to pay for the maintenance and servicing of the improvements in said
District; and
WHEREAS, the assessment rates are adequate to maintain and service the facilities; and
WHEREAS, in order to maintain and service the facilities at a standard acceptable to the
City, the assessments within the District will need to be levied for Fiscal Year 2014-15; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 218, the Right to Vote on Taxes Act, does hereby require if the
assessment rate is to be increased, a notice of the proposed assessment, along with a ballot, shall
be mailed to all owners of identified parcels within the Districts, and the agency shall conduct a
public hearing not less than 45 days after the mailing of said notice; and
WHEREAS, the assessments for Fiscal Year 2014-15 are not proposed to be increased
above the approved annual escalator; and
WHEREAS, staff is not recommending approval of an annual escalator of $1 per Benefit
Unit for Fiscal Year 2014-15; and
WHEREAS, notices and Assessment Ballots are not required if assessments are not
increased other than for the amount of the approved annual escalator; and
WHEREAS, Willdan Financial Services has prepared a preliminary Engineer's Report
(Report) generally containing the following:
a. Plans and specifications describing the general nature, location, and extent of the
improvements to be maintained.
b. An estimate of the cost of the maintenance and/or servicing of the improvements for
the District for the referenced fiscal year.
c. An assessment of the estimated costs of the maintenance and/or servicing, assessing
the net amount upon all assessable lots and/or parcels within the District in proportion
to the benefits received. That upon completion of the preparation of said Report, the
original shall be filed with the City Clerk, who shall then submit the same to this
legislative body for its immediate review and consideration.
WHEREAS, this City Council has examined and considered the Report, diagram, and
assessments, and the proceedings prior thereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita does hereby resolve as
follows:
SECTION 1. Recitals: That the above recitals are all true and correct.
SECTION 2. Declaration of Intention: That the public interest and convenience
requires, and it is the intention of this legislative body, to levy and collect assessments to pay the
annual costs and expenses for the installation, replacement, maintenance, and/or servicing of the
improvements for the above -referenced District. No new improvements or any substantial
changes in existing improvements are proposed as a part of these proceedings.
SECTION 3. Fiscal Year: That the assessments as above authorized and levied for these
proceedings will provide revenue and relate to the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2014, and
ending June 30, 2015.
SECTION 4. Preliminarily Approves Report: The City Council hereby finds each and
every part of the Engineer's Report is sufficient, and the City Council hereby preliminarily
approves, passes on, and adopts the Engineer's Report as submitted to the City Council and filed
with the City Clerk. The preliminary report shall stand as the Engineer's Report for the purposes
of all subsequent proceedings pursuant to this Resolution of Intention.
SECTION 5. District Improvements: 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 6. Public Hearing: The City Council hereby appoints June 24, 2014, at
6:00 p.m., in the City of Santa Clarita, California as the time, place, and date of the Public
Hearing on the Report. At the hearing, the City Council shall hear and consider all discussion
regarding the proposed assessment as described in the Report.
SECTION 7. Adoption of Resolution: The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this
Resolution.
2 6
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 10th day of June 2014.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
INTERIM CITY CLERK
DATE:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Armind Chaparyan, Interim City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify
that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at
a regular meeting thereof, held on the 10th day of June 2014, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
INTERIM CITY CLERK
7
City of Santa Clarita
Engineer's Report
Open Space Preservation District
FISCAL YEAR 2014/2015
Intent Meeting: June 10, 2014
Public Hearing: June 24, 2014
ft
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 2014/2015, 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 ILi 2014.
JLJ (zf C 16742 31
EXP /S
J'x,9r� C'1 VIL O
OF CA��F
Willdan Financial Services
Assessment Engineer
By: By:
Stacee Reynolds Ric and 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 2014.
By:
Armine Chaparyan, Interim 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 2014.
By:
Armin6 Chaparyan, Interim City Clerk
City of Santa Clarita
Los Angeles County, California
TABLE OF CONTENTS
/. OVERVIEW................................................................................................................ 1
A.
BACKGROUND................................................................................................................1
B.
EFFECTS OF PROPOSITION 218...................................................................................1
A
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................
2
A.
IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORIZED BY THE 1972 ACT.....................................................2
B.
DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MAINTAINED AND SERVICED
..............3
ESTIMATE OF COST....................................................................................................
4
/V.
METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT.............................................................................
5
A.
GENERAL.........................................................................................................................5
B.
REASON FOR THE ASSESSMENT................................................................................5
C.
SPECIAL BENEFIT ANALYSIS.......................................................................................6
D.
SPECIAL BENEFIT DETERMINATION...........................................................................6
E.
AREA OF BENEFIT..........................................................................................................8
F.
GENERAL BENEFIT........................................................................................................9
G.
SPECIAL BENEFIT METHODOLOGY.............................................................................9
V.
ASSESSMENT ROLL.................................................................................................
15
V/.
ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM..........................................................................................
16
APPENDICES
1) Certificate of Participation (Open Space and Parkland Acquisition Program)
2) Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
WILLDAN
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/. 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.
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 MID
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.
In compliance with Proposition 218, all property owners in the City were balloted for the
formation of the Open Space Preservation District. A majority of property owners voted
in favor of forming the District. On July 17, 2007, the City Council adopted a resolution
forming the City of Santa Clarita Open Space Preservation District.
In 2012, LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission) approved the five (5)
annexations into the City from the unincorporated Los Angeles County area. The names
of the areas and LAFCO annexation approval dates are as follows:
• Elsmere Canyon - June 14, 2012
• Soledad Commons - June 14, 2012
• Copperstone - June 14, 2012
• Vista Canyon/Fair Oaks/Jakes Way/Sand Canyon - September 11, 2012
• North Copperhill - November 28, 2012
Beginning in fiscal year 2013/2014, all parcels within these annexations are included in
the City of Santa Clarita's boundary and are subjected to the Open Space Preservation
District assessment.
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
2014/2015 Page 1
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//. 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 of 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.
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
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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.
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineers Report
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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.
//l, ESTIMATE OF COST
The City's budget for the Open Space, Park, and Parkland Program, shown below, details the
estimated costs for Fiscal Year 2014/2015 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 $7,190,040
Expansion of the Program through the Preservation District 2,175,106
Less General Benefit Contribution f71 M%) fe 741 oa21
Budget for Expansion of the Program through the Open Space Preservation District
Resources:
Beginning Bond Net Proceeds - Acquisition Reserve $1,655,614
Beginning Land Acquisition Reserve (Beginning Fund Balance FY 14/15) 7,197,279
Uses:
Administration
$438,840
Bond Debt Service
823,852
Capital Projects (T4005: Haskell Canyon Open Space Access Improvements)
50,000
Bond Debt Service Reserve
1,322,004
Operating Reserve Per Section 22569(a)
342,424
Ending Land Ac uisition Reserve lEndiap,Fund Balance FY 141151
8,063,771
Total Uses:
$11,040,891
Total Preservation District Expansion Budget:
r.
Note:
(1) Detailed estimated costs of components of the Program are available in the Parks Recreation
and Community 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.
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
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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.
/V 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.
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineers Report
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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
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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:
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineers Report
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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 144,142.90 acres. Of
that area, 103,746.90 acres, or approximately 71.98%, 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.
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
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Therefore, only 28.02% of the District budget is assessed to City properties as the
quantification of special benefits received, and 71.98% 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 28.02% of the District budget is assessed to properties within the
City boundaries as the quantification of special benefits received, and 71.98% 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
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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
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 a SFR. Studies have consistently shown
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
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ASsessea
i�l
Lquivalent Dwelling
Land Use
Unit
X
Factor
Unit 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.
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 a SFR. Studies have consistently shown
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
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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 result 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 are 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 a
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
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
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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.
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:
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Table II: Open Space & Parkland Benefit Factors
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 Ill: Benefit Unit Calculation
Land Use
Akssesseci
Unit
x Factor
IJ
x
Factor
Benefit
Unit (BU) Rate
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, Gov, Church
1 acre
x
6
x
0.5
= 3.00
BU / acre
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
BUI 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
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
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ASSESSMENT RATE CALCULATION
Table 5 provides the assessment rate calculation for FY 2014/15
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
Single family vacant (subdivided)
Condominium
Duplex
4-plex
10 -unit Apartment
Mobile Home Parks
Developed Non -Residential
Commercial, Industrial, Gov, Church
Commercial. Industrial. Gov, Church
1 dwelling
.
1
•
Land Use
Developed Non -Residential
No. of Parcels dwellings
No. of Acres
Units
Commercial / Industrial
1,962
3,358.28
10,215.12
(incl. Government & Church
$7.50
1 dwelling
x
Vacant
x
1 =
0.75
$22.50
Vacant 5 acres or less
610
0.75
857.31
653.30
Vacant more than 5 acres
242
4 dwellings
5,469.28
987.12
Totals:
58,983
70,218
9,684.87
72,503.54
ASSESSMENT RATE CALCULATION
Table 5 provides the assessment rate calculation for FY 2014/15
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
Single family vacant (subdivided)
Condominium
Duplex
4-plex
10 -unit Apartment
Mobile Home Parks
Developed Non -Residential
Commercial, Industrial, Gov, Church
Commercial. Industrial. Gov, Church
1 dwelling
x
1
x
1 =
1
$30.00
1 parcel
x
0.25
x
1 =
0.25
$7.50
1 dwelling
x
0.75
x
1 =
0.75
$22.50
2 dwellings
x
0.75
x
1 =
1.5
$45.00
4 dwellings
x
0.75
x
1 =
3
$90.00
10 dwellings
x
0.75
x
1 =
7.5
$225.00
10 spaces
x
0.5
x
1 =
5
$150.00
0.25 acre x 6 x 0.5 = 0.75 $22.50
0.5 acre x 6 x 0.5 = 1.5 $45.00
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
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Commercial, Industrial, Gov, Church
1 acre x
6
x 0.5 =
3
$90.00
Vacant
Vacant
0.5 acre x
1.5
x 0.5 =
0.38
$11.40
Vacant
1 acre x
1.5
x 0.5 =
0.75
$22.50
Vacant
5 acre x
1.5
x 0.5 =
3.75
$112.50
Vacant
10 acre
=
3.75
$112.50
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.
V ASSESSMENT ROLL
The Assessment Roll is a listing of the proposed assessment for Fiscal Year 2014/15
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.
Fiscal Year Open Space Preservation District Engineer's Report
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P7 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
201412015 Page 16
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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
2014/2015 Open Space Preservation District APPENDIX 1
NWILLDAN
_. Financial Services
Debt Service Schedule
The following table sets forth the scheduled Lease Payments relating to the Certificates.
TABLE 1
SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST COMPONENTS
Interest Payment* Principal Interest Total
Date Component Component Total Annual Payments
4/12008
S 216,077.74
S 216,077.74
10/12008
356,825.63
356.825.63
S 572,903.36
4/1/2009
356,825.63
356,825.63
10/12009
356,825.63
356,825.63
713,651.25
4/1/2010
356,825.63
356,825.63
10/12010
356,825.63
356,825.63
713,651.25
4/1/2011
356,825.63
356,825.63
10/12011 S
35,000.00
356,825.63
391,825.63
748,651.25
4/12012
356,125.63
356,125.63
10/12012
60,000.00
356,125.63
416,125.63
772,251.25
4/1/2013
354,925.63
354,925.63
10/12013
90,000.00
354,925.63
444,925.63
799,851.25
4/1/2014
353,125.63
353,125.63
10/1/2014
120,000.00
353,125.63
473,125.63
826,251.25
4/12015
350,725.63
350,725.63
10/12015
150,000.00
350,725.63
500,725.63
851,451.25
4/12016
347,725.63
347,725.63
10/12016
185,000.00
347,725.63
532,725.63
880,451.25
4/12017
344,025.63
344,025.63
10/12017
220,000.00
344,025.63
564,025.63
908,051.25
4/12018
339,625.63
339,625.63
10/12018
255,000.00
339,625.63
594,625.63
934,251.25
4/12019
334525.63
334,525.63
10/12019
290,000.00
334,525.63
624,525.63
959,05115
4/12020
328,725.63
328,725.63
10/12020
330,000.00
328,725.63
658,725.63
987,451.25
4/12021
321,919.38
321,919.38
10/12021
370,000.00
321,919.38
691,919.38
1,013,838.75
4/12022
314,149.38
314,149.38
10/12022
410,000.00
314,149.38
724,149.38
1,038,298.75
4/12023
305,334.38
305,334.38
10/12023
455,000.00
305334.38
760,334.38
1,065,668.75
4/12024
295,381.25
295,381.25
10/12024
505,000.00
295,381.25
800381.25
1,095,762.50
4/12025
284,018.75
284,018.75
10/12025
550,000.00
284,018.75
834,018.75
1,118,037.50
4/12026
271,643.75
271,643.75
10/12026
605,000.00
271,643.75
876,643.75
1,148,287.50
4/12027
257,728.75
257,728.75
10/12027
655,000.00
257,728.75
912,728.75
1,170,457.50
4/12028
242,663.75
242,663.75
10/12028
715,000.00
242,663.75
957,663.75
1,200,327.50
4/12029
226,218.75
226,218.75
10/12029
775,000.00
226,218.75
1,001,218.75
1,227,437.50
4/12030
207,812.50
207,812.50
10/12030
835,000.00
207,812.50
1,042,812.50
1,150,625.00
Fiscal Year
City of Santa Clarita
Engineer's Report
2014/2015
Open Space Preservation District
APPENDIX 1
WILLDAN
Financial Services
Interest Palment*
Principal
Interest
Total
Date
Component
Component
Total
Annual Payments
4/1/2031
187,981.25
187,98125
1011/2031
905,000.00
187,981.25
1,092,981.25
1,280,962.50
4/1/2032
166,487.50
166,487.50
10/1/2032
975.000.00
166,487.50
1,141,487.50
1,307,975.00
4/l/2033
14333125
143,331.25
10/12033
1,045,000.00
143,331.25
1,188,331.25
1,331,66250
4112034
118,51250
118,512.50
10/1/2034
1,125,000.00
118,512.50
1243,512.50
1,362,025.00
4/1/2035
91,793.75
91,793.75
10/12035
1,205,000.00
91,793.75
1,296,793.75
1,388,587.50
4/12036
63,175.00
63,175.00
10/12036
1,285,000.00
63,175.00
1,348,175.00
1,411,350.00
4/1/2037
32,656.25
32,656.25
1011/2037
1,375,000.00
32,656.25
1,407,656.25
1,440,312.50
$15,525,000.00 515,994,534.61 531,519,534.61 531,519,534.61
*Lease Payments are due March 15 and September 15 of the respective year.
Fiscal Year City of Santa Clarita Engineer's Report
2014/2015 Open Space Preservation District APPENDIX 1
*e'WI LLDAN
Financial Services
Appendix 2
Open Space Acquisition
Implementation Work Program
Fiscal Year City of Santa Clarita Engineer's Report
2014/2015 Open Space Preservation District APPENDIX 2
SANTA
i
•a u1=ctlNl--.00V
OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION IMPLEMENTATION
FOR THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
FISCAL YEAR 2014-15
Approved by the FAAP: 04-17-14
Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3
WORK PROGRAM
A. Present Challenges 5
B. Types of Undeveloped Land to be Acquired 5
C. Acquisition Principles 6
D. Acreage Allocation Ratio 7
E. Description of Land Acquisition Projects 7
F. Acquisition Work Plan 10
o Potential Open Space
o Ranking Process
o Applications
G. Open Space Evaluation Process 15
o Step -by -Step Instructions
Appendix A — Open Space Inventory Criteria (OSIC) Checklist & Definitions
Appendix B — Open Space Preservation District Map
City of Santa Clarita Page 2
FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
Open Space Preservation District
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Background
Since the City of Santa Clarita's 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 "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.
Open Space Preservation District Formation
Property owners from the City voted to support the new Open Space Preservation District (the
"District"), with 69 percent ballots in favor and 31 percent not in favor. 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, Park,
and 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 existing program is
responsible for the implementation of various functions associated with parks 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 existing Program.
It is the City Council's intent to use the additional funding from the District to expand the
existing 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.
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FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
District Funds
At the time the Open Space Preservation District was formed, in Fiscal Year 2007-08, the City's
existing Parks Program budget was approximately $6.8 million. The Open Space Preservation
District was projected to increase the funds by approximately $1.5 million, and the City Council
had committed these $1.5 million funds from the Open Space Preservation District to acquire
vacant lands in and around the City, as identified in this Annual Open Space Acquisition
Implementation Work Program ("Work Program").
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 (Open
Space and Parkland Program) 2007 Series (the "COPS"). 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, 2013, $4.4 million in bond proceeds remain, accounting for
over $10.3 million in bond proceeds used to leverage land purchases, including properties in East
Walker Ranch, Placerita/Quigley Canyon, Rodda/Agua Dulce partners (in Soledad Canyon),
Elsmere Canyon, Wildwood Canyon, Haskell Canyon, and Prince/Placerita Canyon.
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. The actual
Assessment Rate in any fiscal year must be approved by the City Council prior to the levy and
may not exceed the 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. This Work Program provides acquisition principles, such as:
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FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
■ The acquired land is within the three-mile benefit area boundary for the District (which is
defined as within a 3 -mile radius of the City's existing boundary, and
■ 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
A. PRESENT CHALLENGES
The City of Santa Clarita incorporated in 1987 and recently celebrated its twenty-five (25)
year anniversary. The City encompasses the communities of Canyon Country, Newhall,
Saugus, and Valencia. Surrounding the City are various unincorporated areas and the
Angeles National Forest. As of 2012, the City had approximately 311 acres of developed
parkland, 73 miles of trails, and over 6,866 acres of City -owned open space. The City's
General Plan requires five (5) acres of active parkland per 1,000 in population. Based on this
requirement, the City currently faces a deficit of over 600 acres of active parkland and
continues to seek a greenbelt/buffer of preserved open space around the valley and the City.
Santa Clarita is a vibrant community. 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, 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.
The City recently annexed Elsmere Canyon. Also, we are moving forward with the
annexation of areas north of Copperhill Drive, which includes the Haskell Canyon Open
Space and areas south of the 14 freeway and west of Sand Canyon Road, including East
Walker Ranch. Once areas are brought into the City, we are exempt from paying property
taxes to the County.
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FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
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.
• 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
The following principles are the basis for allocation categories and the criteria within each
allocated category. They will also guide the implementation of this Work Program and serve
as benchmarks for the Financial Accountability and Audit Panel in reviewing project
expenditures.
The following 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
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FY 2014.15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
6) To ensure that land that is acquired is within the three-mile benefit area boundary; this is
defined as within a 3 -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 Open Space Preservation District
funds will be expended in a way that complement good public policy. These will also be
used by the Financial Accountability and Audit Panel to gauge the appropriateness of
expenditures.
9) To minimize impacts and respect adjacent property owners and the values they place on
their property
10) To rely on existing 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
Funds derived from the Open Space Preservation District that are 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, and
No more than 10 percent of the acres purchased will be used for future improved
active parkland
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
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FY 2014.15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
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 needed to be of regional size. A small neighborhood "tot lot," for example, would not
be considered open space. However, the City's Central Park, Newhall Park, and Canyon
Country Park (to name only a few) were considered to be open space.
The Open Space Acquisition Plan's primary function as a planning tool is to identify sites
that represent the best value for the City for acquisition. 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 to the 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 Santa Clarita 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's boundary and the
Angeles National Forest whenever possible.
o Status: The City has made considerable progress in the eastern region. Currently,
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 Conservation Authority, purchased an additional 243 acres
in this region in 2010, and in 2012, in partnership with Santa Monica Mountains
and Los Angeles County, acquired 1,027 acres in the Eastern CAPP.
Southern Region:
o Approximate Area: From the intersection of the 5/14 Freeways north to the City
of Santa Clarita boundary and between the identified eastern and western regions.
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FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
o Goals: Link natural habitat and habitat migration corridors between the eastern
and western regions.
Status: Over 200 acres of open space will be dedicated to the City associated
with the Gate -King project. This region also contains the historic Beale's Cut
property.
• Western Region:
o Approximate Area: From the 5 Freeway to the Santa Susanna Mountains
Significant Ecological Area, areas around Stevenson Ranch, and from the
intersection of the 5/14 Freeways north along San Francisquito Creek.
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 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: Future 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 Space Master 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: To date, the City has acquired 2,426 acres of open space and another 170
acres of passive or special use parkland, and has developed 240 acres of parkland.
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FY 2014-15 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 this Work 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 Engineers Report.
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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita 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.
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FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
• Step One — Category of Land
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 Santa Clarita 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 Pendine: Development plans have been formally submitted to the
City or Los Angeles County and are in the process of being considered, or plans
are being 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, OR the owner has indicated no interest in developing the
property.
G. No Information: There is currently 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.
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FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
• 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.
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. An
overriding benefit to the public good would be determined by 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 boundary, and depending on its development status. Hence, each potential
open space property will fall within one of the following categories:
velo
ment Status A
Development
Status A
Development
7Development
Status B
Development
Status B
velo
ment Status C
Development
Status C
Status D
Development
Status D
Development
Status E
Development
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 weighted equally.
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FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
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.
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 result 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 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, those properties that present
fewer maintenance challenges and reduced liability should be considered before those
with more challenges and greater risk. Indeed, those properties that present
unreasonable maintenance costs or significant risk may not be considered, regardless
of their numerical score.
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FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
• 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
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.
Annlications
This plan can be used for a variety of applications. However, there are three major areas of
implementation:
Dedication: Often the City of Santa Clarita is approached by developers and/or property
owners who wish to dedicate all or a portion 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 Santa Clarita 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.
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FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
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 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
Step -by -Step Instructions
The City's Open Space Acquisition Plan outlines the evaluation process for open space in the
Santa Clarita 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 the Open Space
Preservation District'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 Steps 1-3
5. Apply Criteria — Apply criteria on the Open Space Inventory Checklist (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.
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FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
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 Open Space
Preservation 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 three-mile 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."
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. Assessors 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 plans are being
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, OR the owner has indicated no interest in developing the property.
G. No Information: There is currently 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.
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FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
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 included in the information provided by Planning in
Step 2.)
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 status of "A" 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 of "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 the following
categories.
Inside the_City ,
Development Status A
edea of Beau�it,t
Development Status A
Development
Status B
Development
Status B
Development
Status C
Development
Status C
Development
Status D
Development
Status D
Development
Status E
Development
Status E
City of Santa Clarita Page 17
FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
Develo
ment Status F
Development
Status F
Develo
ment Status G
Development
Status G
Step 5 — Apply Criteria
Step 5 of the evaluation is by far the most lengthy and the most involved segment of the
process.
For each property the evaluator should complete an Open Space Inventory Checklist (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:
1. Provide basic property information including:
■ The Assessor's Parcel Number (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 (to name a few), then these elements and sub -
elements should each receive an "X" or checkmark in the corresponding status
City of Santa Clarita Page 18
FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
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. These are:
Known threatened/endangered plant and animal species: The species listed on the
OSIC are those 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, for example, place one mark
in the status column for each individual of that species present on the property.
Rid¢elines: 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. histead, 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.
City of Santa Clarita Page 19
FY 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
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 — Catalo2 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
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 2014-15 Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program
APPENDIX A
Open Space Inventory Criteria Form (OSIC)
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Contents:
■ Open Space Inventory Site Checklist
■ Definitions
APN#:
Site ID Number:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
OPEN SPACE INVENTORY SITE CHECKLIST
i
Date of Entry: Initials of Surveyor:
Willing Seller? ❑Yes ❑No Winthin 3 -mile Benefit Area Boundary? ❑Yes ❑No
CATEGORY
ELEMENT
Category
Development
Status
TOTAL SCORE:
Riparian habitat
None
Contains part of a Significant Ecological
Area (SEA)
(General Plan Open Space and
Conservation Element)
Elsmere/Whitne /Placerita Canyon
Lon Canyon
San Francis uito Canyon
Outside City & In A.B.'
A
Entitlements Pending
Habitat:
Other Resources:
None
In -City
B
Information Inquires
Ridgelines and Viewsheds:
Hazards:
(Not included in total)
C
Entitlements Approved
Recreational Resources:
D
No Action
Cultural/Historical Resources:
E
No Information
(Area of Benefit)
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/Whitne /Placerita Canyon
Lon Canyon
San Francis uito Canyon
Santa Clara River Corridor
Santa Suzanna Mountains
Valley Oaks Savanna
Contains a block of known undisturbed
critical habitat
None
Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - Page 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
WhitneyCanyon
Wiley Canyon
"Other" canyon
Contains rivers or creeks
Bouquet Creek
Newhall Creek
Other creek/tributary
Placenta Creek
San Francis uito Creek
Sand Canyon Creek
Santa Clara River
South Fork of the Santa Clara River
Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - Page 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, 2001 - California
Fish and Game)
American Peregrine Falcon
California Red -Legged Fro
Coastal California Gnatcatcher
Least Bells Vireo
Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
Riverside Fairy Shrimp
Santa Ana Sucker
Southwestern Arroyo Toad
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
Swainson's Hawk
Unarmored Three -S fined Stickleback
Western Yellow Bellied 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, 2001 - California
Fish and Game)
Brauton's Milk -Vetch
California Orcutt Grass
Nevin's Barberry
Slender -Horned S ineflower
Spreading Navarretia
Three -Leaved Brodiaea
Other
Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - Page 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 rid elines
Secondary rid elines
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
Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - Page 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: Contains hazards rendering the site Areas of soil instability
undevelopable Fault zone
Total Score: Fire hazard areas
(Not included in total) Floodwa
Mineral resource area
Site is Contaminated
Open Space Inventory Site Checklist - Page 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.
• Rinarian 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 SEA's in and around the City of Santa Clarita. They are 1) The Santa Clara
Areas
River Corridor, 2) The Santa Suzanna 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 SEA's 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
• Critical Habitat I 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.
• Maior 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, b) 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, Elamere 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 uncbannelized 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
• Known Endangered and The following species can be found in the Santa Clarita Valley, according to the California Fish
Threatened Animal and Game List of State and Federally Endangered and Threatened Animal Species, April 2001:
Species American Peregrine Falcon (SE), California Red -Legged Frog (FT), Coastal Gnatcatcher (FT),
Least Bells Vireo (SE, FE), Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (FE), Riverside Fairy Shrimp (FE),
Santa Ana Sucker (FT), Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (FE), Southwestern Arroyo Toad (FE),
Swainson's Hawk (ST), Unarmored Three-Spined Stickleback (SE, FE), Western Yellow Bellied
Cuckoo (SE), and the Willow Flycatcher (SE).1
• Known Endangered and I The following species can be found in the Santa Clarita Valley, according to the California Fish
Threatened Plant and Game List of State and Federally Endangered and Threatened Plant Species, April 2001:
Species Braunton's Milk-Velch (FE), Nevin's Barberry (SE, FE), Three -Leaved Brodiaea (SE, FT),
Slender -Horned Spineflower (SE, FE), Spreading Navarretia (FT), and the California Orcutt
Grass (SE, FE).
• Oak Trees 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 'F) 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.
Structural Types: Oak trees are generally grouped into one of three structural types: Oak
1 Where FE = Federally Endangered, FT = Federally Threatened, SE = State Endangered, and ST = State Threatened
Open Space Inventory Definitions - Page 3
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
rivers at any elevation where the environment is very moist and relatively cool.
• RidEelines 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
• Viewsheds Natural and cultural features of the environment that can be viewed by either stationary or
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.
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.
• Trails 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
• Cultural/HistoricalI 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
Tatavisms 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
• Groundwater Recharge Areas that provide for the replenishment of underground water resources, specifically the
Area Saugus and alluvial aquifers. Primary groundwater recharge areas within the Santa Clarita
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
Expands a Regional Open Space Corridor: The property is adjacent to
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.
• Floodway. 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
APPENDIX B
Open Space Preservation District Map
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75 DECEMB�j
Contents:
■ Open Space Preservation District Map
""SANI A CI.ARITA
Open Space Preservation District
Assessment Diagram
3 -Mile BuRerAround City Limas
Parks& Open Spaces(OSPO)
Mer Parka 8 Open Spaces
Angeles National Forest
Santa Clare River
Cly of Santa Claraa Boundary
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To view this attachment, please click the link below:
Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Annual Levy of Assessments
Open Space Preservation District Preliminary Assessment Roll
http://www.santa-clarita.com/FileCenter/External/Assessments/FY1415-Santa-Clarita-OSPD-As
sessment-Roll.odf