Carpinteria City Council
November 10, 2025

DISCUSSION
The following discussion and attached presentation (Attachment A) summarizes the reported Code Compliance activities for the first quarter (July through September) of the 2025-26 fiscal year. Starting this quarter, staff have transitioned to reporting on the fiscal year calendar. This organizational change will help to simplify tracking and reporting of Code Compliance activities as it relates to progress on City Council Strategic Plan goals and priorities.

Dozens of service requests are received monthly, in addition to code violations identified by Code Compliance staff during routine patrols. Those initial service requests and officer-initiated contacts that require further investigation or action by Code Compliance staff are logged as “cases.” Code Compliance responds to and/or investigates each case to determine the appropriate course of action to best resolve these issues. Code Compliance staff logged 171 total cases opened this quarter, an increase of 17 from last quarter’s 154 cases. This quarter’s caseload is summarized by type below and is graphically depicted in slide 3 of Attachment A:

Code Compliance routinely patrols City streets and parks, monitoring for typical parking and animal-related code violations (e.g., 72-hour parking, off-leash dogs), as well as other violations like unpermitted signs, construction, and homeless encampments. The department also responds to service requests submitted online (GOGov - preferred and most efficient), as well as those that come in by email, phone, and in person. During the first quarter (Q1), the most common service requests and contacts were for Parking (95), Animal Control Services (16), and Sign Regulations (16). As detailed on slide 4 of First Quarter Code Compliance Report
November 10, 2025

Attachment A, the 171 opened cases resulted in 153 recorded violations. 1 Specifically, in
Q1, staff conducted 73 initial inspections, 60 follow-up inspections, and made 15 contacts.

This resulted in addressing 81 time-limit parking violations, 10 Public Nuisance violations, issuance of 13 Notices to Abate Prohibited Signs, and issuing 10 notices to abate graffiti.

Slides 5 and 6 in Attachment A break down the way service requests are being generated and the types of requests that are being reported to the Code Compliance Division through the GOGov software.

In Q1, there were 192 community-initiated service requests. Members of the public can access the online service request portal both through the City’s website and/or the City’s smartphone app (search “Carpinteria” in the app store). The system allows for better tracking of requests, automatic notifications to requestors when service is complete, and even allows requestors to leave feedback on the quality of service provided. Public outreach to encourage utilization of the online service request system remains ongoing.

Slide 7 in Attachment A shows public feedback received in Q1 from users of the online service request system; these survey results from the public are a great metric and can help guide improvements in how staff resolves various code compliance matters going forward.

Code Compliance cases, excluding parking and animal control-related compliance activities, are summarized in Slide 8 of Attachment A. These cases include zoning violations, graffiti, public nuisances, homeless contacts, and business license violations, among others.

Zoning compliance efforts include incidents like residents building without permits, unpermitted use of property, and businesses operating without a business license. When a violation is found to have occurred, several code compliance tools are used to gain voluntary compliance such as a “stop work order,” “compliance order,” or “notice of violation.” If voluntary compliance is not gained, staff has the ability to issue Administrative Citations in the amount of $100, $200, and up to $500 per day for each day that a violation continues to exist. Staff opened 8 zoning cases this quarter; 4 were resolved within the requested time frame, and 4 are currently going through the permitting process or working to gain compliance. Additionally, staff resolved 13 sign regulation violations.

During the past quarter, Code Compliance staff received 30 noise complaints, 25 related to live entertainment at Island Brewing Company. The remaining 5 were related to other non-live entertainment noise complaints (e.g., construction activity, barking dogs, etc.).

While these complaints are not formally logged as cases, they highlight an ongoing concern raised by a few households regarding live entertainment noise.

There were 6 contacts with people experiencing homelessness, a slight reduction from last quarter, and still significantly down over past years. This reduction is believed to be partly attributable to the combined efforts of the Parks Division, Public Works Department, and Code Compliance staff, including contacts, outreach, and enforcement; 1 Following the opening and investigation of a case, Code Compliance staff may find that a violation has not occurred or cannot be documented. In other cases, an open case may result in finding more than one violation. Accordingly, the number of cases and violations do not directly correlate.

First Quarter Code Compliance Report
November 10, 2025

which help reduce the number of violations. Also contributing to the reduction is the centralized location of the lunch program where service providers can assist helping people in need connect with a wide range of services. Typically, organizations like Good Samaritan, New Beginnings, Behavioral Wellness, and AmeriCorps attend weekly. Staff dedicates approximately 10 hours a month to attend meetings and trainings related to people experiencing homelessness, and/or doing outreach in the field and working with outside agencies who assist people in getting off the street and into housing. Staff’s enforcement and outreach approach, along with connecting those in need to the providers previously listed, has seen a dramatic reduction in contacts this year.

Slides 9 (map) and 10 (photos) of Attachment A summarize the specific areas where Code Staff successfully abated (removed) gang-related graffiti during Q1.

There were 24 Health and Safety, Public Parks & Beaches, Animal Services, and Street and Sidewalk Encroachments cases this quarter. These include public contacts for smoking in public, open containers, abandoned shopping carts, and others. To highlight some of our significant work this quarter:
• Beginning July 1st, the City’s new multi-unit residences smoking ordinance went into effect. Code staff immediately investigated and resolved 2 complaints related to the new ordinance. Staff also proactively inspected several multi-unit residences to ensure compliance.
• Administrative citations were issued in September following the conclusion of investigations into two unlicensed short-term rental operators. In addition to fines assessed for each night of unlicensed short-term rental activity in the last year, the operators were also required to remit transient occupancy tax, plus penalties, for each booked stay. Eligibility for either operator to obtain a license is also suspended for one year.

In Q1, 509 parking tickets were issued, representing a potential $33,400 in fines, an increase from 476 tickets issued last quarter. 84 service requests were received for alleged 72-hour parking violations. Certain areas of the city, such as neighborhoods with higher density housing, generate more service requests related to 72-hour parking violations. These areas may require increased monitoring and enforcement actions to gain compliance. Slides 11 of Attachment A break down the 476 issued parking citations by type of violation and location, with the vast majority attributed to: (1) parking in “no parking” areas; (2) 72-hour parking violations; and (3) registration violations.

Slide 12 provides a visual representation of all citations issued from 2023 to the current date (2025). The increase in citations issued during this period is attributed to the introduction of the online request portal. Total citation numbers for the 2025 calendar year are currently on track to match or exceed those of 2024.

Slide 13 of Attachment A shows the typical animal control-related contacts and/or service requests including off-leash reports, stray dogs, and disposal of dead animals. This quarter included 3 animal impounds, 4 off-leash contacts, 5 dog bite reports, and 1 dog placed in protective custody. The City Dog License Program is a mandatory First Quarter Code Compliance Report
November 10, 2025

program that requires all dogs 4 months and older to be licensed. The program aims to accomplish two goals: (1) To ensure all dogs are currently vaccinated. (2) Identification of lost or stolen dogs. Code Compliance staff routinely perform license checks when contacts are made for other animal violations like off-leash contacts, dog bites, and animal noise complaints. Residents can purchase a dog license by visiting City Hall during normal business hours with your current rabies vaccination record or visit one of our offsite partners. 2 As a reminder, citizens who wish to volunteer to foster or walk our adoptable pets can go to the City’s website to learn more about becoming a volunteer, or contact Code Compliance staff directly for questions on becoming a foster volunteer. If interested in adopting a pet, please see the Animal Control page of the city’s website for information on currently available pets.
3 Code Compliance staff have also recently completed updates to the City’s Animal Control webpage to provide enhanced resources for advertising and locating lost and found pets.4

POLICY CONSISTENCY
City Council Primary Goal #1 – Enhance Public Outreach, Education, and Transparency.

This report is intended to promote transparency by informing the City Council and the public about the services provided by the Code Compliance Division.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
No financial analysis is included as a part of this report.

LEGAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
No legal issues are presented as a part of this report.

OPTIONS
The City Council could provide feedback and/or additional direction to staff regarding future reports.

PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING
None.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Code Compliance First Quarter 2025-26 Fiscal Year Presentation 2 Animal Medical Clinic, 1037 Casitas Pass Rd. and Lemos Feed & Pet Supply, 4945 Carpinteria Ave. 3 Please visit Carpinteria’s Animal Care and Control page here: https://carpinteriaca.gov/cityhall/community-development/animal-care-and-control/ 4 The new Lost Pets webpage can be found at: https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/communitydevelopment/animal-care-and-control/lost-pets/ First Quarter Code Compliance Report
November 10, 2025

Staff contact: David Hernandez, Code Supervisor
(805) 755-4418, [email protected]
Signature
Reviewed by: Nick Bobroff, Community Development Director (805) 755-4407, [email protected]
Signature
Reviewed by: Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager
(805) 755-4400, [email protected]
Signature
Reviewed by: Michael Ramirez, City Manager (805) 755-4450, [email protected] Signature

ATTACHMENT A
Code Compliance First Quarter 2025-26 Fiscal Year Presentation Code Compliance
FISCAL YEAR 2025-26

FIRST QUARTER REPORT
July. 1 – September 30, 2025
Code Compliance Supervisor David Hernandez (805) 755-4418 [email protected] Code Compliance Officer II Henry Menendez (805) 755-4413 [email protected] https://carpinteriaca.gov/service-request/

Types of Requests Reported
For Dates Period 07/01/2025 Through 09/30/2025

Total Code Cases Opened by Type
For Dates Period 07/01/2025 Through 09/31/2025
GRAFFITI Q1 2025

Total Citations Issued by Type
For Dates Period 07/01/2025 Through 09/30/2025

Animal Control by Type
For Dates Period 07/01/2025 Through 09/30/2025
City of Carpinteria

COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Resolution establishing Citywide procedures for special benefit assessments under Proposition 218 and Government Code Section 53759.1 through 53759.2 (Assembly Bill 2257).

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

1. Adopt Resolution No. 6421 establishing procedures for compliance with Proposition 218 and Assembly Bill 2257 (Government Code §§ 53759.1 53759.2) for all current and future special benefit assessment proceedings administered under the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (Streets and Highways Code §§ 22500 et seq.), the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 (Government Code §§ 54703 et seq.), and any other applicable assessment authority within the City of Carpinteria. 2. Authorize City Staff to apply these procedures to all Citywide assessment proceedings and any future Proposition 218 assessments, modifications, or rate adjustments.

Sample Motion:

I move that the City Council approve Resolution No. 6421 establishing procedures for compliance with Proposition 218 and Assembly Bill 2257 (Government Code §§ 53759.1 through 53759.2) for all current and future special benefit assessment proceedings and authorizing City Staff to apply these procedures to all Citywide assessment proceedings and any future Proposition 218 assessments, modifications, or rate adjustments. (This motion requires a roll call vote.)

BACKGROUND
The City of Carpinteria levies and administers assessments under several State legislative acts, which may or does include the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 and the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, to fund the construction, maintenance, and operation of public improvements that provide direct, parcel-specific benefits throughout the City. These assessments support a range of essential services and improvements Agenda Section: Other Business
Agenda Item No.: 9
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
Establishing Special Benefit Assessment Setting Procedures Under Proposition 218 and AB 2257 November 10, 2025

such as landscaping, street lighting, storm drainage, flood protection, water conservation, and other public infrastructure that enhance community safety, aesthetics, and property value.

The Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 authorizes the City to form and maintain districts to fund the installation, maintenance, and servicing of landscaping, street trees, medians, parkway improvements, lighting, and related amenities that improve the visual character, safety, and livability of neighborhoods.

The Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 authorizes the City to levy assessments for flood protection, storm drainage, water quality, and similar improvements that reduce propertyspecific risk, preserve public infrastructure, and improve community resilience. These improvements include facilities such as storm drains, berms, or levees designed to provide measurable protection and benefit to assessed properties.

To ensure that all existing and future City assessments comply with current constitutional and statutory requirements, staff recommends adoption of uniform, Citywide procedures implementing Proposition 218 and Assembly Bill 2257 (AB 2257).

Proposition 218, approved by California voters in 1996, amended the State Constitution (Articles XIIIC and XIIID) to require that any new or increased assessment be supported d
through a mailed property-owner ballot proceeding.

Assembly Bill 2257, effective January 1, 2025, expands these requirements by mandating that local agencies provide property owners the opportunity to submit written objections identifying substantive concerns before the close of the public hearing. The City is required to provide written responses to each timely objection as part of the public record.

Adopting Citywide procedures will create a consistent, transparent framework for administering all assessments in Carpinteria whether existing or newly formed under the 1972 and 1982 Acts, as well as any other applicable assessment authority, ensuring full compliance with Proposition 218 and AB 2257.

One Resolution (Attachment A) has been prepared to establish Citywide procedures for assessment compliance:

Attachment A Resolution establishing Citywide procedures for special benefit assessments under Proposition 218 and Government Code Sections 53759.1 through 53759.2 (Assembly Bill 2257).
that
establish guidelines and procedures for conducting a property-owner ballot protest proceeding in compliance with Proposition 218 and implementing the exhaustion of administrative remedies requirements in Government Code Sections 53759.1 through 53759.2.

Establishing Special Benefit Assessment Setting Procedures Under Proposition 218 and AB 2257 November 10, 2025

DISCUSSION
Adopting these procedures ensures consistency, transparency, and due-process compliance across all City assessment districts, including the BERM Benefit Assessment District.

Under the proposed resolution, the City will:

Apply AB 2257 written-objection procedures to all assessment hearings under the 1982 and 1972 Acts and any other assessments governed by Proposition 218.

Provide written responses to any timely, substantive objections as part of the Require that property owners exhaust administrative remedies before filing litigation, consistent with AB 2257.

Maintain uniform standards for mailed notices, ballots, and hearing procedures under Proposition 218.

Document all compliance activities and maintain administrative records in accordance with State requirements.

POLICY CONSISTENCY
This action aligns with the City Primary Goal #4: Maintain the Fiscal Sustainability of the City, as outlined in the FY 2025 27 Strategic Plan, by providing procedures for aligning the Proposition 218 property-owner protest ballot proceeding with the goal of modernizing outdated assessment structures and aligning assessed rates with actual service costs.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
No appropriations needed at this time. Funding needed to bring this agenda item to the City Council is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

LEGAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The proposed actions comply with Proposition 218 requirements for assessment increases and implement AB 2257 requirements for establishing an exhaustion of administrative remedies requirement. The City must follow Proposition 218, including the legally mandated property-owner protest ballot process to implement any new assessments. The City Office has reviewed the draft Resolution and approved as to form.

Establishing Special Benefit Assessment Setting Procedures Under Proposition 218 and AB 2257 November 10, 2025

OPTIONS

1. Approve the resolution establishing Citywide procedures for special benefit assessments under Proposition 218 and Government Code Sections 53759.1 through 53759.2 (Assembly Bill 2257).

2. Decline to approve the resolution and provide alternative direction to staff.

PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING
Willdan and CliffordMoss staff.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution 6421
Staff contacts:

Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager (805) 755-4400, [email protected] Signature Stephon Downes, Management Analyst
(805) 755-44406; [email protected] Signature
Reviewed by:

Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager (805) 755-4400, [email protected] Signature Licette Maldonado, Administrative Services Director
(805) 755-4448; [email protected] Signature
Michael Ramirez, City Manager
(805) 755-4450; [email protected] Signature

ATTACHMENT A
Resolution 6421
RESOLUTION NO. 6421

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA,

CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR SPECIAL BENEFIT ASSESSMENTS UNDER PROPOSITION 218 AND GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTIONS 53759.1 THROUGH 53759.2
WHEREAS, the City is authorized under
which may or does include the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 and the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, to establish special benefit assessment districts who receive a special benefit from the services and improvements provided by the assessment districts. may
WHEREAS, the City has established and manages assessment districts which confer special benefits upon properties within the geographical boundaries of the corresponding district zone; and

WHEREAS,
Constitution Articles XIII C and XIII D; as it is implemented through Government Code sections 53750 through 53759.2, as well as relevant judicial interpretation), the City is required to comply with the requirements of Proposition 218 in order to establish a new or increased assessment. Provided, however, that any assessment district established prior to the effective date of Proposition 218 is exempt from compliance with Proposition 218 if the assessment is imposed exclusively to finance the capital costs or maintenance and operation expenses for improvements of existing assessment districts (see California Constitution Article XIII D, Section 5); and WHEREAS, to the extent an existing assessment district was initially established in accordance with the relevant Legislative Act, and is either exempt from Proposition 218 or was initially formed in compliance with Proposition 218, the City is authorized to levy annual assessments without further compliance with Proposition 218 so long as the amount levied does not exceed the amount of the initially approved assessment; and WHEREAS, under Proposition 218, a special benefit
or charge upon real property by an agency for a special benefit conferred upon the real Section 4. In general, the City may only establish a new assessment or increase an existing one if it:
(1) complies with the requirements of the relevant Legislative Act authorizing the City to form an assessment district and levy assessments, which may require preparation of a resolution of initiation, a resolution of intention, and a resolution Resolution No. 6421

(2) calculates the proposed assessment in accordance with Proposition 218, as described in this resolution;
(3) conducts a noticed public hearing before the City Council, as described in this resolution, and
proceeding conducted in connection with the public hearing (a majority protest exists if the weighted ballots submitted in opposition to the proposed assessment exceed the weighted ballots submitted in favor, with the weights based on the proportional financial obligation of each property owner who submitted a ballot); and

WHEREAS,
to exhaust administrative remedies, also described in this resolution, by which the City process, only an owner who submits a timely written objection will have a right to challenge a proposed increase in an assessment district through a legal proceeding. (These supplemental processes were authorized by Assembly Bill No. 2257, Chapter 561, Statutes of 2024, effective January 1, 2025.); and WHEREAS, the purpose of this resolution is to establish and document the procedures the City will follow when considering proposed new or increased assessments, including compliance with Proposition 218 and the administrative remedy requirements set forth in AB 2257. These procedures are intended to provide property owners a meaningful opportunity to submit written objections to proposed new or increased assessments early in the assessment process, and to allow the City to address or resolve those or increased assessment pursuant to Proposition 218; and WHEREAS, this resolution establishes procedural steps the City will follow to implement the administrative remedies that property owners must exhaust under Government Code sections 53759.1 before initiating any legal action to challenge an assessment. In general, at least 45 days prior to a public hearing on a proposed new or increased assessment, the City will make the proposed assessment available to the public and will post the written basis for the proposed new or increased assessment on its website.

During this period (for at least 45 days after notice of public hearing) any property owner may review the proposed assessment and submit a written objection specifying the grounds for alleging noncompliance with Proposition 218. The City will consider each timely written objection and provide a substantive written response before the close of the public hearing as described in section 5 of the Special Benefit Assessment Setting Procedures, attached hereto as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, for any new or increased assessment approved by the City implementing the procedures described in this resolution, a person or entity shall be prohibited from Resolution No. 6421

bringing a judicial action or proceeding alleging noncompliance with Article XIII D of the California Constitution for such new or increased assessment, unless that person or entity has timely submitted to the City a written objection to that assessment that specifies the grounds for alleging noncompliance with Proposition 218; and WHEREAS, the City Council hereby intends to adopt the exhaustion of administrative remedies procedure as outlined in Government Code section 53759.1, and the administrative record principles contained in Government Code section 53759.2.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:

SECTION 1. The City Council hereby adopts the Special Benefit Assessment Setting Special Benefit Special Benefit Assessment
Setting Procedures explicitly incorporate and implement the requirements contained in Proposition 218 (including the Prop 218 Omnibus Implementation Act), and the procedures by which property owners are required to exhaust administrative remedies SECTION 2. For any assessment district adopted or approved by the City implementing the procedures described in this resolution, a person or entity shall be prohibited from bringing a judicial action or proceeding alleging noncompliance with Article XIII D of the California Constitution for that assessment unless that person or entity has timely submitted to the City a written objection to the assessment that specifies the grounds for alleging noncompliance with Proposition 218, as provided below.

SECTION 3. The City Council hereby adopts the administrative record principles contained in Government Code section 53759.2.

SECTION 4. This resolution will take effect immediately upon adoption and will apply to any proposed new or increased assessments of which notice is provided in accordance with this resolution.

SECTION 5. The City Council authorizes City Manager or designee to take such other and additional actions as may be reasonably necessary to implement the purpose of this resolution and implement the exhaustion of administrative remedies procedure adopted herein.

SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on the 10th day of November, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
Resolution No. 6421

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
______________________________
Mayor, City of Carpinteria
ATTEST: _____________________________ Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Carpinteria held on November 10, 2025. __________________________
Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC
City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Jena Shoaf Acos, on behalf of Brownstein
Hyatt Farber Shreck, LLP acting as
City Attorney of the City of Carpinteria
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION NO. 6421
4901-3834-3234 v1 Page 1 of 8
Special Benefit Assessment Setting Procedures
1 1
If the City publishes a notice of public hearing that does not identify procedures for property owners to submit written objections , the City will conduct the public hearing in compliance with Proposition 218.
4901-3834-3234 v1 Page 2 of 8
certified by the State of California, and it shall provide evidence and describe how the improvements and/or services funded by the assessments confer special benefits on parcels subject to the assessment, as well as describing any general benefits. 4901-3834-3234 v1 Page 3 of 8
4901-3834-3234 v1 Page 4 of 8
4901-3834-3234 v1 Page 5 of 8
4901-3834-3234 v1 Page 6 of 8
4901-3834-3234 v1 Page 7 of 8
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These Procedures may be revised or amended as necessary by the City Manager or by Section 1(a) of these Procedures.

City of Carpinteria

COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Resolutions of Intention related to the formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 and the levy of assessments commencing Fiscal Year 2026/27.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

1. Approve Resolution No. 6422 initiating proceedings to form Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 and directing the preparation and filing of the Report.

2. Approve Resolution No. 6423 declaring the intention to form Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1; preliminarily approving the Report; ordering that a property-owner protest ballot proceeding be conducted pursuant to Proposition 218; and setting the date, time, and place for the public hearing.

Sample Motion:

I move that the City Council: (1) approve Resolution No. 6422 initiating proceedings to form Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 and directing preparation and filing of the Report; and (2) approve Resolution No. 6423 declaring the intention to form the district, preliminarily approving the Report, ordering a Proposition 218 property-owner ballot proceeding, and setting the date, time, and place for the public hearing.
(This motion requires a roll call vote.)

BACKGROUND
Assessment Districts
An assessment district is a local financing mechanism authorized under the California Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 that allows cities to fund public improvements and ongoing maintenance services that provide direct and measurable special benefits to properties within a defined boundary. Property owners within the district pay an annual Agenda Section: Other Business
Agenda Item No.: 10
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
Formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 November 10, 2025

levy, collected via the property tax roll, that is legally restricted for use only on the improvements and services identified in the Report for that district.

Assessment districts are based on the principle of fairness and transparency: properties that receive a special benefit from public improvements pay a proportional share of the cost, as required by Proposition 218 (Article XIII D of the California Constitution). Typical services funded by assessment districts and completed in public landscaped areas include:

Reduction of wildfire risk through brush, weed, and other vegetation management
Regular removal of litter, trash, and debris, which otherwise may enter storm drains and coastal waters
Maintenance and replacement of street trees
Upkeep of landscaped medians, parkways, and entry corridors Maintenance of irrigation systems, utilities, and plantings in landscaped areas Sidewalk, curb, and gutter repair related to tree-root or landscape impacts Public right-of-way beautification
Without a dedicated assessment district, these neighborhood-facing services must compete for limited general fund and special revenue sources already prioritized for public safety, transportation infrastructure, and essential city operations. As a result, maintenance may be deferred, leading to:

Increased tree (tree and branch falls) and wildfire hazards due to deferred pruning or removals
Accumulation of trash and debris that diminishes neighborhood character and property values
Reduction in the urban forest and tree canopy
Greater liability exposure from damaged sidewalks and trip hazards Higher long-term costs from emergency or reactive maintenance rather than planned upkeep
Assessment districts provide a reliable and transparent funding source that protects neighborhood maintenance from budget cuts while aligning the cost of services with the properties that receive a special benefit from the services and improvements. General municipal revenues such as sales tax, transient occupancy tax, property tax allocations, and special revenue funds are already constrained and were not designed to provide long-term funding for localized improvement services. Assessment revenue ensures that local service levels can be maintained without diverting limited General Fund dollars away from citywide priorities.

Formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 November 10, 2025

When an assessment district is formed, an Report determines how much special benefit each parcel within the district receives from the services and improvements. Assessments are allocated proportionally to reflect that special benefit.

For example, a large commercial parcel may pay more than a single-family residence because it receives greater special benefit from the services and improvements provided by the district.

This framework has been used by cities statewide, including Carpinteria, to fund local maintenance needs when other revenue sources are no longer sufficient or sustainable.

Existing Assessment District No. 3
In 1985, the City of Carpinteria formed Lighting, Landscaping, and Right-of-Way Improvement District No. 3 (District No. 3) through Resolution No. 1474 to create a dedicated funding source for right-of-way maintenance services. Prior to its formation, the City lacked sufficient resources to adequately maintain street trees, landscaped areas, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters.

District No. 3 was established with a $30 per-parcel assessment, generating approximately $200,000 annually to fund essential maintenance activities. The district replaced Street Lighting District No. 2, although street lighting continues to be funded separately through Street Lighting District No. 1.

The district covers the entire city, and assessments are levied on a parcel-by-parcel basis based on land use and service needs. However, the passage of Proposition 218 in 1996 prohibited increasing assessments without voter approval. As a result, District No. 3 revenues have remained frozen at approximately $200,000 per year for nearly 30 years, despite significant increases in labor, materials, and contract service costs.

This long-term funding limitation has resulted in recurring annual deficits and increasing reliance on subsidies from other City funds, prompting the need to evaluate a new assessment structure that aligns revenues with service demands.

Need to Replace and Modernize Existing Assessment District As noted above, Proposition 218 prohibits local governments from increasing assessments without receiving approval through a property owner ballot proceeding. As Lighting, Landscaping, and
Right-of-Way Improvement District No. 3 has remained frozen at approximately $200,000 per year for nearly 30 years.

During this same period, service costs and maintenance demands have increased significantly, driven by three major factors:

Formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 November 10, 2025

1. Inflation Cumulative inflation from 1985 to 2025 is approximately 201%, would need to collect more than $600,000 annually just to retain the purchasing power it had in 1985.

2. Aging Infrastructure Much of the public landscape and right-of-way system street trees, medians, irrigation systems, sidewalks is now 30 40 years old and requires more intensive maintenance and higher-cost replacements.

3. Increased Service Footprint Since 1985, Carpinteria has grown. New public landscaping has been installed, new neighborhoods have been developed, and the City now maintains nearly 3,000 public street trees significantly more than at the time of original district formation.

Since the late 1990s, District No. 3 expenditures have exceeded revenues every year, creating persistent structural deficits. To maintain basic service levels, the City has relied on subsidies from the General Fund, Measure A, Measure X, Gas Tax, and other revenues greatly exceeding $200,000 annually. Today, maintaining landscaped areas within the public right-of-way requires approximately $1.15 million annually.1 These traffic
safety projects, and facility maintenance.

While voter-approved Measures X (2018) and B (2024) increased general revenues, those funds have been absorbed by rising public safety costs, inflationary pressures, and new community services such as the Carpinteria Community Library and expanded senior programs. Continuing to backfill District operations with discretionary funds is no longer sustainable and diverts funding from core City priorities.

Establishing a new, Proposition 218-compliant assessment district would modernize the by providing a transparent, legally compliant mechanism that aligns assessed rates with the actual cost of providing right-of-way maintenance services.

The new district would:

Establish a dedicated and legally restricted funding source for right-of-way maintenance;
Reduce reliance on Measure A, Measure X, and General Fund subsidies; Allocate costs in proportion to the special benefits received by each parcel within the district; and
Include an annual inflation adjustment to prevent future funding erosion.

Staff recommends that the City Council initiate proceedings to replace the existing Lighting, Landscaping, and Right-of-Way Improvement District No. 3 with Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1. Approval of the recommended actions will also authorize a property-owner protest ballot proceeding to allow property owners to 1 This amount has been calculated by the Report for Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 (Attachment C)
Formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 November 10, 2025

decide whether to fund continued right-of-way landscaping, street tree maintenance, and related services.

Two resolutions (Attachments A and B) have been prepared to initiate formation of the new assessment district:

Attachment A Resolution Initiating Proceedings: Directs preparation and filing Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 in accordance with the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972.

Attachment B
- owner protest ballot proceeding required by Proposition 218. This resolution also sets the date, time, and place of the public hearing at which ballots will be tabulated.

Attachment C
improvements and services to be funded, explains the assessment methodology and proportionality findings required by Proposition 218, and establishes the maximum annual assessment rates.

DISCUSSION
as outlined in the FY 2025 27 Strategic Plan, the City is pursuing targeted initiatives to align long-term funding with service demands. As part of this direction, the City Council specifically called for modernizing outdated assessment structures to ensure maintenance services are funded equitably by the properties that benefit from them and reduce reliance on discretionary General Fund subsidies. Formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 is consistent with this Council priority by establishing a sustainable, voter-approved funding model for right-of-way maintenance citywide.

In advancement of this City Council goal, the City commissioned preparation of an Report that describes the formation of a new assessment district Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 in accordance with the California Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and Proposition 218. The Report was prepared by Willdan Financial Services, a consulting firm with more than 60 years of experience assisting California public agencies with assessment engineering, municipal finance, and district formation. The new District is designed to:

Establish a stable, parcel-based funding source for right-of-way landscaping, public street trees, and related improvements citywide.

Apportion costs equitably based on parcel type and level of benefit received using the Equivalent Benefit Unit (EBU) method.

Formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 November 10, 2025

Provide transparency and fairness by separating special benefits to property owners (85% of costs) from general benefits to the public (15% of costs) and assessing only those costs attributable to special benefits as consistent with Proposition 218.

Include an Assessment Range Formula allowing annual adjustments for inflation (capped at 6%) to maintain long-term service levels without requiring repeated ballot proceedings.

The Engineer s Report identifies approximately $1.15 million in annual costs to maintain the City s public landscaping, medians, parking lot landscaping, trails, and almost 3,000 public street trees. Of this, $172,130 (15%) is attributed to general benefit and funded by the City from non-assessment sources. The balance, $975,401 (85%), represents special benefit costs to be recovered from assessments. After adding required operational reserves and capital replacement funds, the total levy is $1,110,154, equating to a maximum rate of $165.76 per Equivalent Benefit Unit (EBU).

As shown in Table 1 below, assessments will vary by parcel type, number of units, and size:

Table 1. Proposed Assessment Structure by Land Use Category Parcel Type Assessment Method Example EBU Calculation
Single-Family Residential 1.00 EBU per parcel $165.76/year Multi-Family Residential 0.65 EBU per dwelling unit
(cap 50 EBUs) Varies by number of units
Non-Residential 5.0 EBUs per acre (cap 50
EBUs) Varies by acreage
Vacant Parcels 20% of developed rate Varies by developed rate Exempt Parcels 0.00 EBUs No assessment
Although formation of the new District would increase annual costs for most parcels, it would establish a voter-approved funding mechanism to help ensure the City can Formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 November 10, 2025

maintain service levels, help sustain neighborhood quality, and avoid further diversion of limited discretionary revenues. The District would also support community objectives such as reducing wildfire risk through vegetation management, helping prevent trash and debris from entering storm drains and coastal waters, maintaining clean and safe streetscapes, and preserving the urban forest and landscaped corridors.

Consistent with Proposition 218, formation of the District requires approval through a property-owner protest ballot proceeding. Ballots will be mailed to property owners. A public hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2026, at which ballots will be tabulated, weighted by the property- proportional financial obligation. If a majority protest exists (ballots opposing outweigh ballots in favor, weighted by assessment), proceedings will be abandoned. If no majority protest exists, Council may adopt the Engineer s Report, confirm the District boundaries and levy, and establish the new District.

The attached resolutions and Report have been prepared for the consideration and use in initiating proceedings to form the District, including the propertyowner protest ballot proceeding incorporating the Special Benefit Assessment Setting Procedures discussed below.

Additionally, AB 2257, effective January 1, 2025, codifies Government Code §§ 53759.1 and 53759.2, which authorizes public agencies to implement an exhaustion of administrative remedies requirement in the context of Proposition 218 proceedings and specifies the scope of a review of the administrative record if the local agency complies with certain specified requirements. If these requirements are met by the local agency, any party wishing to preserve their right to legally challenge the Assessment after its adoption is required to submit a written objection regarding a proposed assessment during the property-owner protest ballot proceeding and by a specified deadline not less than 45 days after mailing of the ballot and notice pursuant to Proposition 218. Failure to do so with preclude a party from filling a legal challenge to the assessment. To implement this requirement, the local agency is required, among other things, to prepare written responses to the timely submitted objections and present them to the local agency governing body, which will make certain specified determinations prior to the close of the Proposition 218 proceeding. This process runs concurrently with the Proposition 218 property-owner protest ballot proceeding and does not impact a property ability to submit a protest pursuant to Proposition 218.

In Resolution No. 6421, the City adopted procedures to implement the requirements of AB 2257, Benefit Assessment Setting which the City may follow concurrently with the Proposition 218 property-owner protest ballot proceeding if it chooses to implement an exhaustion of remedies requirement for challenging the legality of an assessment district.

Formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 November 10, 2025

POLICY CONSISTENCY
This action aligns with the City Primary Goal #4: Maintain the Fiscal Sustainability of the City, as outlined in the FY 2025 27 Strategic Plan, by modernizing outdated assessment structures to align assessed rates with actual service costs.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
No appropriations needed at this time. Funding needed to bring this agenda item to the City Council is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

LEGAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The proposed actions comply with the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and Proposition 218 requirements for assessment increases. The City must follow Proposition 218, including the legally mandated property-owner ballot process to implement any new assessments. The City Office has reviewed the draft Resolutions and approved as to form.

OPTIONS

1. Approve the resolutions to initiate formation of the Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 and conduct the required ballot proceeding.

2. Decline to approve the resolutions and provide alternative direction to staff.

PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING
Willdan and CliffordMoss staff.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution 6422
Attachment B: Resolution 6423
Attachment C: Engineer s Report, Formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1
Staff contacts:

Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager (805) 755-4400, [email protected] Signature Stephon Downes, Management Analyst
(805) 755-4406; [email protected] Signature
Formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 November 10, 2025

Reviewed by:

Licette Maldonado, Administrative Services Director
(805) 755-4448; [email protected] Signature
Michael Ramirez, City Manager
(805) 755-4450; [email protected] Signature

ATTACHMENT A
Resolution 6422
RESOLUTION NO. 6422

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA,

CALIFORNIA INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE FORMATION OF THE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 2025-1; AND DIRECTING THE PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA

STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carpinteria pursuant to the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Division 15, Part 2 of the formation of an assessment district within the City of Carpinteria to be known and designated as the Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 , and to levy and collect annual assessments for the District commencing in fiscal year 2026/2027 to pay for the continued operation, maintenance and servicing of landscaping improvements and appurtenant facilities related thereto; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 1, Section 22585 of the Act, proceedings for the formation of an assessment district shall be initiated by resolution and that resolution shall generally describe the proposed improvements, describe the proposed assessment district and specify a distinctive designation for the district, and order the engineer to prepare and file a report in accordance with Article 4 (commencing with Section 22565) of Chapter 1 of the Act; and
WHEREAS, the City has retained Willdan Financial Services as the Assessment Engineer for the purpose of assisting with the formation of the District, the establishment of annual assessments, and to prepare and file a report with the City Clerk concerning the formation of Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 and the proposed annual levy of assessments in accordance with the Act and the provisions of the California Constitution Article XIIID . NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:

SECTION 1. That the foregoing recitals are true and correct; and SECTION 2. That, subject to compliance with Proposition 218 (California Constitution Article XIIID), the City proposes to form the Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 incorporating all lots and parcels of land within the City of Carpinteria; and to levy and collect annual assessments for the District commencing in fiscal year 2026/2027 to pay for the operation, maintenance, and servicing of landscaping and appurtenant facilities related thereto; and SECTION 3. The proposed improvements and services for the District as medians, parkways,
curbs, gutters, benches signs, and sidewalks within public rights-of-ways within the boundaries of the City; the maintenance and servicing of local and arterial street trees Resolution No. 6422

located throughout the City; and other related appurtenant facilities within the District that have been dedicated to the City for maintenance.

SECTION 4. In accordance with Chapter 2, Article 1, Section 22586 of the Act, the City Council hereby directs the Assessment Engineer to prepare and file with the City Clerk an Engineer's Report concerning the formation of the District; the improvements and services connected therewith and the annual levy of assessments commencing with the fiscal year 2026/2027, in accordance with Chapter 1, Article 4 (commencing with Section 22565) of the Act. The Assessment Engineer is further ordered to prepare the report for fiscal year 2025/2026 in accordance with Division 15, Part 2 of the Streets and Highways Code, Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 of the State of California, to reflect the benefit determination outlined above; and SECTION 5. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on the 10th day of November, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
______________________________
Mayor, City of Carpinteria
ATTEST: _____________________________ Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Carpinteria held on November 10, 2025. __________________________
Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC
City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
Resolution No. 6422

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Jena Shoaf Acos, on behalf of Brownstein
Hyatt Farber Shreck, LLP acting as
City Attorney of the City of Carpinteria

ATTACHMENT B
Resolution 6423
RESOLUTION NO. 6423

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA, DECLARING FORM THE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO.
2025-1; INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED THERETO COMMENCING FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE;

AND CALLING FOR A PROPERTY OWNER PROTEST BALLOT PROCEEDING, TO

SUBMIT TO THE QUALIFIED PROPERTY OWNERS THE QUESTION OF LEVYING

SUCH ASSESSMENTS AND ESTABLISHING AN ASSESSMENT RANGE FORMULA

FOR SAID DISTRICT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA

CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE XIIID
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carpinteria Council pursuant to provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 being Division 15, Part 2 of the proceedings for the formation of an assessment district within the City of Carpinteria to be known and designated as the Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 and to levy and collect annual assessments for the District commencing in fiscal year 2026/2027 to pay for the operation, maintenance, and servicing of landscaping improvements and appurtenant facilities related thereto; and

WHEREAS,
Report with the City Clerk regarding the formation of the District and the levy of annual assessments connected therewith commencing in fiscal year 2026/2027 (beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027), pursuant to Section 22586 of the Act, and said report has been presented to the City Council and is incorporated herein by reference.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:

SECTION 1. That the foregoing recitals are true and correct; and SECTION 2. presented consists of the following:
2a.) The Plans and Specifications which describe the boundaries of the District, and the improvements associated therewith that provide special benefits to the parcels therein; and,
2b.) The Method of Apportionment that details the method of calculating proportional special benefit and the annual assessment obligation for each affected parcel; and,
2c.) The Estimate of Costs including the calculation of the assessments and the estimated annual funding (Budget) required for the annual maintenance, servicing, and operation of the landscaping and appurtenant improvements and specifically the costs associated with the improvements determined to be of special benefit to parcels within the District, establishing the proposed Resolution No. 6423

maximum assessments and the assessments for fiscal year 2026/2027; and,
2d.) The Assessment Range Formula (Annual Inflationary Adjustment) to be applied to the proposed Maximum Assessment Rates per Equivalent Benefit Unit in subsequent fiscal years. The proposed Maximum Assessments including the Assessment Range Formula shall be presented to the property owner(s) of record in a protest ballot proceeding pursuant to the California Constitution Article XIIID; and,
2e.) A District Diagram outlining the boundaries of the District for fiscal year 2025/2026; and,
2f.) An Assessment Roll containing the proposed Maximum Assessment and levy of assessment for fiscal year 2026/2027 for each Assessor Parcel Number currently identified within the District; and,
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby approves the
preliminary basis as submitted or amended by direction of this City Council, and orders said Report to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk as a permanent record and to remain open to public inspection
resolution; and,
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby declares its intention to (i) form the assessment district to be known and designated as the Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1 pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 1 of the Act, (ii) establish said District with benefit zones pursuant to Section 22574 of the Act, and (iii) levy and collect annual assessments against parcels of land within the District commencing with fiscal year 2025/2026 in accordance with the Act and the provisions of the California Constitution Article XIIID; and,
The City Council further declares its intention to conduct a public hearing regarding this district formation and the proposed levy of new assessments pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the California Constitution Article XIIID and thereby calls for a property-owner protest balloting proceeding related thereto. The City Council finds that ; and,
SECTION 5. The City Council hereby finds that the territory within the proposed District consists of and includes those lots, parcels
and subdivisions of land that will receive special benefits from the improvements to be provided; and,
SECTION 6. The proposed improvements and services for the District as , include but are not limited to medians, parkways,
curbs, gutters, benches signs, and sidewalks within public rights-of-ways within the boundaries of the City; the maintenance and servicing of local and arterial street trees Resolution No. 6423

located throughout the City; and other related appurtenant facilities within the District that have been dedicated to the City for maintenance.

SECTION 7. The City Council hereby determines that to provide the improvements described in Section 6 of this resolution, it is necessary to levy and collect assessments against lots and parcels within the District commencing in fiscal year 2026/2027 Section 2 of this resolution establishes
the proposed maximum assessments for the District including the annual inflationary adjustment to the maximum assessment rates; and the assessments necessary to provide for the annual operation, administration, services and maintenance of the improvements commencing in fiscal year 2026/2027; and,
SECTION 8. Pursuant to California Constitution Article XIIID, an assessment ballot proceeding is hereby called on the matter of confirming the proposed new assessments for the District. The ballots and notices so authorized shall be distributed by first class mail to the property owners of record as of the last County equalized roll not less than 45 days prior to the public hearing, and each property owner may return the ballot by mail or in person to the City Clerk not later than the conclusion of the public hearing for this matter; and,
SECTION 9. In Resolution No. 6421 and pursuant to AB 2257 (effective January 1, 2025) and Proposition 218, the City Council adopted procedures implementing an exhaustion of administrative remedies requirement for challenging the assessment under y authorizes the implementation of the Special Benefit
Assessment Setting Procedures for Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1; and, SECTION 10. The City Council hereby authorizes and directs the City Clerk or their designee to prepare and mail notice of the Public Hearing; and in the same or separate mailing, mail the property owner protest ballot(s) to the subject property owner regarding the proposed levy of assessments and the assessment range formula outlined set forth in this resolution. The notice of the Public Hearing shall comply with the Special Benefit Assessment Setting Procedures adopted in Resolution No. 6421; and, SECTION 11. The City Council hereby declares its intention to conduct a public hearing concerning the District, the improvements, and the levy of assessments and in accordance with Section 22587(e) and 22588 of the Act, notice is hereby given that on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM, the City Council will hold a public hearing for the District and the levy and collection of assessments related thereto commencing in fiscal year 2026/2027, or as soon thereafter as feasible. The public hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers, located at 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, at the time so fixed. At the public hearing, all interested persons shall be afforded the opportunity to hear and be heard; and,
Resolution No. 6423

SECTION 12. The property-owner protest ballot proceeding conducted for the District
assessments and assessment range formula. The property owner may return the ballot by mail or in-person to the City Clerk, not later than the conclusion of the public hearing tentatively scheduled for March 9, 2026. After the close of the public hearing, pursuant to Section 4, Sub-Section 4(e) of the California Constitution, the City or designated party shall tabulate the ballots returned to determine if majority protest exists. The ballots shall be weighted according to the proportional financial obligation of the affected property.

Majority protest exists if, upon the conclusion of the hearing, weighted ballots submitted in opposition to the assessment exceed the weighted ballots submitted in favor of the assessment; and, any interested person may file a written protest with the City Clerk prior to the conclusion of the hearing, or having previously filed a protest, may file a written withdrawal of that protest. A written protest shall state all grounds of objection, and protest by a property owner shall contain a description sufficient to identify the property owned by such property owner. At the public hearing, all interested persons shall be afforded the opportunity to hear and be heard; and,
SECTION 13. The City Clerk or their designee is hereby authorized and directed to give notice of such Public Hearing as provided by law.

SECTION 14. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on the 10th day of November 10, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
______________________________
Mayor, City of Carpinteria
ATTEST: _____________________________ Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
Resolution No. 6423

I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Carpinteria held on November 10, 2025. __________________________
Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC
City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Jena Shoaf Acos, on behalf of Brownstein
Hyatt Farber Shreck, LLP acting as
City Attorney of the City of Carpinteria

ATTACHMENT C
Engineer s Report,
Formation of Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District No. 2025-1

City of Carpinteria

COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

ITEM FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Resolution of Intention to Form the Coastal Berm Assessment District and to Levy Assessments Commencing Fiscal Year 2026/2027.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

1. Approve Resolution No. 6424 initiating proceedings to form the Carpinteria Coastal Report regarding the district formation and levy of assessments.

2. Approve Resolution No. 6425
Coastal Berm Assessment District,
ordering that a property-owner protest ballot proceeding be conducted pursuant to Proposition 218; and setting the date, time, and place for the public hearing.

Sample Motion:

I move that the City Council: (1) approve Resolution No. 6424 initiating proceedings to form the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District and directing preparation and 6425
Proposition 218 property-owner ballot proceeding, and setting the date, time, and place for the public hearing.
(This motion requires a roll call vote.)

BACKGROUND
History of the Winter Berm and Formation of the Assessment District Since 1983, the City of Carpinteria has annually constructed, maintained, and removed a winter sand berm along Carpinteria City Beach to provide seasonal protection to the beach community from storm waves and coastal flooding. The berm offers a limited but meaningful level of flood mitigation for beachfront properties and public infrastructure, while its seasonal removal preserves recreational beach access and aesthetics during the summer months.

Agenda Section: Other Business
Agenda Item No.: 11
Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
Formation of the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District November 10, 2025

Fund, with early costs estimated at approximately $20,000 per year, plus a $4,000 annual reserve contribution. By 1992, however, fiscal constraints rendered it no longer feasible alternative funding mechanism. The winter berm is not a legally mandated flood control facility; rather, it is a discretionary protective measure implemented by the City to reduce potential storm-related flood impacts along the beachfront.

To ensure long-term program viability, the City Council established the Carpinteria City Beach Winter Protection Berm Assessment District pursuant to the Municipal Improvement Act of 1913, which authorizes cities to levy assessments on properties receiving direct benefit from improvements such as levees, bulkheads, and other coastal protection structures. The District was created to equitably allocate program costs among Over
time, this initial funding framework became outdated as costs increased and program complexity grew.

Existing Assessment District No. 5
Today, the City administers Assessment District No. 5, formed by City Council Resolution No. 3061 on December 14, 1992, consistent with this original intent. The District has historically funded the seasonal construction and removal of the protective sand berm along Carpinteria City Beach, providing protection from storm waves and coastal flooding for properties within the district boundaries extending from Linden Avenue to Ash Avenue.

In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 218, which established strict requirements for imposing and increasing property-related assessments, including mandatory property-owner approval through a ballot proceeding. A Proposition 218 vote was held for District No. 5 on January 13, 1997, at which time the assessment rates were locked in at a fixed rate.

Need to Replace and Modernize Existing Assessment District Since 1997, assessment rates have remained unchanged at a value of approximately $20,000 while the cost to plan, permit, construct, monitor, maintain, and when necessary repair the seasonal berm has increased across multiple cost drivers.

These include:

Labor and prevailing wage escalation for specialized coastal and heavy civil work, including overtime associated with storm event mobilizations.

Materials and equipment cost growth - Inflation (trucking, fuel, loaders/dozers, and protective coverings).

Formation of the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District November 10, 2025

Regulatory compliance and permitting (California Coastal Act, U.S. Army Corps, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and related monitoring/mitigation and reporting requirements).

Storm season mobilization/demobilization frequency and standby readiness costs to respond during high surf and rain events.

Insurance, bonding, and contractor availability in a tight marine/coastal market.

Administrative and program management (public noticing, professional services (biologist / land surveying) contract administration, budget tracking, and emergency procurement readiness).

To address this funding gap, and in alignment with previous Council direction, staff recommends the City Council initiate formation of a new assessment district the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District and authorize the required Proposition 218 ballot proceeding. The new District will establish updated assessments that reflect current costs and provide a sustainable funding structure for the berm program.

Two resolutions (Attachments A and B) have been prepared to initiate formation of the new assessment district:

Attachment A Resolution Initiating Proceedings: Directs preparation and Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District in accordance with the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982.

Attachment B Resolution of Intention:
property-owner protest ballot proceeding required by Proposition 218. This resolution also sets the date, time, and place of the public hearing at which ballots will be tabulated.

Attachment C is the , which defines the district boundary, identifies the improvements and services to be funded, explains the assessment methodology and proportionality findings required by Proposition 218, and establishes the maximum annual assessment rates.

DISCUSSION
Maintain the Fiscal Sustainability of the
City, as outlined in the FY 2025 27 Strategic Plan, the City is pursuing targeted initiatives to align long-term funding with service demands. As part of this direction, the City Council specifically called for modernizing outdated assessment structures, which will ensure essential maintenance services are funded equitably by the properties that benefit from them and to reduce reliance on discretionary General Fund subsidies.

In furtherance of this City Council goal, staff enlisted Willdan Financial Services to prepare (Attachment C) evaluating the current and projected costs of the Winter Berm Program and developing a methodology for equitable cost allocation Formation of the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District November 10, 2025

fixed assessments are no longer sufficient to fund ongoing berm construction, maintenance, and emergency response needs.
the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District to consolidate all berm-related costs into a single, updated program with transparent benefit apportionment and a sustainable funding structure. Under this approach, the existing District would be replaced with a new District that aligns assessments with actual program costs that are allocated based on the proportional special benefits to parcels within the District. Under the proposed District, revised assessments will be levied beginning in Fiscal Year 2026/27 and will be collected on the County property tax roll. The assessments will be calculated on the basis of will be adjusted annually
to reflect actual program costs while remaining within the voter-approved maximum levy.

The was prepared by Willdan Financial Services, a consulting firm with more than 60 years of experience assisting California public agencies with assessment engineering, municipal finance, and district formation.

The berm program consists of seasonal construction and removal of an earthen berm approximately 1,375 feet in length, 40 feet wide at its base, and 9.5 feet high. Once constructed, the berm must be monitored, maintained, and repaired during the winter storm season to ensure that it provides reliable protection. Emergency response activities are often required during significant weather events to reinforce the structure and prevent overtopping or erosion. In addition to physical construction and maintenance, the program requires administrative oversight, land surveying, biologist reports and supervision, compliance with legal noticing, permitting and reporting obligations, and the management of contractual and budgetary responsibilities. A contingency allocation is also necessary to address unforeseen events such as unusually severe storms resulting in damage to the Berm or cost escalations.
provide a direct and special benefit to properties located within the proposed boundaries.

Primarily, the berm reduces flood risk. However, there are secondary benefits, including preserving property values and, in some cases, the potential to lower insurance costs for properties within the District. A minor portion of the overall benefit, approximately five percent, has been determined to be general in nature and will therefore be funded by nonConsistent with Proposition 218, formation of the District requires approval through a property-owner protest ballot proceeding. Ballots will be mailed to property owners and weighted by financial obligation. A public hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2026, at which time ballots will be tabulated, weighted by the propertyobligation. If a majority protest exists (ballots opposing outweigh ballots in favor, weighted by assessment), proceedings will be abandoned. If no majority protest exists, Council the new District.

Formation of the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District November 10, 2025

consideration:

Attachment A Resolution Initiating Proceedings: Directs preparation and Assessment District under the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982.

Attachment B Resolution of Intention:

Proposition 218 ballot proceeding incorporating the procedures set forth in the Special Benefit Assessment Setting Procedures . This
resolution also sets a Public Hearing tentatively scheduled for March 9, 2026, at which time ballots will be tabulated.

Additionally, AB 2257, effective January 1, 2025, codifies Government Code §§ 53759.1 and 53759.2, which authorizes public agencies to implement an exhaustion of administrative remedies requirement in the context of Proposition 218 proceedings and specifie
complies with certain specified requirements. If these requirements are met by the local agency, any party wishing to preserve their right to legally challenge the Assessment after its adoption is required to submit a written objection regarding a proposed assessment during the property-owner protest ballot proceeding and by a specified deadline not less than 45 days after mailing of the ballot and notice pursuant to Proposition 218. Failure to do so would preclude a party from filling a legal challenge to the assessment. To implement this requirement, the local agency is required, among other things, to prepare written responses to the timely submitted objections and present them to the local agency governing body, which will make certain specified determinations prior to the close of the Proposition 218 proceeding. This process runs concurrently with the Proposition 218 propertyto submit a protest pursuant to Proposition 218.

In Resolution No. 6421, the City adopted procedures to implement the requirements of concurrently with the Proposition 218 property-owner protest ballot proceeding if it chooses to implement an exhaustion of remedies requirement for challenging the legality of an assessment district.

POLICY CONSISTENCY
This action aligns with the City Primary Goal #4: Maintain the Fiscal Sustainability of the City, as outlined in the FY 2025 27 Strategic Plan, by modernizing outdated assessment structures to align assessed rates with actual service costs.

Formation of the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District November 10, 2025

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
No appropriations are needed at this time. Funding needed to prepare and present this agenda item to the City Council is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

LEGAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The proposed actions comply with the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982, being Chapter

6.4 of the California Government Code (commencing with Section 54703) and Proposition 218 requirements for assessment increases, including the legally mandated propertyowner ballot process to implement any new assessments. reviewed the draft Resolutions and approved as to form.

OPTIONS

1. Approve the resolutions to initiate the formation of the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District and conduct the required ballot proceeding.

2. Decline to approve the resolutions and provide alternative direction to staff.

PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING
Representatives of Willdan Financial Services and CliffordMoss.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution 6424
Attachment B: Resolution 6425
Attachment C: Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment
District, Fiscal Year 2026/2027
Staff contacts:

Ryan Kintz, Assistant City Manager (805) 755-4400, [email protected] Signature Stephon Downes, Management Analyst
(805) 755-44406; [email protected] Signature
Reviewed by:

Licette Maldonado, Administrative Services Director
(805) 755-4448; [email protected] Signature
Michael Ramirez, City Manager
(805) 755-4450; [email protected] Signature

ATTACHMENT A
Resolution 6424
RESOLUTION NO. 6424

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA,

CALIFORNIA, INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE FORMATION OF THE COASTAL BERM PROTECTION ASSESSMENT DISTRICT; AND THE INTENTION

TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS RELATED THERETO COMMENCING WITH FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027
WHEREAS, the City Council pursuant to the provisions of the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982, Chapter 6.4, Division 2, Title 5 of the Government Code of the State of initiate proceedings for the formation of the Coastal Berm Assessment District (hereafter District declare its intent to levy and collect annual assessments to pay for the operation, maintenance and servicing of berm improvements and appurtenant facilities related thereto; and
WHEREAS, the boundaries of the District shall be as described on the maps on file with the City , and incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS, the City
Assessment Engineer for the purpose of assisting with the formation of the District, the establishment of annual assessments, and to prepare and file a report with the City Clerk concerning the formation of the Coastal Berm Assessment District and the proposed annual levy of assessments in accordance with the Act and the provisions of the California NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:

SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct.

SECTION 2. The City Council hereby orders Willdan, an engineer registered pursuant to the Professional Engineers Act (Chapter 7, commencing with Section 670, of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code), has been designated Assessment Engineer for the proposed formation of the District. Willdan is hereby ordered to prepare , and adoption
in accordance with the Act and the laws of the State of California.

SECTION 3. The purpose of this District is to provide funding for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the berm improvements necessary to protect properties within the District, and the surrounding coastal environment, from flooding. The maintenance and operation of these improvements may include, but are not limited to, all materials, equipment, labor, and incidental expenses deemed necessary to keep the berm improvements and facilities in satisfactory condition as well as the collection of assessment installments for the periodic service activities, repair, or refurbishments of the improvements. Detailed maps and descriptions of the location and extent of the specific improvements to be maintained by the District are on file at the City of Carpinteria and by reference these plans and specifications are made part of this resolution.

Resolution No. 6424

SECTION 4: The territory of land within the proposed District includes all lots and parcels of land within a certain proximity that will receive special benefit from the berm improvements installed and maintained in connection with the protection of specific properties within the City limits of Carpinteria.

SECTION 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

SECTION 6. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on the 10th day of November, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER(S) ______________________________ Mayor, City of Carpinteria ATTEST: _____________________________ Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Carpinteria held on November 10, 2025. __________________________ Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
Resolution No. 6424

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Jena Shoaf Acos, on behalf of Brownstein
Hyatt Farber Shreck, LLP acting as
City Attorney of the City of Carpinteria

ATTACHMENT B
Resolution 6425
RESOLUTION NO. 6425

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA,

THE COASTAL
BERM ASSESSMENT DISTRICT; INTENTION TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS; ; AND CALLING FOR A

PROPERTY OWNER BALLOT PROTEST PROCEEDING TO SUBMIT TO THE

QUALIFIED PROPERTY OWNERS THE QUESTION OF LEVYING SUCH

ASSESSMENTS FOR SAID FORMATION PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE

CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE XIIID
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carpinteria ( City ) has initiated proceedings to form the Coastal Berm Protection Assessment District (hereafter referred ; pursuant to the provisions of the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982, Chapter 6.4, Division 2, Title 5 of the Government Code of the State of California to
operate, maintain and service the berm improvements and appurtenant facilities related thereto; and
WHEREAS, the proposed newly formed district be designated as Coastal Berm Protection Assessment District; and
WHEREAS, the boundary of the District shall be as described on the maps, presented in ; and
WHEREAS, the Assessment Engineer, Willdan, has filed with the City Clerk of the City and the City Clerk has presented to the City Council a report , regarding the proposed formation of the District. Sections 54715 et seq. of the Government Code outline the rules and regulations of the Act for adopting benefit assessments; and

WHEREAS,
consideration and has been fully considered by the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:

SECTION 1.
consists of the following:
1a.) The Plans and Specifications which describe the boundaries of the District, and the improvements associated therewith that provide special benefits to the parcels therein.
1b.) The Method of Apportionment details the method of calculating proportional special benefit and the annual assessment obligation for each affected parcel.

Resolution No. 6425

1c.) The District Budget including the estimated annual funding (Budget) required for the annual maintenance, servicing, and operation of berm improvements and specifically the costs associated with the improvements determined to be of special benefit to parcels within the District establishing the proposed maximum assessment.
1d.) The proposed Maximum Assessments shall be presented to the property owner(s) of record in a protest ballot proceeding pursuant to the California Constitution Article XIIID.
1e.) A District Diagram outlining the boundaries of the District. 1f.) An Assessment Roll containing the maximum assessments and proposed assessments as of the date of the report for each Assessor Parcel Number within the District.

SECTION 2.
approved on a preliminary basis as submitted or amended by direction of this City Council and is hereby ordered to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk as a permanent record and to remain open to public inspection.

SECTION 3. Intention: The City Council hereby declares its intention to (i) form the Coastal Berm Protection Assessment District and (ii) levy and collect annual assessments against parcels of land commencing with fiscal year 2026/2027 in accordance with the Act and the provisions of the California Constitution Article XIIID.

SECTION 4. Territory: The City Council hereby finds that the territory proposed to be included within the District will receive a special benefit from the berm improvements and maintenance activities associated with the protection of beachfront and nearby properties within the City limits of Carpinteria.

SECTION 5. Improvements: The proposed improvements and services for the District include installation, construction, maintenance, and operation of any authorized improvements under the Act, including, but not limited to, berm improvements and any facilities which are appurtenant to any of the aforementioned or which are necessary or connection with the formation of the District, provides a more detailed description of the improvements and services to be provided and for which properties shall be assessed SECTION 6. Assessments: The City Council hereby determines that to provide the improvements described in Section 5 of this resolution, it is necessary to levy and collect assessments against lots and parcels within the District commencing in fiscal year 2026/2027 1 of this resolution establishes
the initial maximum assessment rate and an estimate of maximum assessments with an escalator necessary to provide for the annual operation, administration, services, and maintenance of the improvements.

Resolution No. 6425

SECTION 7. Compliance with the Constitution: Pursuant to California Constitution Article XIIID, an assessment ballot proceeding is hereby called on the matter of confirming the proposed new assessments for the District. The ballots and notices so authorized shall be distributed by first class mail to the property owners of record as of the last County equalized roll, and each property owner may return the ballot by mail or in-person to the City Clerk no later than the conclusion of the public hearing for this matter.

The City shall hold a public hearing not less than forty-five (45) days after mailing the notices and ballots, at which time all interested persons may provide written or oral testimony. Following the close of the public hearing, the City Clerk shall tabulate the ballots and report the results to the City Council, which shall then determine whether a majority protest exists in accordance with Proposition 218.

SECTION 8. Special Benefit Assessment Setting Procedures: In Resolution No. 6421 and pursuant to AB 2257 (effective January 1, 2025) and Proposition 218, the City Council adopted procedures implementing an exhaustion of administrative remedies requirement for challenging the assessment under the California Constitution (referred to the
implementation of the Special Benefit Assessment Setting Procedures for the Coastal Berm Protection Assessment District.

SECTION 9. Mailed Notice and Ballot: The City Council hereby authorizes and directs the City Clerk or their designee to prepare and mail the Notice of Public Hearing, and in the same or separate mailing, mail the property owner protest ballot(s) to the subject property owners regarding the proposed levy of assessments and the assessment time of the public hearing set forth in this resolution. The notice of the Public Hearing shall comply with the Special Benefit Assessment Setting Procedures adopted in Resolution No. 6421.

SECTION 10. Public Hearing: The City Council hereby declares its intention to conduct a public hearing concerning the Coastal Berm Protection Assessment District, the improvements, and the levy of assessments, notice is hereby given that on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM the City Council will hold a public hearing for the formation of the District and the levy and collection of assessments related thereto commencing in fiscal year 2026/2027, or as soon thereafter as feasible. The public hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers, located at 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, at the time so fixed. At the public hearing, all interested persons shall be afforded the opportunity to hear and be heard.

SECTION 11. Determination of Majority Protest: The property owner protest ballot proceeding conducted for the formation of the District
approval or rejection of the annual levy of assessments and assessment range formula.

The property owner may return the ballot by mail or in-person to the City Clerk no later than the conclusion of the public hearing on Monday, March 9, 2026. After the close of the public hearing, pursuant to Section 4, Sub-Section 4(e) of the California Constitution, the City shall tabulate the ballots returned to determine if majority protest exists. The Resolution No. 6425

ballots shall be weighted according to the proportional financial obligation of the affected property. Majority protest exists if, upon the conclusion of the hearing, weighted ballots submitted in opposition to the assessment exceed the weighted ballots submitted in favor of the assessment.

SECTION 12. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

SECTION 13. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on the 10th day of November, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER(S)
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER(S) ______________________________ Mayor, City of Carpinteria ATTEST: _____________________________ Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Carpinteria held on November 10, 2025. __________________________ Brian C. Barrett, CMC, CPMC City Clerk, City of Carpinteria
Resolution No. 6425

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Jena Shoaf Acos, on behalf of Brownstein
Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP acting as
City Attorney of the City of Carpinteria

ATTACHMENT C
Fiscal Year 2026/2027