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September 12, 2023
ITEM TITLE
Dog Park: Provide Direction to Staff on the Establishment of an Off-Leash Fenced Dog Park Within the Boundaries of Hilltop Park
Report Number: 23-0249
Location: Hilltop Park, 780 Hilltop Drive
Department: Community Services – Parks and Recreation
Environmental Notice: The Project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines Section 15301 Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15061(b)(3).
Recommended Action
Provide direction to the staff with regards to an off-leash, fenced dog park within the boundaries of Hilltop Park.
SUMMARY
In response to a request made during public comment by a community group called Hilltop Dog Friends at the December 6, 2022 City Council meeting the City Council directed staff to explore the possibility of an off- leash dog park at Hilltop Park.
The initial proposal by the Hilltop Dog Friends was allowing an off-leash dog area without fenced boundaries in the western area of Hilltop Park. Staff does not support this recommendation but would support designating an area of the park as a fenced off-leash dog park in an area that would not take away any access to sports fields.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15061(b)(3), because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in quest ion may have a P a g e | 2
significant effect on the environment. Thus, no further environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
At the April 27, 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting the Commission did not support the item as presented by the Hilltop Dog Friends. The item was heard a second time by the Commission on June 15, 2023 and once again the Commission did not support the item, however, they did support the possibility of a fenced dog park at Hilltop Park. Commission concerns included the loss of a sports field at a westside park, safety, and liability.
DISCUSSION
The City of Chula Vista parks system is comprised of 6 5 publicly maintained parks, of which, 9 have designated off -leash, fenced dog parks. There are an additional 6 future parks that will have designated off- leash, fenced dog parks as well. The City of Chula Vista currently has one identified park that allows off leash dog access without fenced boundaries. In 2019, the City Council approved a pilot program for an off-leash, unfenced dog park at Memorial Park. This locati on generally has about 10-15 patrons throughout the day.
There have been few reported incidents over the past 4 years.
The Hilltop Dog Friends are requesting that the City allow an off-leash dog park at Hilltop Park without a fenced boundary. Currently, the park is used for purposes other than dog access, mainly youth sports, but also for picnicking, special events and passive use. It should be noted, that unlike Memorial Park, the Hilltop Park proposal would eliminate a sports field. Staff can support the establishment of a fenced off leash dog park that would not impact sports field availability.
To implement a fenced dog park staff would be required to post signage stating t he boundaries of the off - leash dog access and regulations for the use of the designated area. Posted regulations would include dog owners being required to clean up after their dogs, dog owners required to maintain control of their dogs, dogs required to have current license, shots and no contagious diseases, and to limit excessive barking and hours of operation. In addition, staff will need to purchase and erect the fence, gates, four signs and posts to notify users of the boundaries as well as the rules and regulations. At each signpost, dog waste bag dispensers with waste containers would need to be added. Parks Maintenance staff would need to replace the dog waste bags regularly.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Councilmembers and has found no property holdings within 1,000 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. Consequently, this item does not present a disqualifying real property -related financial conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(7) or (8), for purposes of the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov’t Code §87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
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The current-year fiscal impact to the General Fund to implement an off-leash fenced dog park it is estimated to cost between $50,000 to $ 60,000 for the initial implementation of the program. These funds are not available in the current year budget. If Council direction is to provide a fenced off -leash dog park staff w ill come back to Council with a recommended budget amendment and request for appropriations.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Annual expenses would include the replacement of dog waste bags , removal of trash and debris and other maintenance items as they arose . The annual fiscal impact to the General Fund for subsequent years is estimated to be around $3,000 but would be evaluated in the subsequent years annual budget development process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Hilltop Park Map
Staff Contact: Gil Contreras