STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC 12
5/26/2026
TN
Date: May 26, 2026
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Patti Garibay, Director - Community Development
Nicole Jones, Manager – Community Development
Subject: Proposed Increase and Expansion of the City of Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District and Initiation of Proposition 218 Proceedings
Recommendation:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-___ declaring the City Council’s intention to levy and collect assessments within the City of Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District, preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Report, ordering the mailing of notices and assessment ballots, and setting the time and place for a public hearing pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and Article XIII D of the California Constitution; and
2. Direct staff to proceed with the Proposition 218 noticing and assessment ballot proceedings for the proposed Landscape Maintenance District assessments.
G.C. Section 84308: No
Fiscal Impact:
The proposed maximum annual assessment unit rate is approximately $87.80 per Equivalent Benefit Unit (EBU). The proposed annual special benefit assessment revenue is estimated at approximately $4,071,320 annually and would fund operation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, replacement, administration, irrigation infrastructure replacement, and reserves associated with the Landscape Maintenance District.
Background:
Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 was originally formed in 1983 for the purpose of funding maintenance of landscaped corridors and related improvements within the City of Lancaster. 2 3
7 1
Over time, the Landscape Maintenance District has expanded through annexations and development, resulting in varying assessment levels and differing CPI adjustment provisions depending on the timing of annexation and prior property owner approvals.
The District currently funds the maintenance of landscaped frontage improvements, medians, irrigation systems, trails, fencing, trees, weed abatement areas, and related appurtenant facilities.
Due to increasing operating costs, deferred maintenance and capital replacement needs, the City initiated a comprehensive review of the landscape maintenance assessment program.
The City retained Harris & Associates to prepare a preliminary engineering analysis and Engineer’s Report evaluating existing landscape improvements, operating costs, irrigation infrastructure replacement needs, reserve requirements, and an updated assessment methodology consistent with Proposition 218.
The proposed assessment methodology utilizes Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) and equivalent Benefit Units (BUs) adjusted by land use intensity, level of service multipliers and corridor exposure modifiers to proportionally allocate assessments based on special benefit received.
The proposed assessment program would continue assessments on existing benefited parcels at updated rates and would also apply assessments to additional parcels identified as receiving special benefit from landscaped corridors and improvements within approximately one-quarter mile of maintained improvements.
The proposed maximum annual assessment unit rate is approximately $87.80 per Benefit Unit (BU), subject to annual CPI-U adjustments.
If approved, notices and assessment ballots will be mailed to affected property owners at least forty-five (45) days prior to the public hearing.
Attachment:
Resolution No. 26-___ – Landscape Maintenance District Resolution of Intention Preliminary Engineer’s Report – Landscape Maintenance District Notice of Public Hearing and Assessment Ballot