Agenda Item: 15
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: June 25, 2024
SUBJECT: PRESERVATION OF 41.49 +/- ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, ASSESSORS PARCELS NO. 2826-019-031
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Susan Nelson
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Approve the purchase of 41.49+/- acres of real property contiguous to City-owned open space property to the west of the City, Assessor's Parcel Number 2826-019-031, at a total cost of $195,250, which includes property purchase price, escrow, title, appraisal fees, due diligence costs, and payment of annual property taxes.
2. Appropriate $195,250 from the Open Space Preservation District Fund (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Account 3587501-520104.
3. Appropriate $5,000 as an on-going annual expenditure from Open Space Preservation District Fund (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Account 3587501- 518503 ($2,500) and 3587501-511101 ($2,500) for the payment of annual property taxes and on-going maintenance.
4. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
The subject property is located in the Pico Canyon area and is contiguous to the City of Santa Clarita (City) owned Aidlin Open Space and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority-owned properties. The property contributes to fortifying the green belt buffer on the western edge of the Santa Clarita Valley and is adjacent to existing City and state open space preservation lands.
In 2023, the property owner contacted the City regarding selling the vacant property adjacent to the City-owned open space property. City staff evaluated the property and determined that acquiring the parcel would positively increase the City’s open space preservation effort on the west side of the valley and will fortify open space connections between Aidlin Open Space and Rivendale Open Space areas.
The purchase price of the property is $180,000. Closing costs, which include escrow, title, appraisal fees, and due diligence costs, are estimated at $15,250, for a total cost and appropriation of $195,250. An ongoing appropriation of $2,500 annually is necessary for the payment of property taxes as the property is located outside of the City boundary.
The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Article 19, Section 15313 (Class 13); Section 15317 (Class 17); and Section 15325 (Class 25). A Class 13 exemption consists of the acquisition of lands for fish and wildlife conservation purposes. A Class 17 exemption consists of the acceptance of easements or fee interests in order to maintain the open space character of the area. A Class 25 exemption consists of the transfers of ownership of interests in land in order to preserve open space, habitat, or historical resources.
Staff recommends approving the acquisition of the open space property to continue the ongoing Open Space Preservation District efforts.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total costs associated with the property acquisition are estimated at $195,250. Upon City Council approval of the Recommended Action, funds will be available in Open Space Expenditure Accounts 3587501-520104, 3587501-518503 and 3587501-511101 (OSPD fund).
ATTACHMENTS
Site Map