Agenda Item: 10
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: January 14, 2025
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION DECLARING PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF
SANTA CLARITA EXEMPT FROM THE SURPLUS LAND ACT
AND APPROVAL OF A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT, LAND
EXCHANGE, AND AN EASEMENT WITH VISTA CANYON, LLC
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Mariela Delgado
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution declaring a portion of the Assessor’s Parcel Number 2840-029-901 as exempt surplus land under the Surplus Land Act.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the lot line adjustment and the property exchange with Vista Canyon, LLC.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to grant Vista Canyon, LLC, an easement for landscape improvements and maintenance.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documentation to complete the property exchange, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clarita (City) owns approximately 1.4 acres of property identified in Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 2840-029-901, the Cooper Street parking structure. The adjacent property owner, Vista Canyon, LLC, (Vista Canyon) has requested a lot line adjustment to utilize the unused space for mechanical equipment and allow for improved access and architecture of the to-be-constructed apartment building (Area A, as shown in Exhibit B).
Additionally, the lot line adjustment will allow for improved layout and functionality of the private community garden (Area B). The requested portions of City property, approximately 1,478 square feet, are not needed for public use. Under the California Surplus Land Act (SLA),
any public property transfer of ownership must be declared surplus and offered for affordable housing development or other public uses unless it qualifies as "exempt surplus land" under specific statutory criteria.
This agenda item proposes declaring the subject property as "exempt surplus land" under California Government Code 54221(f). The property qualifies for exemption because it meets the following conditions: the parcel is less than 0.5 acres and not contiguous to land owned by the state or used for open space or affordable housing purposes. It is being exchanged for a substitute property for City use, specifically to secure an additional access point to a public parking garage, thereby enhancing public infrastructure and access.
In equal exchange for the surplus land, Vista Canyon has offered a portion of the adjacent parcel, approximately 1,478 square feet (Area C). This exchange will benefit the City by providing a second access point to the Cooper Street public parking garage. The official recordation of the lot line adjustment and land exchange will be contingent on completing Vista Canyon Park Phase II.
Staff has prepared a resolution declaring the property as exempt surplus land and authorizing its exchange. The proposed action has been evaluated for compliance with the SLA and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff determined that the designation of the property as exempt surplus land does not constitute a project under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 and does not pose a potential for significant environmental impact.
In addition, Vista Canyon is requesting a permanent easement (Area D) on APN 2840-029-901 for the landscape and streetscape improvements that will be designed, constructed, and maintained by the owners of Building Four or Vista Canyon. This mutually beneficial easement will reduce the City's maintenance burden and provide landscape beautification and a passive-use gathering area for the community to enjoy.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other actions as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS
SLA Exemption Resolution
Vista Canyon Site Map