Agenda Item: 11
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: April 22, 2025
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK
AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF
MEASURE A GRANT FUNDS AND PRESERVATION OF 457 +/-
ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY,
VASQUEZ CANYON RANCH
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Amber Rodriguez
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute an agreement with the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District to accept Measure A grant funds for a total amount of $1,437,195, subject to City Attorney approval.
2. Approve the purchase of 457+/- acres of real property, Assessor Parcel Numbers 2813-013- 0032, 2813-013-033, 2813-014-003, 2813-015-008, 2813-015-010, 2813-015-014, 2813-015- 015, and 2813-016-011, at a total cost of $2,589,314, which includes property purchase price, escrow, title, due diligence costs, trail head improvements, and payment of annual property taxes.
3. Appropriate one-time funds of $1,437,195 from Measure A Fund (Fund 269) to Measure A Acquisition Grant Account R0037269-520104.
4. Appropriate one-time funds of $1,152,119 from Open Space Preservation District Fund (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Accounts 3587501-520104 ($1,141,719), 3587501-518503 ($8,400), and 3587501-511101 ($2,000) for the purchase of the property, property taxes, and maintenance fees.
5. Appropriate ongoing funds beginning in Fiscal Year 2025-26 of $62,000 from the Open Space Preservation District Fund (Fund 358) to Open Space Expenditure Accounts 3587501-
518503 ($50,000) and 3587501-511101 ($12,000) for annual property taxes and ongoing maintenance.
6. Find this acquisition exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Article 19, Section 15313 (Class 13); Section 15317 (Class 17); and Section 15325 (Class 25).
7. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
On January 24, 2025, the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) awarded the City of Santa Clarita (City) $1,437,195 of Measure A-Acquisition Grant funds to expand and protect local open space throughout Los Angeles County. Specifically, the grant supports the City's acquisition of Vasquez Canyon Ranch, Assessor Parcel Numbers 2813-013- 0032, 2813-013-033, 2813-014-003, 2813-015-008, 2813-015-010, 2813-015-014, 2813-015- 015, and 2813-016-011. As part of the grant agreement, the City must record a deed restriction to preserve the use of land as open space. This acquisition aligns with the City's Open Space Preservation District's (OSPD) mission of expanding the existing Open Space, Park, and Parkland Program to preserve natural land from development, create more open space for outdoor recreation, and protect rare biological and geological regions.
The subject properties are located within the OSPD boundary along Vasquez Canyon Road. The properties contribute to preserving the green belt on the northeast side of the Santa Clarita Valley and will enhance trail connectivity in the area. The Vasquez Canyon Ranch properties are also located near the open space dedicated as part of the Skyline Ranch development.
City staff evaluated the site and identified it as a valuable addition to the City's open space preservation efforts on the northeast side of the valley. Acquiring the property would support the expansion of the greenbelt, connecting the northern to the eastern areas of the Santa Clarita Valley.
In recent years, the City has paid an average of $5,387 per acre when acquiring open space land.
The Vasquez Canyon Ranch property costs $5,470 per acre, resulting in a total purchase cost of $2,500,000. Additionally, closing costs, including escrow, title, appraisal fees, and maintenance, are estimated at $89,314, bringing the total cost to $2,589,314. Due to the property's location outside the City boundary, an ongoing annual appropriation of $62,000 will be required for maintenance and associated property taxes.
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 to maintain the character of the open space area. A Class 25 exemption consists of transferring ownership of interests in land to preserve open space, habitat, or historical resources.
This grant and property acquisition represent a significant investment in the expansion of the City’s open space and preservation of the green belt. Staff recommends approval of the grant agreement to facilitate the acquisition of Vasquez Canyon Ranch.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total costs associated with the property acquisition are estimated at $2,589,314. Upon City Council approval of the Recommended Action, funds will be available in Measure A Acquisition Grant Account R0037269-520104 (Measure A fund) and Open Space Expenditure Accounts 3587501-520104, 518503, and 511101 (OSPD fund).
ATTACHMENTS
Vasquez Canyon Ranch Map
LACO RPOSD Grant Agreement (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)