Agenda Item: 17
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: June 23, 2026
SUBJECT: PRESERVATION OF 500 +/- ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, WH PARK PLACE 492 LLC. (TICK CANYON)
PROPERTY, ASSESSOR PARCEL NOS. 2853-007-003, 3211-018-058, 3211-019-017, 2854-003-005, 2854-003-006, 2854-021-004, 2854-021- 005, 2854-021-006, 2854-021-007, 2854-021-022, 2854-021-023, 2854- 021-024, 2854-021-025, 2854-021-026, 2853-006-005, AND 2853-007- 002
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Susan Nelson
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Approve the acquisition of 500+/- acres of real property northeast of the City of Santa Clarita, Assessor Parcel Number’s 2853-007-003, 3211-018-058, 3211-019-017, 2854-003- 005, 2854-003-006, 2854-021-004, 2854-021-005, 2854-021-006, 2854-021-007, 2854-021- 022, 2854-021-023, 2854-021-024, 2854-021-025, 2854-021-026, 2853-006-005, and 2853- 007-002, at a total cost of $3,557,625, which includes property purchase price, escrow, title, and due diligence costs.
2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $3,557,625 from Open Space Preservation District Fund (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Account 3587501-520104 ($3,500,000) and 3587501-516102 ($57,625).
3. Appropriate ongoing funds in the amount of $90,000 from the Open Space Preservation District Fund (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Accounts 3587501-518503 ($70,000) and 3587501-511105 ($20,000) for annual property taxes and ongoing maintenance.
4. Find this acquisition exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Article 19, Section 15313 (Class 13); Section 15317 (Class 17); and Section 15325 (Class 25).
5. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney review.
BACKGROUND
The subject properties are located in Tick Canyon, northeast of the City of Santa Clarita (City) and are within the Open Space Preservation District boundary. The properties are adjacent to the City boundary and border properties along Abelia Road, Sunrose Place and Mammoth Lane. The properties had been previously entitled for 492 residential units as part of the Saddleback Development; however, the entitlement expired on June 2, 2026.
In March 2026, the property owner contacted the City regarding selling the vacant property. City staff evaluated the property and determined that acquiring the parcel would positively increase the City’s open space preservation efforts on the northeast side of the valley and contribute towards fortifying the green belt directly adjacent to the City’s boundary. The acquisition is contingent upon a clear title report and a satisfactory environmental report, which are currently in process.
In recent years, the City has paid an average of $7,505 per acre when acquiring open space land.
The seller, WH Park Place 492 LLC., has agreed to a sale price of $7,000 per acre, resulting in a total purchase cost of $3,500,000, contingent upon City Council approval. Additionally, closing costs, including escrow, title, and due diligence fees, are estimated at $57,625, bringing the total cost and appropriation to $3,557,625. An ongoing appropriation of $90,000 will be required for maintenance and annual property tax fees.
The project is exempt from the CEQA 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 transferring ownership of interests in land to preserve open space, habitat, or historical resources.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
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FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost associated with the property acquisition is estimated at $3,557,625 with an ongoing cost of $90,000. Upon City Council approval of the recommended actions, funds to complete the acquisition, property taxes, and ongoing maintenance will be available in Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Accounts 3587501-520104, 3587501-516102, 3587501- 518503 and 3587501-511105.
ATTACHMENTS
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