CC SR 20230718 01 - FY 23-24 LLMD Adoption
PUBLIC HEARING
Date: July 18, 2023
Subject:
Consideration and possible action to approve setting the Citywide Landscaping and Lighting
Maintenance District levy to zero for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Recommendation:
1) Conduct a public hearing for the proposed levy of the Citywide Landscaping and Lighting
Maintenance District for FY 2023-24; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2023___, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES DECLARING TO SET THE LEVY AT ZERO WITHIN THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING
AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 PURSUANT TO THE
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972, PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE.
1. Report of Notice Given: City Clerk
2. Declare Public Hearing Open: Mayor Ferraro
3. Request for Staff Report: Mayor Ferraro
4. Staff Report & Recommendation: Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works
5. Council Questions of Staff (factual and without bias):
6. Testimony from members of the public:
The normal time limit for each speaker is three (3) minutes. The Presiding Officer may grant additional time to a representative speaking
for an entire group. The Mayor also may adjust the time limit for individual speakers depending upon the number of speakers who
intend to speak.
7. Declare Hearing Closed/or Continue the Public Hearing to a later date: Mayor Ferraro
8. Council Deliberation:
The Council may ask staff to address questions raised by the testimony, or to clarify matters. Staff and/or Council may also answer
questions posed by speakers during their testimony. The Council will then debate and/or make motions on the matter.
9. Council Action:
The Council may: vote on the item; offer amendments or substitute motions to decide the matter; reopen the hearing for additional
testimony; continue the matter to a later date for a decision.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 07/18/2023
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Public Hearing
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to approve setting the Citywide Landscaping and
Lighting Maintenance District levy to zero for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Conduct a public hearing for the proposed levy of the Citywide Landscaping and
Lighting Maintenance District for Fiscal Year 2023-24; and
(2) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-__, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DECLARING TO SET THE LEVY AT ZERO
WITHIN THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPING
AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972, PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE.
FISCAL IMPACT: Setting the Citywide Landscape Lighting and Maintenance District
assessment to zero forgoes the collection of approximately
$330,000, which is instead funded by the General Fund.
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Vanessa Hevener, Project Manager
REVIEWED BY: Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Resolution No. 2023-__ (page A-1)
B. Engineer’s Report (page B-1)
C. Notice of Public Hearing (page C-1)
D. Resolution No. 2023-25 (page D-1)
1
BACKGROUND:
On August 6, 1992, the City Council formed an assessment district designated as the
Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District (LLMD), pursuant to the
Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (1972 Act). The purpose of forming the LLMD was
to provide funding for the ongoing operation, maintenance, and servicing of landscaping,
street trees, irrigation systems, hardscapes, sidewalks, streetlights, and traffic signals in
City rights-of-way and dedicated easements.
Each year, the City Council considers whether to impose the LLMD assessment for the
upcoming fiscal year. Tonight, the City Council is being asked to conduct a public hearing
to consider whether to levy a LLMD assessment on residents for Fiscal Year 2023 -24
based on its annual review on June 6, 2023 meeting.
DISCUSSION:
The LLMD is funded through assessments on properties citywide. In accordance with
1972 Act requirements, each parcel is assessed an amount based on the relative benefit
the parcel receives from the LLMD’s operations rather than the parcel’s assessed value.
The City hired a consultant, Harris & Associates, to prepare an Engineer’s Report
(Attachment B), which includes a methodology for apportioning assessments based on
relative benefit. The Engineer’s Report classifies areas within the City into various zones
which, by reason of variations in the nature, location, and extent of the proposed activities
and improvements, receive differing degrees of benefit from the operation of the LLMD.
The City Council ensures a fair and equitable sharing of LLMD costs by conducting an
annual review wherein the current year’s expenses are reviewed, the ensuing year’s
expenses are budgeted, and the assessment for the ensuing fiscal year is set. In setting
the annual assessment, the City Council will consider any proposed new improvements
or any changes in existing improvements, and any fund balances or shortages, and adjust
the assessment accordingly. Payment of the assessment for each parcel is made in the
same manner and at the same time as payments are made for propert y taxes for each
property.
On June 6, 2023, the City Council conducted its annual review. Staff recommended the
City Council consider setting the LLMD levy to zero for FY 2023-24 in order to provide
relief to residents at a time when prices in various areas of the economy continue to rise
and because the total budget amount for landscaping work for FY 2 023-24 correlates to
staffing and contract services capacity available to complete the work.
Staff advised the City Council that setting the rate to zero allows for the LLMD to remain
in place and provides the option for future City Council action to reinstate the levy of
assessments, as needed.
In accordance with the procedures required to the LLMD levy to zero, the City Council
approved the Engineer’s Report (Attachment B), adopted Resolution No. 2023-25
2
(Attachment D) declaring the City Council’s intent to set the LLMD levy to zero for F Y
2023-24, and set a public hearing for June 20, 2023. The June 20, 2023 public hearing
was continued to July 18, 2023 to allow for the required public notice to be timely
published in a local newspaper. Notification of the July 18, 2023 public hearing was placed
in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News on June 29, 2023 and July 6, 2023 (Attachment C).
Staff recommends the City Council conduct a public hearing for the proposed levy of the
LLMD and adopt a resolution to set the LLMD levy to zero for FY 2023-24.
CONCLUSION:
On June 6, 2022, the City Council adopted a resolution declaring its intent to set the LLMD
levy to zero for FY 2023-24 and setting the time and date for a public hearing on the
proposed levy.
To fulfill the procedural requirements of setting the levy to zero, Staff recommends the
City Council conduct a public hearing for the proposed levy of the LLMD and adopt a
resolution to set the LLMD levy to zero for FY 2023-24.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Direct Staff to return with a new resolution and Engineer’s Report to set
the LLMD levy to an amount greater than zero but no more than the levy
approved in 1992.
2. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
3
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-__
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES DECLARING TO SET THE
LEVY AT ZERO WITHIN THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING
AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2023-24 PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPING AND
LIGHTING ACT OF 1972, PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE
CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
WHEREAS, on August 6, 1992, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes formed an assessment district designated as the “Citywide Landscaping and
Lighting Maintenance District” (the “District”), pursuant to the provisions of the
Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways
Code (commencing with Section 22500) (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, assessments levied within the District provides revenue for the
purpose of financing the installation, construction, and maintenance of certain public
projects eligible under the Act, including without limitation the operation, maintenance and
servicing of public street and sidewalk landscaping, irrigation systems, and other
appurtenant facilities; and
WHEREAS, the assessments levied by the District have not been increased on
any date on or after July 1, 1997; and
WHEREAS, on May 16, 2017, pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the City
Council directed staff to take action to set at zero the levy and collection of assessments
against the assessable lots and parcels of land in the District for Fiscal Year 2017 -18;
and
WHEREAS, on August 21, 2018, pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the City
Council directed staff to take action to set at zero the levy and collection of assessments
against the assessable lots and parcels of land in the District for Fiscal Year 2018 -19;
and
WHEREAS, on July 16, 2019, pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the City
Council directed staff to take action to set at zero the levy and collection of assessments
against the assessable lots and parcels of land in the District for Fiscal Year 2019 -20;
and
WHEREAS, on July 21, 2020, pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the City
Council directed staff to take action to set at zero the levy and collection of assessments
against the assessable lots and parcels of land in the District for Fiscal Year 2020 -21;
and
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Resolution No. 2023-__
Page 2 of 4
WHEREAS, on June 15, 2021, pursuant to the provisio ns of the Act, the City
Council directed staff to take action to set at zero the levy and collection of assessments
against the assessable lots and parcels of land in the District for Fiscal Year 2021 -22;
and
WHEREAS, on June 7, 2022, pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the City Council
directed staff to take action to set at zero the levy and collection of assessments against
the assessable lots and parcels of land in the District for Fiscal Year 2022-23; and
WHEREAS, on June 6, 2023, pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the City Council
directed staff to take action to set at zero the levy and collection of assessments against
the assessable lots and parcels of land in the District for Fiscal Year 2023-24; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 22624 of the Act, the City Council now
desires to declare its intention to set the levy at zero for assessments within the District
for Fiscal Year 2023-24; and
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES HEREBY
FINDS, DETERMINES, RESOLVES AND ORDERS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The above recitals are true and correct, and are hereby incorporated herein
by this reference.
Section 2. The City Council hereby (1) finds that the public interest and convenience
requires and (2) declares its intention to set the levy at zero against the assessable lots
and parcels of property within an existing assessment district designated “Citywide
Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District” (the “District”) pursuant to the provisions
of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and
Highways Code (commencing with Section 22500) (the “Act”), for the fiscal year
commencing July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024.
Section 3. The boundaries of the District are coterminous with the boundaries of the City
of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Section 4. The proposed improvements are briefly described as follows: The operation,
maintenance and servicing of public streets and sidewalk landscaping within the District,
including the operation, maintenance and servicing of public lighting facilities, including
safety lighting and traffic signals, landscaping, including trees, shrubs, grass and other
ornamental vegetation, and appurtenant facilities, including irrigation systems, located
along public roadways, streets and rights-of-way within the boundaries of the City.
Maintenance means the furnishing of services and materials for the ordinary and usual
maintenance, operation and servicing of the landscaping, public lighting facilities, and
appurtenant facilities, including repair, removal or replacement of all or part of any of the
landscaping, public lighting facilities, or appurtenant facilities; providing for the life,
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Resolution No. 2023-__
Page 3 of 4
growth, health and beauty of the landscaping, including cultivation, irrigation, trimming,
spraying, fertilizing and treating for disease or injury; the removal of trimmings, rubbish,
debris and other solid waste; and the cleaning, sandblasting, and painting of walls and
other improvements to remove or cover graffiti. Servicing means the furnishing of water
for irrigation of the landscaping and the maintenance of any of the public lighting facilities
or appurtenant facilities and the furnishing of electric current or energy, gas or other
illuminating agent for the public lighting facilities, or for the lighting or operation of
landscaping or appurtenant facilities.
Section 5. The City Council may elect to levy an assessment in future years following a
noticed public hearing as required by Section 22625 of the Act at a rate that shall not
exceed the rate which was in effect on July 1, 1997; alternatively, the City Council may
elect to propose a rate increase consistent with the requirements of Prop 218.
Section 6. The City Council hereby declares its intent to apply any remaining 1911 Act
Lighting Maintenance District Fund balance to the costs and expenses of operating,
maintaining and servicing traffic signals and safety lighting and to use other available
funds to fund the maintenance and servicing of the landscaping improvements within the
District. The City Council hereby finds and determines t hat the foregoing application of
the fund balance and other available funds will be just and equitable and in the public
interest.
Section 7. Public property owned by any public agency and in use in the performance of
a public function that is included within the boundaries of the District shall not be subject
to assessment to be made under these proceedings to pay for any costs and expenses
of the improvements.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of July, 2023.
________________________________
Barbara Ferraro, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
State of California )
County of Los Angeles )ss
City of Rancho Palos Verdes )
I, TERESA TAKAOKA, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, hereby certify
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Resolution No. 2023-__
Page 4 of 4
that the above Resolution No. 2023-__ was duly and regularly passed and adopted by
the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on July 18, 2023.
_______________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
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CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
ENGINEER’S REPORT
CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT
FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
May 16, 2023
PREPARED BY
101 Progress, Suite 250
Irvine, CA 92618
www.weareharris.com
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Certifications .................................................................................................................. i
Part I - Overview ........................................................................................................... 1
Part II - Plans and Specifications ................................................................................... 3
Part III – Cost Estimate .................................................................................................. 5
Part IV – Method of Apportionment............................................................................. 7
Appendix A – Assessment Roll .................................................................................... 15
Appendix B – Assessment Diagram ............................................................................ 16
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
i
CERTIFICATIONS
AGENCY: THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
PROJECT: CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT
TO: THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023–24
The preparation of this Annual Engineer’s Report (“Report”) is in conformance with the obligation of the
City Council for the Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes to levy assessments within the District to provide services upon each lot or parcel of land in the
district in proportion to the estimated benefit to be received by each such lot or parcel of land for Fiscal
Year 2023–24.
Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (Part 2 Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code
of the State of California, commencing with Section 22500) (“Act”), and in accordance with the City of
Rancho Palos Verde’s Resolution being adopted by the City Council for:
CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT
(Hereinafter referred to as the “District”),
I, Alison Bouley, authorized representative of the District, the duly appointed Assessment Engineer submit
the following Report which consists of the following four (4) parts and Appendices:
PART I
Overview: Provides historical information about the District.
PART II
Plans and Specifications: Plans and specifications for the improvements are as set forth on the lists
thereof, attached hereto, and are on file in the Office of the City Engineer and are incorporated herein by
reference.
PART III
Cost Estimate: An assessment of the estimated cost of the improvements on each benefited lot or parcel
of land within the Assessment District.
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
ii
PART IV
Method of Apportionment of the Assessments: The method of apportionment of assessments indicates
the proposed assessment of the net amount of the costs and expenses of the maintenance and/or
servicing of the improvements to be assessed upon the several lots and parcels of land within the
Assessment District in proportion to the estimated special benefits to be received by such lots and parcels.
Appendices
Appendix A – Assessment Roll
Appendix B – Assessment Diagram
In conclusion, it is my opinion that the costs and expenses of the District have been assessed to the lots
and parcels within the boundaries of the District in proportion to the estimated benefits to be received
by each lot or parcel from the services provided.
DATED: May 16, 2023
___________________________________________
Alison Bouley, P.E., Assessment Engineer
R.C.E. No. C61383
Engineer of Work
County of San Bernardino
State of California
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
iii
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer's Report, together with Assessment Roll and Assessment
Diagram thereto attached, was filed with me on the _____ day of ____________, 2023.
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk,
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Los Angeles County, California
By ____________________________
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer's Report, together with Assessment Roll and Assessment
Diagram thereto attached, was approved and confirmed by the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes, California, on the _____ day of ____________, 2023.
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk,
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Los Angeles County, California
By ____________________________
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
1
PART I – OVERVIEW
Annual Proceedings
The annual proceedings for the Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District are conducted
under the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Part II of Division 15, Sections 22500 through 22679, of
the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California (the "Act").
This report, as signed and presented to the Council for approval, has been prepared according to the
methodology and the maximum rates shown herein do not exceed the rates approved by the City Council
in 1992.
The City Council annually reviews the current and projected year's costs for the operation, m aintenance,
and servicing of the District facilities and sets the assessment for the ensuing fiscal year, which runs
between July 1 and June 30. In setting the annual assessment, the City Council will consider any proposed
new improvements or any changes in existing improvements, and any fund balances or shortages, and
adjust the assessment accordingly.
Payment of the assessment for each parcel is made in the same manner and at the same time as payments
are made for property taxes for each property.
This report contains the necessary data required to conduct the proceedings and is submitted to the City
Clerk for filing in the office of the City Clerk where it shall remain open for public inspection.
Impact of Proposition 218
On November 5, 1996, the voters of the State of California adopted Proposition 218 creating Article XIII D
of the California State Constitution which created requirements for the creation of new assessments or
to increase existing assessments. Proposition 218 also established exemptions to its provisions for
assessment districts created prior to its passage.
The Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District is currently deemed exempt from the
requirements of Proposition 218 so long as the assessments do not exceed the rates in effect on July 1,
1996. Should assessments need to be increased in the future, the District will have to comply with the
requirements of Proposition 218.
History of the District
To ensure a flow of funds for the on-going operation, maintenance and servicing of median landscaping,
street trees, street lighting and traffic signals which provide a special benefit to parcels within the
boundaries of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the City Council formed the Citywide Landscaping and
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
2
Lighting Maintenance District on August 6, 1992. The Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance
District ensures a fair and equitable levying of the necessary costs of operating, servicing and maintaining
of the respective facilities, which in turn directly enhances the value of each and every parcel in the City.
On January 17, 1995, the City Council directed Staff to analyze the feasibility of transferring jurisdiction
for the entire citywide street lighting system from the County to the City. Prior to the incorporation of the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the County of Los Angeles established County Lighting Maintenance Districts
to install, operate and maintain street lights in areas throughout the County. Funds for street lighting
came from a combination of ad-valorem tax revenue and, in more recent years, special assessments on
properties benefiting from the street lighting. The purpose of the feasibility study was to determine
whether or not it was feasible for the City to take over jurisdiction of the County-owned street lighting
facilities within the boundaries of the City and to review the fiscal impact which the transfer would have
on the City.
On February 7, 1995, the City Council received the feasibility report, authorized the transfer of the street
lighting district from the County of Los Angeles to the City, and authorized the establishment of a special
benefit zone along with the benefit methodology for possible future street lighting assessments in the
Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District.
On April 6, 1995, the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors adopted a joint resolution that approved
the transfer of the Street Lighting District from the County to the City. The transfer was effective July 1,
1995.
On June 21, 2005, the City Council modified the FY 2005-06 Engineer’s Report to provide for a temporary
“credit” to property owners whereby the Traffic Signal and Safety Lighting operation and maintenance
costs would be paid out of the 1911 Act Lighting Maintenance District fund balance. This temporary
“credit” may be discontinued in any subsequent year at which time these costs will revert to being funded
by the annual assessments and the assessment rates will be set at the previously approved maximum
rates.
On May 16, 2017, the City Council decided not to proceed with the adopting the Report and made a
motion not to levy the assessments in Fiscal Year 2017-18 for the Citywide Landscaping and Lighting
Maintenance District. The Report was modified to reflect the “Zero” levy for Fiscal Year 2017-18 and the
Fiscal Years since then. The “Zero” levy will continue for Fiscal Year 2023-24. At any point in time the
Council may elect to initiate collecting the assessments without triggering compliance with Proposition
218 as long as the rate to be applied is the same as or less than the maximum approved rates.
In 2018, the City acquired 1,762 street lights from Southern California Edison (SCE) and a planned capital
expenditure was included in fiscal year 2019-20 to convert the lights to LEDs. That effort is now complete.
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
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PART II – PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The facilities which have been constructed within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, and those which may
be subsequently constructed, will be operated, serviced and maintained are generally described as
follows:
The proposed improvements for FY 2023-24 may be generally described as the continued maintenance of
eligible improvements within the District, including the operation, servicing and maintenance of
landscaping, lighting and appurtenant facilities that are located in and along such streets and sidewalks,
including but not limited to, personnel, utilities (such as water and electrical energy), materials,
contracting services, and other items necessary for the satisfactory operation of these facilities described
as follows:
Landscaping and Appurtenant Facilities
Landscaping, planting, shrubbery, trees, irrigation systems, hardscapes, fixtures, sidewalks and
appurtenant facilities, in public street and sidewalk rights-of-way or City owned easements,
including parkways, medians and dedicated easements within the boundary of said Assessment
District.
Lighting and Appurtenant Facilities
Poles, fixtures, bulbs, conduits, equipment including guys, anchors, posts and pedestals, metering
devices and appurtenant facilities as required to provide street lighting, traffic signals and safety
lighting in public street and sidewalk rights-of-way and easements within the boundaries of said
Assessment District.
Maintenance means the furnishing of services and materials for the ordinary and usual maintenance,
operation and servicing of the landscaping, trees, public lighting facilities and appurtenant facilities,
including repair, removal or replacement of all or part of any of the landscaping, public lighting facilities
or appurtenant facilities; providing for the life, growth, health and beauty of the landscaping, including
cultivation, irrigation, trimming, spraying, fertilizing and treating for disease or injury; the removal of
trimmings, rubbish, debris and other solid waste; and the cleaning, sandblasting, and painting of walls and
other improvements to remove or cover graffiti.
Servicing means the furnishing of water for the irrigation of the landscaping and the maintenance of any
of the public lighting facilities or appurtenant facilities and the furnishing of electric current or energy, gas
or other illuminating agent for the public lighting facilities, or for the lighting or operation of the
landscaping or appurtenant facilities.
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
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The plans and specifications for the improvements, showing and describing the general nature, location,
and the extent of the improvements, are on file in the office of the City Clerk and are incorporated herein
by reference.
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
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PART III – COST ESTIMATE
The estimated cost of the street and sidewalk improvements for Fiscal Year 2023-24, as described in Part
II, are summarized herein and described below. All costs include administration and utilities where
applicable.
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
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Cost Estimate Footnotes:
1. This item is budgeted within Fund 202, Program 3180, in the FY 2023-24 Proposed City Budget.
2. This item is budgeted within General Fund 101, Program 3151, in the FY 2023-24 Proposed City
Budget.
3. This item is budgeted within Fund 211, Program 5304, in the FY 2023-24 Proposed City Budget.
4. This item is budgeted within Fund 221, Program 5201 and Fund 213, in the FY 2023-24 Proposed
City Budget.
5. Zero revenue is estimated to be generated by District assessments for FY 2023-24. The 72 Act
fund currently has a balance of $28,922 and interest earned of $200, so the remaining amount
for maintenance, General Administration and Overhead is funded by contributions from General
Fund 101 Program 3110, Gas Tax Fund 202 Program 3180, and Measure M funds.
6. This item is within General Fund 101, Program 3150, in the FY 2023-24 proposed City budget.
7. This item is budgeted within Fund 101, Program 3180, in the FY 2023-24 Proposed City Budget.
8. This item is budgeted within Fund 101, Program 3120, in the FY 2023-24 Proposed City Budget.
A table showing how the budget is apportioned to each zone is provided on page 13.
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
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PART IV – METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT
I. General
Part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code, the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, permits
the establishment of assessment districts by cities for the purpose of providing certain public
improvements which include operation, maintenance and servicing of street lights, traffic signals, and
landscaping.
The 1972 Act requires that maintenance assessments be levied according to benefit rather than according
to assessed value. Section 22573 provides that:
The net amount to be assessed upon lands within an assessment district may be
apportioned by any formula or method which fairly distributes the net amount among all
assessable lots or parcels in proportion to the estimated benefits to be received by each
such lot or parcel from the improvements.
The Act permits the designation of zones of benefit within any individual assessment district if “by reason
of variations in the nature, location, and extent of the improvements, the various areas will receive
differing degrees of benefit from the improvements” (Sec. 22574). Thus, the 1972 Act requires the levy
of a true “assessment” rather than a “special tax.”
Article XIII D of the California Constitution (“Article”) requires that a parcel's assessment may not exceed
the reasonable cost of the proportional special benefit conferred on that parcel. The Article provides that
only special benefits are assessable, and the City must separate the general benefits from the special
benefits conferred on a parcel. A special benefit is a particular and distinct benefit over and above general
benefits conferred on the public at large, including real property within the Districts. The general
enhancement of property value does not constitute a special benefit.
Excepted from the assessment would be the areas of all publicly owned property in use in the
performance of a public function. The City has made a determination to also except public utility rights-
of-way and open space.
II. Parcel Classification
Since the assessment will be levied against properties as shown on the tax rolls, the final charges must be
assigned by Assessor's Parcel Number. If assessments were to be spread just by parcel, not considering
land use or parcel size, this would not be equitable: a single-family parcel would be paying the same as a
50-unit apartment parcel or a large commercial establishment in a similar zone, instead of paying in
proportion to benefit.
B-12
Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
8
The single-family parcel has been selected as the basic unit for calculation of assessments and is defined
as one Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU). A methodology has been developed to calculate the EDUs for
other residential land uses and for non-residential parcels, as described below.
Single-Family Residential - The single-family residential parcel has been selected as the basic unit for
calculation of the benefit assessments. This basic unit shall be called an Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU).
Parcels zoned for single-family residential uses are assessed 1 EDU.
Multiple-Family Residential - Multiple-family residential uses, as well as condominiums, are given a factor
of .75 EDU per dwelling unit. Based on data from representative cities in Southern California, the multiple-
family residential factor of 75 percent is determined by the statistical proportion of relative trip generation
from various types of residential uses, in combination with population density per unit.
Non-Residential and Utilities - In converting improved non-residential properties to EDUs, the factor used
is the City of Rancho Palos Verdes' minimum requirement for single-family residential areas, which is 1
dwelling unit per 8,000 sq. ft, or 5.445 dwelling units per acre. The non-residential parcels (including non-
ROW utilities) will be assessed 5.445 EDU for the first acre or any portion thereof, and then 25% of 5.445
EDUs (1.36125) for every additional acre or portion thereof, as the utilization of that portion of non-
residential property greater than one acre more closely resembles that of vacant land. The minimum
number of EDUs per parcel will be 1 EDU.
Vacant Property - Vacant property is described as parcels with no improved structures. These properties
receive benefits based on their land, as this is the basis of their value. Based upon the opinions of
professional appraisers, appraising current market property values for real estate in Southern California,
the land value portion of a property typically ranges from 20 to 30 percent of the property's total value;
in Rancho Palos Verdes, we find that the average is about 50 percent. Additionally, the utilization of
vacant property is significantly less than improved property, and vacant property has a traffic generation
rate of 0. Therefore, we recommend that vacant property be assessed at the rate of 25 percent of
improved property.
• Vacant Residential - Residential parcels which do not have structures on the parcels are assessed
25% of a parcel with a single-family dwelling thereon. The parcels will be assessed 0.25 EDU per
parcel.
• Vacant Non-Residential - Parcels which are not residential parcels, and which do not have structures
on the parcel are assessed based upon the acreage of the parcel. The parcels will be assessed at
the rate of 25% of the developed non-residential properties, or 1.36125 EDU per acre or any portion
thereof, with a minimum of .25 EDU per parcel and up to a maximum of 5 acres (6.80625 EDUs) per
parcel, as that portion of the parcel over 5 acres may be considered as open-space, and no longer
receive any benefit.
B-13
Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
9
• Vacant – Moratorium - The vacant parcels in the moratorium area of the City are assessed based
upon the acreage of the parcel. The parcels will be assessed at the reduced rate of 10% of the
developed non-residential properties, or 0.5445 EDU per acre, with a minimum of 0.1 EDU per
parcel and a maximum of 5 acres (2.7225 EDUs) per parcel, as that portion of the parcel over 5 acres
may be considered as open-space, and no longer receive any benefit. The reduced rate is deemed
fair and equitable due to the building limitations in this area.
Exempt Property - All publicly owned property and utility rights-of-way are exempt from assessment, as
well as the canyon parcel owned by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, which is identified by
the 2023-24 Assessor's Parcel Number 7583-022-008.
The land use classification for each parcel has been based on the Los Angeles County Assessor's Roll.
III. Benefit Determination
The desirability of property in a community is increased when public infrastructure such as street lights,
traffic signals, and median and parkway landscaping are in place, improved, operable, safe, clean and
maintained.
The proper functioning of street lighting and traffic signals is imperative for the welfare and safety of the
property and owners and users of the property throughout the City. Proper maintenance and servicing of
the street lighting system benefits properties within the District by providing proper illumination for
ingress and egress and safe traveling at night. Properties within the District also benefit from the proper
functioning of the District's traffic signal system. Proper operation of the street light and traffic signal
systems is imperative to public convenience, orderly traffic flow, enhanced congestion management and
safety. Improved security, fuel conservation, protection of property from crime and vandalism, and
reduction of traffic accidents, are special and direct benefits to all properties within the City; lighting
benefits are directly related to public safety and property protection and therefore increase desirability
of property. The City costs to administer the improvements are also considered a benefit to all properties.
Currently the traffic signals, street and safety lights are being funded out of the 1911 Act in accordance
with the permitted improvements to be funded under a 1911 Act.
The City maintains trees and miscellaneous shrubbery throughout the City. The trees and shrubbery are
located within the public street and sidewalk rights-of-way, including in medians and parkways. These
trees and shrubbery provide an aesthetically pleasing environment, shade, beautification, and according
to some authorities, air purification and sound attenuation. Weed abatement along public ways is
necessary to eliminate fire hazards and unsightly conditions. These positive attributes increase the
desirability of all properties throughout the City.
B-14
Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
10
There are two types of benefits:
Citywide Benefits - Citywide Benefits represent the special benefits received by each and every parcel
within the District from the improvements, and the associated costs of these benefits are spread equally,
based on Equivalent Dwelling Units, to all parcels within the District.
Benefits which enhance the desirability and value of all properties within the District include weed
abatement, maintenance of street trees, medians, traffic signals and safety lighting, and street lighting on
the major thoroughfares, which are the main travel ways of the City. The costs of the City to administer
these programs are also considered a Citywide Benefit.
Local Benefits - Local Benefits represent the special benefits conferred by localized improvements to
parcels within the area surrounding the improvements. The associated costs of these benefits are spread
equally over the local area, based on Equivalent Dwelling Units.
Local Benefits include the operation, servicing and maintenance of the Rue Beaupre median, Alta Vista
median (formerly Landscape and Open-space Maintenance District No. 1) and Ocean Terrace median and
street lights (formerly Landscape and Open-space Maintenance District No. 2). These facilities serve only
properties within localized areas.
Local Benefits also include the operation, servicing and maintenance of street lights which were previously
maintained by the County of Los Angeles, which serve the properties adjacent to them.
ZONES OF BENEFIT
A system of zones has been developed to identify the specific benefit each parcel receives. Those zones
are as follows:
Zone A. Citywide Benefits - These parcels receive only Citywide benefits.
Zone B. Rue Beaupre - These parcels receive the local benefits of the Rue Beaupre median, as well
as the Citywide benefits.
Zone C. Clovercliff Park - The maintenance of Clovercliff Park is no longer financed through this
District; therefore, these parcels receive only the Citywide benefits.
Zone D. Vanderlip Park - The maintenance of Vanderlip Park is no longer financed through this
District; therefore, these parcels receive only the Citywide benefits.
Zone E. Alta Vista (Formerly Landscape and Open-space Maintenance District No. 1) - These
parcels receive the local benefits of the Alta Vista median, as well as the Citywide benefits.
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Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
11
Zone F. Ocean Terrace (Formerly Landscape and Open-space Maintenance District No. 2) - These
parcels receive the local benefits of the Ocean Terrace median and street lights, as well
as the Citywide benefits.
Zone G. Miraleste Landscaping and Lighting District - These parcels are included in an existing
landscape and lighting maintenance district under the authority of the Miraleste Park
District that maintains the medians in the major thoroughfares and the weed abatement
for the area that would otherwise be maintained by the City. This area, therefore,
benefits only from the street light/traffic signal system maintenance, street tree
maintenance and administration for this District.
Zone L. Street Lighting Overlay Zone - These parcels receive the local benefit from the street
lighting system formerly maintained by the County. This zone overlaps several of the
zones above; therefore, the parcels within this zone receive this benefit in addition to the
benefits received from other respective zones.
SUB-ZONES
A system of sub-zones has been developed to classify the different land use types in the City. Those sub-
zones are as follows:
0. Exempt
1. Single-Family Residential Parcels
2. Multi-Family Residential Parcels
3. Non-Residential Parcels
4. Utilities1
5. Vacant Residential Parcels
6. Vacant Non-Residential Parcels
7. Vacant Moratorium Parcels
IV. Inventory of Parcels
The following information was obtained from the Los Angeles County Assessor's Roll, Assessor's Parcel
Maps, and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Planning Department.
1 Utilities are assessed through the Board of Equalization and those parcels are not included in the
Assessment Roll submitted to the County, but are listed separately.
B-16
Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
12
The distribution of EDUs per Zone is as follows:
Land Use
Dwelling
Units Acres EDUs
0.Exempt 322 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1.Single-Family Residential Parcels 13,059 13,059 - - - - -13,059.000
2.Multi-Family Residential Parcels 1,792 3,124 - - - - -2,343.000
3.Non-Residential Parcels 90 - - - - -332.77 714.853
4.Utilities 14 - - - - -21.67 64.794
5.Vacant Residential Parcels 125 - - - - - - - - - -31.250
6.Vacant Non-Residential Parcels 23 - - - - -183.96 112.291
7.Vacant Moratorium Parcels 128 - - - - -613.24 74.404
TOTALS:15,553 16,183 1,151.64 16,399.592
Parcels
Zone EDU
A 14,319.533
B 540.250
C 551.000
D 477.250
E 51.250
F 76.250
G 384.059
Total:16,399.592
B-17
Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
13
The following page provides a table that shows the summary of the annual assessments for each of the
Zones of Benefit.
Citywide improvements (Zones A, B, C, D, E, F and G)
Traffic Signals and Safety Lighting $0
Street Trees $450,000
Adminstrative Costs and Overhead $0
Reserves $0
Interest ($200)
Beginning Fund Balance - 7/1 (positive)($28,922)
Contributions from other Sources ($420,878)
Subtotal:$0
Citywide improvements except Miraleste (Zones A, B, C, D, E, and F)
Weed Abatement $0
Medians, Parkways & Trails $575,563
Contributions from other Sources ($575,563)
Subtotal:$0
Rue Beaupre Medians (Zone B)$535
Alta Vista Medians (Zone E)$865
Ocean Terrace Medians and Lights (Zone F)$1,938
Contributions from other Sources ($3,337)
Subtotal:$0
Total To Assessment:$0
(Amounts may be off slightly due to rounding)
BUDGET APPORTIONMENT TO ZONES
B-18
Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
14
SUMMARY OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS PER EDU
Categories of Benefit
An "X" in the table above indicates the category of benefit that is included in each Zone. The total
assessment per zone is the sum of the assessments for each of the categories. For FY 2023-24 the City
has determined not to levy the parcels for the potential assessment.
Zone L - Street Lighting Overlay Zone - Because of the large reserve fund in the 1911 Act Lighting
Maintenance District formerly administered by the County, those properties receiving a direct local
benefit from this street lighting system will not be assessed under the Landscaping and Lighting Act of
1972 for FY 2023-24.
Category &
Budget
Zone
A
Zone
B
Zone
C
Zone
D
Zone
E
Zone
F
Zone
G
Asmt Rate
$/EDU
Citywide lighting, street trees,
and administrative costs X X X X X X X $0.00 *
$0
Citywide weed abatement
& medians X X X X X X $0.00
$0
Rue Beaupre Medians X $0.00
$0
Alta Vista X $0.00
$0
Ocean Terrace X $0.00
$0
Total 2023-24 Assessment
with Credit ($/EDU)$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Maximum Asessment
without Credit ($/EDU)$20.38 $21.37 $20.38 $20.38 $37.26 $45.79 $8.23
B-19
Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
15
APPENDIX A – ASSESSMENT ROLL
A list of names and addresses of the owners of all parcels within this District is shown on the last equalized
Property Tax Roll of the Assessor of the County of Los Angeles, which by reference is hereby made a part
of this report. This list is keyed to the Assessor's Parcel Numbers as shown on the Assessment Roll on file
in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
The total proposed assessment for Fiscal Year 2023-24 is zero and therefore assessments will not be
submitted to the County and this Report will be on file with the City Clerk for reference and record of
the zero assessment.
B-20
Engineer’s Report
Citywide Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Fiscal Year 2023-24
16
APPENDIX B – ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM
The boundaries of the District are coterminous with the boundaries of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. A
diagram showing the exterior boundaries of the District, the boundaries of any zones within the District,
and the lines and dimensions of each lot or parcel of land within the District has been submitted to the
office of the City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and is incorporated herein by reference. The
lines and dimensions of each lot or parcel within the District are those lines and dimensions shown on the
maps of the Assessor of the County of Los Angeles. The Assessor's maps and records are incorporated by
reference herein and made part of this report.
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C-1
D-1
D-2
D-3