Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Santa Clarita Open Space Preservation District?

The Santa Clarita Open Space Preservation District is designed to preserve our natural land from development and complete a greenbelt buffer of preserved open space around the City of Santa Clarita.

What’s this greenbelt around the City?

For several years, the City has been working to purchase land around the City to create a buffer zone of preserved, undeveloped property called a greenbelt. The funds from this District will help guarantee that this effort is continued and completed.

How is the District Funded?

Property owners have voted in favor of paying a special assessment to fund the Open Space Preservation District. For the first year, the cost to single family homeowners will be $25; condominium and townhouse owners will pay slightly less, and those who own larger, non-residential parcels will pay more. These costs can increase by no more than $1 a year, and only if approved by the City Council following a public hearing.

Will there be accountability for these funds?

Yes. At the May 22, 2007 City Council meeting, the Council adopted a resolution establishing a citizen’s Financial Accountability and Audit Panel (FAAP). The FAAP will:

• Review and approve the annual work program to ensure land acquisition priorities are adhered to.
• Review the accounting of the funds generated by the Preservation District.
• Work in conjunction with the City’s independent auditor to ensure that the Preservation District funds were spent properly and that good fiscal management of the funds is occurring.
• Make determinations as to whether the proposed expenditures are consistent with the criteria and the requirements established in the Engineer’s Report.
• Prepare an annual written report for the public, summarizing the items above.
  

The Panel will not be responsible for the selection of land to be acquired by the City; rather, prospective land acquisition is the responsibility and authority of the City Council. Additional responsibilities, duties, and guidelines of the Panel will be outlined and formally approved in the Panel’s Bylaws.

What is the breakdown for expenditures of these district funds?

Funds derived from the District will fund the acquisition of acres of undeveloped land in the following ratio: at least 90% of the acres purchased will be preserved natural open space, and no more than 10% of the acres will be used for improved active parkland.

How does the City determine which properties are purchased?

The purchase of properties is guided by the Open Space Acquisition Plan; which serves as a planning tool to identify sites that represent the best value for the City. This is done by a set of established and approved criteria that can be applied to any potential property. At the same time, the Open Space Acquisition Plan can be used to determine if a potential property does not represent a good value to the City. Under either circumstance, when land is acquired, the City endeavors to respect the land use for which the current terrain, topography, and environmental characteristics best represents. To establish a regional scope, the Open Space Acquisition Plan identifies five key areas in the Santa Clarita Valley that are consistent with the City Council’s direction for potential Open Space Acquisition.

These regions are:

• Eastern Region: From the 14 freeway east to the Angeles National Forest and from the intersection of the 5/14 freeways north to Vasquez Rocks.
• Southern Region: From the intersection of the 5/14 freeways north to the City of Santa Clarita boundary between the identified eastern and western regions.
• Western region: From the 5 freeway to the Santa Susanna Mountains Significant Ecological Area, areas around Stevenson Ranch, and from the intersection of the 5/14 freeways north along San Francisquito Creek.
• Northern Region: From the northern boundary of the City of Santa Clarita north to the Angeles National Forest and from the freeway/highway 126 interchange to Vasquez Rocks.
• City of Santa Clarita: All areas contained within the defined boundaries of the City of Santa Clarita.
  

The regions described above cover a significant area in the Valley. As a result, a considerable acreage of land must be considered and analyzed prior to deciding upon a set of properties to pursue. The Open Space Acquisition Plan along with the Work Program can be used as a tool to assist the City Council and planners in determining which property or properties represent the best value for the City.

How can I learn more about Santa Clarita’s Open Space Preservation District?

The City Council will be making all decisions regarding the expenditures of the funds in public meetings, which are televised locally on channel 20.These meetings also provide a forum for the public to comment and be heard. If you have any further questions, you may contact a city representative at 661-286-4177.

Can I hold a public event at a City-Owned Open Space Park?

Yes, you can host an event on the City's Open Space. Our City hosts hundreds of annual events in Santa Clarita parks and facilities, including festivals, sporting events, and events sponsored by non-profit organizations. View the City's Event Guide for more information.

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