GIS/Special Districts FAQs

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How are Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) funded?
CFDs are often funded through the sale of Land Secured municipal bonds to pay for the initial costs of planning, acquisition, and development of the public improvements or services that are required from a new development.  If bonds are sold, the property owners will pay the yearly special tax until the bonds are paid in full.  On average, municipal bonds have a maturity schedule between twenty-five and thirty years.  If no bonds are sold, the annual special tax will continue for the life of the services.

There are currently thirteen general CFDs and two Fire Services CFDs.

How are the Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs) administered?
Each LMD and SLD is administered by the GIS/Special Districts Division of the Administrative Services Department.  Staff is responsible for ensuring that all parcels within each LMD and SLD are accurately assessed annually on the tax roll for the special benefit received by such parcels from the improvements for such LMD and SLD.  The revenues received are only expended for the improvements that specially benefit the parcels within the respective LMD or SLD.  As needed, notices of delinquency are sent to property owners within the respective LMD or SLD.  The City's Public Works Services Department administers all the maintenance contracts and supervises the in-house maintenance staff.


How are the Landscaping Maintenance Districts (LMDs) funded?
The LMDs are governed by the legal requirements of Proposition 218 (Article XIIID of the California Constitution) as well as the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (the "1972 Act").  Every year, the City, in its role as administrator of the various LMDs and SLDs, levies an assessment on each parcel within each LMD and SLD, in accordance with existing law, based upon the special benefit that each such parcel receives from the improvements to be maintained from the proceeds of such assessments. 

The revenues collected for each LMD and SLD are intended for use within the boundaries of the LMD and SLD from which it is collected.  Ever since Proposition 218 was approved by the voters in 1996, increased assessment rates cannot be levied without submitting the proposed increases to the property owners within the affected LMD and SLD in an assessment ballot procedure for property owner approval.

How are the Street Light Maintenance Districts (SLD) funded?
The SLD's are governed by the legal requirements of Proposition 218 (Article XIIID of the California Constitution) and the provisions of the 1972 Act. Every year, the City, in its role administering each of the SLD's levies an assessment on each parcel within each SLD, in accordance with existing law, based upon the special benefit that each such parcel receives from the improvements to be maintained from the proceeds of such assessments. The revenues collected for each SLD are intended for use within the boundaries of the SLD from which it was collected.

Ever since Proposition 218 was approved by the voters in 1996, increased assessment rates cannot be levied without submitting the proposed increases to the property owners within the affected SLD in an assessment ballot procedure. Except for those few SLD's whose assessment language provides for a consumer price index escalator, most of the SLD's in the City have not had their rates increased since 1993, several years prior to Proposition 218.



How are the Street Light Maintenance Districts funded?
The SLD's are governed by the legal requirements of Proposition 218 (Article XIIID of the California Constitution) and the provisions of the 1972 Act. Every year, the City, in its role administering each of the SLD's levies an assessment on each parcel within each SLD, in accordance with existing law, based upon the special benefit that each such parcel receives from the improvements to be maintained from the proceeds of such assessments. The revenues collected for each SLD are intended for use within the boundaries of the SLD from which it was collected.

Ever since Proposition 218 was approved by the voters in 1996, increased assessment rates cannot be levied without submitting the proposed increases to the property owners within the affected SLD in an assessment ballot procedure. Except for those few SLD's whose assessment language provides for a consumer price index escalator, most of the SLD's in the City have not had their rates increased since 1993, several years prior to Proposition 218.



How do I determine which Special Districts my property might be located in?
You should contact GIS/Special Districts Division at (909) 477-2700.   It is helpful if you are able to provide the following information when you call:

  • the street address of the property or
  • the Assessor Parcel Number for the property.
Please call the City during normal business hours, which you can find at the link below.




City Hours and Location

How do I request either GIS maps or data?
The City has GIS maps available such as the City Atlas, Zoning and General Plan maps.    The City also has GIS base map (i.e., a map depicting background reference infrastructure such as land forms, roads, landmarks, and political boundaries) data layers available in shapefile and geodatabase formats (i.e., different ways in which information is stored related to the location, shapes, and attributes of geographic features).

To request either GIS maps or data, please email the GIS/Special Districts division at gis@cityofrc.us or call at (909) 477-2700. 

Please specify your map or data request as well as the purpose and intended users of the map/data along with your contact information (name, address, organization, department, phone number and email address).    

For map requests, please also specify the format and size of your map request.

You may also submit an online request for service through Rancho Responds.


How does GIS work?
GIS stores information as a collection of thematic layers (such as buildings, streets, and parcels) that can be linked together by geography or location.  GIS is a powerful tool that allows the City to input, manipulate or process, manage, query and analyze, and visualize data in a spatial way to help the City solve real-world problems, answer real-world questions, and make better decisions, so GIS is not just about making maps.

To see more information about the City's GIS, click the link below.  



GIS

I received a Delinquency Letter from the City of Rancho Cucamonga. What does this letter mean?
The City is obligated to the bond holders of Community Facilities Districts Bonds to notify property owners that they are delinquent in their payment of the required Special Tax.  The District has the legal right to start foreclosure proceedings on delinquent properties within 90 to 180 days of the property being in arrears.

The GIS/Special Districts Division can provide a delinquent property owner with payment information.   The County of San Bernardino Tax Collector offers a payment plan for delinquent property owners.  The Tax Collector may be reached via telephone at (909) 387-8308 or at the following link - http://www.mytaxcollector.com/.

If a delinquent property owner cannot find a suitable solution to the delinquency issue with the County of San Bernardino Tax Collector, the property owner may pay directly to the City of Rancho Cucamonga the delinquent special tax amount.  The property owner should contact the GIS/Special Districts Division at (909) 477-2700 for further information.    Please check the link below for the City Hall hours of operations.




City Hall Hours of Operation

I received a letter from the City of Rancho Cucamonga concerning delinquent community facilities district property tax payments. What does this letter mean?
The City of Rancho Cucamonga is obligated to the bond holders of Community Facilities Districts bonds within the City of Rancho Cucamonga to notify property owners that they are delinquent in their payment of the special tax. The district has the legal right to start foreclosure proceedings on delinquent properties within 90 to 180 days of being in arrears.

The Special Districts Division can provide the delinquent property owner with payment information and the contact phone number for the County of San Bernardino Tax Collector. The County of San Bernardino Tax Collector offers a payment plan for delinquent property owners.

If the delinquent property owner can not find a suitable solution to the delinquency issue with the County of San Bernardino Tax Collector, the property owner can pay directly to the City of Rancho Cucamonga the delinquent special tax amount. The property owner should contact the GIS/Special Districts Division at (909) 477-2700.

I was not in my home when the Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) was approved. Why do I have to pay the assessments?
Upon approval by the original property owners at the time of the LMD formation, the assessments become attached to the property (secured) for the life of the LMD, similar to the manner in which homeowners' association (HOA) dues are the responsibility of each owner in a homeowners’ association, whether you owned property when the HOA was formed or not. 

If I have more questions about the maintenance in my Street Light Maintenance District (SLD), who do I contact?
The GIS/Special Districts Division serves as a liaison between Southern California Edison and our residents concerning street light outages.

You should contact the Special Districts Division at (909) 477-2700.  Check on the link below for the City's hours of operation.


City Hall Hours of Operation

If I have more questions about the maintenance of my Landscape Maintenance District (LMD), who do I contact?
The Public Works Services Department is responsible for the landscape maintenance throughout the City.  Please contact the Department at (909) 477-2730.    See click on the following link for the City's Hours and Location.


If I have questions about Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) or Street Light Maintenance (SLD) rates, who do I talk to?
The GIS/Special Districts Division of the Administrative Services Department is responsible for the administration of the assessments within each LMD and SLD.  You should contact the Special Districts Division at (909) 477-2700. 

Click on the link below for City Hall hours of operation.


Hours of Operation

If I was not in my home when these Special Districts were formed, why do I have to pay for the assessment now?
Once a special assessment district has been formed an assessment or special tax levy is placed on the property and is a lien against that property and remains against that property even after an ownership change.   It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that this lien is disclosed to the perspective buyer who can make an informed decision before making the purchase.

The assessment or special tax remains on the property until it is paid off or into perpetuity depending on the type of district.  A perspective buyer can also call the City's Special District Division to enquire as to the nature of the lien.

What are Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs) and how many are located in the City?
A LMD is not a separate entity of the City.  It is a financing vehicle utilized when the development of a neighborhood in the community is identified to specially benefit by certain improvements, such as parks, playgrounds, landscapes, sidewalks, trees, etc.   Due to this special benefit, landowners in the identified area are assessed to pay the costs of the construction and/or ongoing maintenance of such improvements. 

Each LMD is created through formation proceedings (also known as a vote of the affected property owners) pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (the "1972 Act").  This usually occurs at the time a residential or commercial project is first developed.  The “1972 Act” allows a local agency (such as the City of Rancho Cucamonga) to levy an annual assessment for the maintenance of the community improvements, based on special benefit directly or indirectly, to the property owners within the LMD.  Annual assessments are paid as part of a line-item on individual property tax bills.

The City of Rancho Cucamonga has eleven (11) Landscape Maintenance Districts spread throughout the City.

What are Street Light Maintenance Districts (SLDs) and how many are located in the City?
A SLD is not a separate entity of the City.  It is a financing vehicle by which an area in the City is identified to especially benefit by certain improvements, such as street lights and traffic signals.  Due to this benefit, landowners in the identified area are assessed to pay the costs of the construction and/or ongoing maintenance of such improvements. 

Each SLD is created through formation proceedings (also known as a vote of the affected property owners) pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (the "1972 Act").  This usually occurs at the time a residential or commercial project is first developed.  The "1972 Act" allows a local agency (such as the City of Rancho Cucamonga) to levy an annual assessment for the maintenance of the community improvements, based on special benefit directly or indirectly, to the property owners within the SLD.  Annual assessments are paid as part of a line-item on individual property tax bills.

The City has eight (8) different Street Light Maintenance Districts. 



What are the benefits of a LMD?
There are many benefits associated with the landscaping improvements in an LMD:

  • Improved visual aesthetic appeal of nearby parcels, medians, paseos and parks,
  • Improved dust control and erosion resistance,
  • Improved drainage and flood control,
  • Enhanced desirability of properties and property values,      
  • Generally reduced property related crimes, particularly vandalism, as a result of a well-maintained neighborhood,
  • Moderate temperatures and enhanced noise attenuation from well maintained landscaping,
  • Unique identity and character of each community, and
  • Improved access to health and fitness opportunities.


What do my Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) assessments cover?
Depending on the improvements within a particular LMD, assessments will pay for street light and traffic signal installation and maintenance, water, electric and other landscaping, utilities, paint, fertilizer, plant material, sand and soil, irrigation repair, pest control, small equipment and hand tools, electrical/plumbing parts, playground parts, janitorial supplies, equipment rental, equipment/vehicle maintenance, landscape maintenance contracts, tree maintenance contracts, mowing contracts, backflow testing, sport field maintenance, trail maintenance and repair, vandalism and graffiti repair, security and site lighting repair, and a portion of City staff salaries/benefits (both administrative & field staff) who work on the District.


What does my Street Light Maintenance District assessment cover?
Depending upon the improvements within a particular SLD, assessments will pay for the maintenance and electricity costs for street lights and traffic signals and, a portion of City staff salaries/benefits (admin & field staff).

 



What does the City use GIS for and why?
"GIS technology integrates database operations such as query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps. These abilities distinguish GIS from other information systems and make it valuable to the City for explaining events, predicting outcomes, and planning strategies." - ESRI

The City leverages the abilities of GIS technology and uses GIS as a decision-making tool to provide timely information by mapping and analyzing data to reveal relationships, patterns, and trends. 

The City has a dedicated enterprise GIS Division that serves all of the GIS and mapping needs of the City's various departments including the City Manager’s Office, Administrative Services, Animal Services, Building and Safety, City Clerk’s Office, Community Services, Engineering and Public Works, Fire Protection District, Library Services, Planning, Police Department, and Redevelopment Agency, and any requests from residents and other local municipal agencies.  The City’s GIS provides a variety of map products and enhances City departments’ operations and services with custom GIS applications and solutions.

To see more information about the City’s GIS click the link below.



GIS

What is a Benefit Assessment District and how many are located in the City?
The Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 allows public agencies to finance the ongoing maintenance and operation of public drainage, flood control and street lighting systems by applying special assessments to the properties receiving the special benefit.  Bonds cannot be sold for Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 Districts. 

Currently, there is only one Benefit Assessment District.



What is a Community Facilities District (CFD) and how many are located in the City?
A CFD is a Special Tax District provided in State Law that  funds public improvements and ongoing services within an identified area.  Parks, streets, sewer improvements, and public safety services are some of the public improvements and services that may be financed by a CFD.  

There are currently thirteen (13) general CFDs and two (2) Fire Services CFDs.




What is a Mello-Roos District?
A Mello-Roos District is also known as a Community Facilities District. The Community Facilities Act of 1982 was written by California Senators Henry Mello and Mike Roos. 


What is a Street Light Maintenance District (SLD)?
The City's eight Street Light Maintenance Districts (SLD) were established in the 1980s and early 1990s as the way to pay for the ongoing street light and traffic signal maintenance and the establishment of a dedicated source of funds for the street lights and traffic signals, thereby allowing the City to focus its limited General Fund monies on public safety, community services and other citywide public services.

A SLD is not a separate entity but a financing vehicle by which territory, as determined by the legislative body, specially benefited by certain improvements such as street lights and traffic signals, are assessed to pay the costs of the construction and/or maintenance of such improvements.

Each SLD is created through formation proceedings (also known as a vote of the affected property owners) undertaken by the legislative body pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (the "1972 Act"), usually at the time a residential or commercial project is first developed, to allow the local agency to levy an annual assessment for the maintenance of the community improvements, based on special benefit directly or indirectly, to the parcels within the SLD. Annual assessments are paid as part of a line-item on individual property tax bills.



What is an Assessment District and how many are located in the City?
An Assessment District is a financing vehicle used by public agencies to fund public improvements.  The Improvement Act of 1911 and the Municipal Improvement Act of 1913 are the two types of Assessment Districts used to fund public improvements.   The Improvement Bond Act of 1915 is used in conjunction with the previously mentioned Assessment Districts, if a bond sale is required to fund public improvements.

Currently, there are two (2) Assessment Districts.



What is GIS?
GIS stands for Geographic Information System which is a way of capturing, storing, analyzing, managing, and presenting data that is linked to location, through the use of specialized computer mapping software. GIS allows us to see relationships, patterns and trends in data (such as crimes, business locations, and emergency calls) in a way that is quickly understood and easily shared and therefore is valuable to an organization's decision-making process.

To see more information about the City’s GIS click the link below.


GIS

What is Proposition 218 and why does it impact LMDs?
Proposition 218 is the "Right to Vote on Taxes Act" that was passed by California voters in November 1996.  It impacts the LMDs in the City, because it does not allow the City to increase assessment rates for LMDs without submitting the proposed increase in assessments to the owners of property within the LMD.  The aforementioned assessment ballot procedure allows the owners to express their support for, or opposition to, the proposed increase in the assessments applicable to their properties.


What is Proposition 218 and why does it impact SLDs?
Proposition 218 is the “Right to Vote on Taxes Act” passed by California voters in November 1996. It impacts the SLDs because the City cannot increase assessment rates for SLDs without submitting the proposed increase in assessments to the owners of property within the SLD to permit such owners to express their support for, or opposition to, the proposed increase in the assessments applicable to their properties. To read more about Proposition 218 click here.

When are these Special Districts formed?
Generally, these districts are formed during the development of the new project.  Depending on the type of District proposed the requirements for the formation differ considerably, so that the formation process can last from six (6) months to a year or longer.



Who makes the choice between a Community Facility District (CFD), Assessment District, and Benefit Assessment District?
The developer first approaches the City with a proposal to form a special assessment district.  The developer is required to submit documentation to support this request; entitlements, and type of project such as commercial/industrial or residential and infrastructure that is being proposed to be built.

The City, along with their financial advisors and tax consultants (the Financing Team) review the documentation and determine the type of special assessment district based on the facilities proposed to be funded and if on-going maintenance will be required.  Additionally, consideration will be given to any existing and/or overlapping districts against this project to determine if the parcels that will be created can handle the additional burden.  

When all the criteria has been met the City and the Financing Team will determine the appropriate special assessment district.

Who Performs the Maintenance With the Street Light Maintenance Districts?
Southern California Edison (SCE) owns and maintains the street lights. The GIS/Special Districts Division has a Street Light Repair page where residents can get instructions on how to contact SCE about a street light outage.

Who performs the maintenance within the LMDs?
To maximize efficiency and quality the City utilizes the services of landscape maintenance contractors and City crews for all regularly scheduled landscape maintenance.



Who should I contact if I have a street light that is out?
You should contact Southern California Edison (SCE) at (800) 655-4555 and provide the following information to the SCE operator:

  • Location of the pole (e.g., the light is located in front of this street address or across from this street address).
  • Type of pole (e.g., concrete, wood, etc.).
  • Condition of the light (e.g., is the light out or does it cycle on and off?)
  • Pole number.  The pole number is engraved on a thin vertical metal strip located approximately six feet up the pole.  It contains seven numbers and ends in the letter E (e.g., 2153060E).



Report Street Light Outage through SCE

Who started the Landscaping Maintenance Districts (LMDs) in the City and why?
The LMDs were an integral part of the City's development, after incorporation, to ensure that common landscape and lighting areas would remain beautified and operational as property changed hands; enhance property values; and create an accountability structure for maintaining the common landscape and lighting areas that did not rely on the efforts of individual residents for maintenance. 

In addition, the LMDs provided a mechanism whereby new development could pay for certain improvements demanded by homebuyers, without burdening existing property owners.  Most of the LMDs were initiated by the original property owner(s) who developed the [then] vacant land, as part of the development process. 

This system continues to the present day, even as new housing tracts are developed.  These new tracts are either included within a new LMD, or if appropriate, annexed to an existing LMD.