Stormwater Assessment District Process

BACKGROUND

Assessment districts in the City of Los Altos are almost always initiated by property owners who are part of a neighborhood that wants some type of improvement project.

In the 50s and 60s, the requests were typically for sewer and street improvements (curbs & gutters). Other uses have included downtown parking, downtown decorative lighting, and noise abatement walls. An assessment district is a funding mechanism available to property owners who request stormwater improvements.

The City is providing the following information to address the funding of specific local watershed drainage infrastructure needs via a Stormwater Assessment District.
 

BENEFITS

• Targeted Improvements - Stormwater Assessment Districts allow communities to focus on the specific improvements that directly benefit the properties within a local watershed. This targeted approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, fairly and exactly where needed.
• Shared Costs - Property owners within the district share the costs of improvements. This spreads the financial burden and prevents individual property owners from bearing the full expense of these projects.
• Enhanced Property Values - Stormwater infrastructure and related improvements create safer and more attractive neighborhoods and can enhance property values.
• Local Control - Assessment districts empower local residents to have a say in the development and maintenance of their community. Property owners participate in the decision-making process related to funding the improvements.
• Strengthened Community Bonds - Collaborating on shared projects fosters a sense of community and encourages cooperation among neighbors.

PROCESS

The process to form a Stormwater Assessment District is a collaborative effort between the City and
the property owners. It is not a City initiated process, but it is initiated by the local residents with the
City providing support. The responsibility of the local residents is to communicate with each other
and generate support for the proposed assessment within the affected area.

For more information on the process on the formation of a Stormwater Assessment District, click here.