Rising utility costs and a state mandate to remove decorative grass are putting financial pressure on the special districts that maintain the landscaped greenbelts, medians and street lighting in several La Verne neighborhoods.

La Verne City Council received an update Monday on the preliminary fiscal outlook for Landscape Maintenance Districts 6, 7 and 8, which cover residential tracts and commercial areas across the City. No action was taken; staff will return with draft Engineer's Reports for Council approval as part of the FY 2026-27 budget process.

What is a Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District?

The City maintains three Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs) that serve residential neighborhoods and homeowners' associations. These districts—authorized under the state's Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972—provide dedicated funding for maintaining local improvements such as greenbelts, entry medians, and slopes. Residents within each district pay a flat property assessment, not tied to property value, to cover those costs.

The "lighting" component refers to streetlights and decorative lighting that often coincide with landscaped areas maintained by the district. However, La Verne does not use the funds for lighting, according to City Manager Ken Domer.

What District Am I In?

There are three assessment districts. District 6 is broken up into five zones.

District 6 Zone 2 –First Street and Fulton Road
District 6 Zone 3 –Wheeler Avenue and Tabor Lane
District 6 Zone 4-1 –North La Verne (Rancho La Vern)
District 6 Zone 4-2 –Live Oak
District 6 Zone 5 –La Verne Business Park
District 6 Zone 6 –Tract 52965 (Amherst)
District 7– La Verne Heights
District 8 – Marshall Canyon

Why Costs Are Climbing

The Council agenda packet identifies several financial pressures: rising water rates, increasing labor and equipment costs, and a looming state mandate. California's AB 1572 bans the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—decorative grass that serves no recreational purpose—on most non-residential properties, with the final statewide deadline set for Jan. 1, 2031. For districts with large turf areas, compliance will require upfront capital costs that were never anticipated when the districts were formed.

Where Each District Stands

The packet shows most districts are spending more than they collect in assessments, with reserves currently filling the gap.

Notably, within District 6, two zones have built-in Consumer Price Index escalators that allow for incremental annual increases. The Rancho La Verne area (Zone 4-I) voted to approve an assessment increase and add the Consumer Price Index escalator. The Live Oak area along Esperanza Drive (Zone 4-2) rejected a similar increase through a Proposition 218 ballot process in 2024—a state requirement that gives property owners a vote on assessment hikes. The Live Oak zone is currently drawing down reserves to cover its budget shortfall, and a new Proposition 218 process is proposed for 2027.

The City is also pursuing grant funding through the Metropolitan Water District for turf removal, and a separate California Office of Emergency Services grant for fuel modification work (fire hazard remediation) that would benefit Districts 7 and 8, which cover the La Verne Heights and Marshall Canyon hillside communities.

What's Next?

Staff will bring formal Engineer's Reports back to Council for approval as the City moves through the FY 2026-27 budget process. Domer said a Public Hearing will likely occur in June.

The City also indicated it will expand community education efforts about the districts and their role in maintaining neighborhood landscaping. So expect more on this topic!

Learn More

🔗 March 16 City Council Agenda Report (Fiscal Year 26-27 Preliminary Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts No. 6,7, and 8 Budget Outlook. See page 135)
🔗 Los Angeles County Landscape Maintenance Districts FAQ