Landscaping and Lighting District 1984-1

LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT 1984-1

The Landscaping and Lighting District 1984-1 (L&LD) is a funding source established by local governments under the State of California’s Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (Streets and Highways Code Section 22500, et seq.). L&LDs give property owners within a defined geographic area (Special Zone) the opportunity to fund enhanced maintenance and preservation of landscaping and related improvements that directly benefit their properties. In the City of San Ramon, the Public Services Division manages 19 Special Zones, each providing a special benefit through the installation, upkeep, and enhancement of landscaping and other improvements.

Maintenance services within each zone are exclusively funded through annual assessments levied on properties within that Special Zone. These assessments, collected with regular property taxes, are dedicated solely to the administration, operation, and maintenance of the respective zone—ensuring that all revenues directly support the neighborhoods they serve. Annual assessment rates for each Special Zone can be found in the Engineer's Report.

Assessment Rate—A charge levied annually on property to pay for improvements or services that benefit the property. Must be equal to or less than the Maximum Assessment. Assessments may be increased or decreased by City Council action, up to the Maximum Assessment Rate.

Maximum Assessment Rate—The “Not to Exceed” rate. The maximum annual charge on property to pay for improvements or services that benefit the property. Any increase to the Maximum Assessment must be voted on (Proposition 218) by the property owners (or renters if paying the Assessment Rate).

Proposition 218—Approved by state voters in 1996. Ensures that all taxes and most charges, including assessment rates, on property owners are subject to voter approval. The City of San Ramon cannot increase the Maximum Assessment Rate without a Majority vote from property owners.

An Engineer’s Report is prepared annually by the City in compliance with the requirements of the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972. This report outlines the specific improvements to be maintained, defines the boundaries of each assessment zone, and presents the estimated budget for the upcoming fiscal year. To levy assessments on properties within these zones, the Engineer’s Report must be finalized and formally approved by the City no later than early August each year.

Engineer's Report FY 2025/26
Engineer's Report FY 2024/25
Engineer's Report FY 2023/24