Council File 25-0900-S48 - LA Council Tracker

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Report from Bureau of Street Lighting dated 9-17-25

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What is Being Proposed?

The Department of Public Works Bureau of Street Lighting is proposing to establish a new street lighting maintenance assessment district for Killion Street (from 280' to 430' west of Van Nuys Boulevard). The City Council is being asked to adopt an Ordinance of Intention to conduct a formal assessment proceeding that would require property owners in the district to pay annual maintenance assessments for the street lighting system.

Why?

The City finances approximately 80% of its street lighting system through maintenance assessments paid by benefiting properties, with the remainder funded by the Department of Water and Power. This proposed district would formalize financing for a street lighting system on Killion Street that provides "special benefit" to nearby properties by illuminating roadways and sidewalks for safety and community character. The assessment would cover costs of operation, maintenance, energy, and eventual replacement of the lighting equipment.

Key Details

Location: Killion Street, 280' to 430' west of Van Nuys Boulevard (Council District 4) Properties Affected: 4 parcels (2 multi-family residential, 2 single-family residential) Total Assessment: $768.51 annually for all four properties combined Individual Assessments: Range from $50.81 to $381.08 per property Tax Year: 2025-2026 Project Type: Proposed private development project with 1 streetlight

Impact & Process

This proposal requires a weighted ballot vote by affected property owners under Proposition 218 protections—the assessment proceeds only if "yes" votes equal or exceed "no" votes when weighted by financial obligation. If approved, property owners will receive assessment ballots by mail. If rejected, the district will be abandoned and the lighting system removed or not constructed. A public hearing will be scheduled for property owners to present concerns or appeals.

Attachment to Report dated 9-17-25 - Draft Ordinance of Intention

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What is Being Proposed?

The City Council is proposing to establish a new special assessment district to fund street lighting operations, maintenance, and repairs for a specific section of Killion Street in Los Angeles for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The lighting system covers Killion Street from 280 to 430 feet west of Van Nuys Boulevard. All costs would be charged directly to property owners within the designated district rather than paid from the city's general budget.

Why?

This ordinance is necessary to formalize the funding mechanism for street lighting in this area. Under California law (specifically Proposition 218), local governments must obtain voter approval from affected property owners before imposing special assessments. The ordinance follows the legal framework required by the Los Angeles Administrative Code and California Government Code to ensure the process is transparent and complies with constitutional requirements for special assessments.

Key Details

Location: Killion Street, 280' to 430' west of Van Nuys Boulevard Fiscal Year: 2025-2026 Assessment Method: Weighted by each property's proportional financial obligation Approval Requirement: Majority of weighted "yes" votes needed (per Proposition 218) Implementation Date: Assessments transfer to property tax rolls only if system is energized by July 1, 2025 Future Increases: Assessments may increase annually by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) without further ballot approval Public Hearing: City Council will hold a hearing where residents can submit written protests or oral comments

Impact

Property owners in the designated district will be assessed and billed for lighting costs on their property tax bills. However, the assessment only takes effect if property owners approve it through a weighted ballot vote, ensuring that those paying for the improvement have a say in whether it proceeds. The specific assessment amounts will be determined by the Bureau of Street Lighting's Engineer's Report.