FAQ • Diamond Bar, CA • CivicEngage

How much does the City pay for the annual landscape maintenance?: For the current fiscal year of 2020-2021, a total of $264,981 was budgeted for District 41 and $375,748 for District 39.

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Assessment Districts 39 and 41 Dissolution 2021

1. What does dissolution mean?: Dissolution means the Landscape Assessment Districts (Districts) will cease to exist, at which time responsibility for the maintenance of the district will be turned over to property owners.

2. Why is dissolution being considered?

Dissolution is being considered because, for several years now, the assessment revenue generated in both Landscape Assessment Districts (Districts) has been insufficient to cover even the bare essential level of landscape maintenance and related services needed.

Districts are meant to be self-supporting through assessments on properties that benefit from the services provided. The annual assessment amounts of $236 per parcel in District 39 and $220.50 per parcel in District 41 were established upon their formation in 1985 and have never been increased.

For more than 10 years, the City has used Diamond Bar General Fund dollars to subsidize the budget shortfalls in each District which placed added strain on the City’s limited resources and diverts funds needed in other areas of benefit to the greater community such as public safety, road and park maintenance.

In order to help make the Districts financially viable again, the City conducted a mailed ballot proceeding in summer 2019. The ballot asked District property voters whether or not they would support an assessment increase. The majority of ballot respondents opposed the increase.

For details, visit the District Background information page and Prop 218 ballot information webpage.

3. Which LAD is my property located?

You have two options for determining the LAD in which your property is located:

Look at your annual property tax bill – you will find the assessment listed among the various taxes and charges levied on your property. Visit the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office website for additional details at https://assessor.lacounty.gov/

Visit the LAD information page on the City website, (www.diamondbarca.gov/lad), and enter your address into the City’s interactive, multilayer GIS map viewer and click on your parcel to view which LAD your property is located in, approximate property line boundaries and parcel map.

4. What will happen when the LADs are dissolved?

The District-related assessment will no longer be collected through your annual property tax bill beginning with the 2021/2022 tax year. Property owners will no longer be responsible to pay the current tax per parcel of $236 for District 39 (1,263 parcels) and $220.50 for District 41 (554 parcels).
The City will no longer maintain irrigation systems and will close water and electricity utility accounts throughout the LADs.
The following maintenance responsibilities will transfer to property owners or homeowners association - fire-prevention brush clearance, pest and weed abatement, drainage ditch (V-ditch) clearing, turf and shrub mowing and trimming, and leaf cleanup. These will all become the responsibility of each property owner who can choose to take care of the work themselves or hire a private individual or contractor.

5. Suggestions for property owners

Prior to the July 1 transition, it is suggested that property owners become familiar with their maintenance responsibilities and review the following:

Locate your property boundaries. Knowing or even having your property boundaries marked will help you determine the landscaped areas you are responsible for maintaining. Approximate boundary lines are available on the City website. For accurate property lines, refer to your title deed or contact a land surveyor or engineering firm.
Become familiar with weed and brush clearance requirements. The minimum requirement for vegetation management is 30 feet from your home, however, you may be required to thin out or remove vegetation an additional 70 to 170 feet (100 to 200 feet total).
Learn about the City’s property maintenance guidelines. Overgrown vegetation (high grass, dead trees or plants, and untrimmed plants, shrubs and hedges) that poses a health or safety hazard or detracts from the appearance of a neighborhood is a violation of the City’s Municipal Code.
Take steps to keep your property pest-free. Properties near dense brush areas or open spaces are more likely to have problems with pests that include gophers and rats. Be proactive in controlling them in an environmentally responsible manner or hire a licensed expert.

6. After dissolution, what changes am I allowed to make to my property?: Property owners may make changes in accordance with City landscape and construction regulations. Contact the Planning Division for additional details by submitting an inquiry form.

7. After dissolution of the district, can I remove trees located on my property?: Yes, property owners may remove trees on their properties. As a reminder, Diamond Bar is home to many protected species of trees, including Sycamore, Oak, and Black Walnut, and property owners should verify the species prior to removal.

8. Will the City trim private property trees within the district prior to the July 1 dissolution?: A complete grid trim of the trees located within the districts is not scheduled for this fiscal year. Property owners may request trimming or maintenance of trees that may pose a health and safety issue by contacting the City’s Public Works Department at (909) 839-7060 or www.diamondbarca.gov/report

9. Will fire brush clearance be completed prior to the July 1 dissolution?: The City will continue to maintain the five mini-parks and trails after the July 1, 2021 dissolution.

10. Who will be responsible to maintain the mini parks and trails in District 39?: The City will continue to maintain the five mini-parks and trails after the July 1, 2021 dissolution.

11. Will the irrigation equipment installed on my property be removed?: No, all irrigation equipment will remain but City utility accounts, (water and electricity), will be closed effective June 30, 2021.

12. Who will be responsible to maintain trees in the medians?: The City maintains trees located within parkways and medians.

13. When will the City stop maintaining the landscaped areas located on private property within the Districts?: The final day the City will maintain the landscaped areas located on private property within the districts will be June 30, 2021.

14. Will the City let us know who owns adjacent properties or slopes near my home?: No, this is not public information.

15. After dissolution, how do I report a home or slope in need of maintenance?: The City’s Neighborhood Improvement Division is responsible for ensuring property owners adhere to all City maintenance guidelines. Residents are encouraged to report unmaintained areas to the Neighborhood Improvement office at (909) 839-7030 or www.diamondbarca.gov/report

16. Will the dissolution increase my HOA fees or property taxes?: Upon dissolution, the property tax assessment will no longer be charged, starting with the 2021-22 fiscal year. Property owners must contact their Homeowners Association for fee information.

17. What landscape maintenance will be taken care of prior to dissolution, will new vegetation be planted on my slope?: All scheduled maintenance will be completed prior to dissolution. No new vegetation will be planted, as this is not included in the current fiscal year budget.

18. How much does the City pay for the annual landscape maintenance?: For the current fiscal year of 2020-2021, a total of $264,981 was budgeted for District 41 and $375,748 for District 39.