Frequently Asked Questions

Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts (LLMD) are a special assessment districts established under California Law that funds the maintenance, operation, and replacement of shared public improvements that provide special benefit to properties in a defined area. 

North Cordelia LLMD 13 (Green Valley) LLMD funds maintain weeding in natural areas such as creeks, greenbelts, landscaping, irrigation & drainage, and street lighting. 

The City has limited maintenance to essential services, deferred non-critical repairs, limited , and coordinated services where feasible to reduce costs. 

District funding has been supported by a General Fund loan of $151,000 at 0% interest with repayment over five years through FY 2027-2028.

At the formation of the LLMD, a CPI was not included. The City cannot increase assessments without prior voter approval in accordance with Proposition 218. 

Proposition 218 is a California constitutional requirement that governs local property-related assessments, including Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts.

Under Prop 218:

• Property owners must be notified of any proposed assessment or increase
• Each property owner receives a ballot
• Ballots are weighted by the amount of the assessment
• The assessment can only be approved if a majority of ballots (by weighted value) are in favor
• Funds can only be used for specific benefits to the assessed properties

This means:

• No LLMD increase can occur without property owner approval
• The process is transparent and legally structured
• The assessment must directly benefit the properties paying it

A vote has not been scheduled however this is how votes are expected to affect the LLMD:

YES vote:

• Approves new property assessments and district funding
• Approves the formation of a new Green Valley LLMD
• Funds increased plant maintenance and replacement
• Funds preventative care such as weed abatement and needed irrigation repairs

NO vote:

• The current North Cordelia LLMD remains in place
• Service reductions will continue 
• Future decline in landscaping and other necessary repairs
• Repairs and associated costs will continue to accumulate