Zones - Recreation And Park Districts - Public Resources - CA

Section § 5791

This law explains how a board of directors can create special zones within a district to offer different services or raise more revenue. The board starts by adopting a resolution detailing the zone's boundaries, services, funding methods, and reasons for its creation, along with suggesting a name. Alternatively, residents can also initiate the process through a petition with at least 10% of the area's registered voters signing it. Once the board approves or receives a valid petition, they must schedule a public hearing, notifying the community at least 20 days in advance through mail and notices in local newspapers and public places.

(a) Whenever a board of directors determines that it is in the public interest to provide different services, to provide different levels of service, or to raise additional revenues within specific areas of the district, it may form one or more zones pursuant to this article.

(b) The board of directors shall initiate proceedings for the formation of a new zone by adopting a resolution that does all of the following:

(1) States that the proposal is made pursuant to this article.

(2) Sets forth a description of the boundaries of the territory to be included in the zone.

(3) States the different services, different levels of service, or additional revenues that the zone will provide.

(4) Sets forth the methods by which those services or levels of service will be financed.

(5) States the reasons for forming the zone.

(6) Proposes a name or number for the zone.

(c) A proposal to form a new zone may also be initiated by a petition signed by not less than 10 percent of the registered voters residing within the proposed zone. The petition shall contain all of the matters required by subdivision (b).

(d) Upon the adoption of a resolution or the receipt of a valid petition, the board of directors shall fix the date, time, and place for the public hearing on the formation of the zone. The board of directors shall publish notice of the hearing, including the information required by subdivision (b), pursuant to Section 6061 of the Government Code in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the district. The board of directors shall mail the notice at least 20 days before the date of the hearing to all owners of property within the proposed zone. The board of directors shall post the notice in at least three public places within the territory of the proposed zone.

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Section § 5791.1

This law outlines the process for forming a zone and addressing any objections during a hearing. If more than 50% of the residents or the majority of property owners oppose it, the board must stop the formation process. If opposition is 50% or less, the board can move forward with creating the zone.

If the zone's funding involves special taxes, assessments, fees, or bonds, it must comply with existing laws, and the proposed funding methods must be approved by the voters or property owners. Without approval, the zone cannot be established.

(a) At the hearing, the board of directors shall hear and consider any protests to the formation of the zone. If, at the conclusion of the hearing, the board of directors determines either (1) that more than 50 percent of the total number of voters residing within the proposed zone have filed written objections to the formation or (2) that property owners who own more than 50 percent of the assessed value of all taxable property in the proposed zone have filed written objections to the formation, then the board of directors shall terminate the proceedings. If the board of directors determines that the written objections have been filed by 50 percent or less of those voters or property owners, then the board of directors may proceed to form the zone.

(b) If the resolution or petition proposes that the zone use special taxes, benefit assessments, fees, or general obligation bonds to finance its purposes, the board of directors shall proceed according to law. If the voters or property owners do not approve those funding methods, the zone shall not be formed.

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Section § 5791.3

This law allows a board of directors to either change the boundaries of a zone or dissolve it completely, but they must follow specific procedures outlined in other sections.

A board of directors may change the boundaries of a zone or dissolve a zone by following the procedures in Sections 5791 and 5791.1.

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Section § 5791.5

This law states that a local agency formation commission does not have the authority or responsibility to evaluate or decide on proposals related to forming, modifying, or dissolving zones.

A local agency formation commission shall have no power or duty to review and approve or disapprove a proposal to form a zone, a proposal to change the boundaries of a zone, or a proposal to dissolve a zone.

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Section § 5791.7

This law section outlines the powers and responsibilities of a 'zone' within a district. The board of directors can allow a zone to provide any service or exercise fiscal powers that the district itself can offer. Special taxes, fees, or bonds meant to support services within a zone must be applied only within that zone. Additionally, there are limits on the amount of bonded debt a zone can incur, and this must include any debt from the entire district.

(a) As determined by the board of directors, a zone may provide any service at any level within its boundaries that the district may provide.

(b) As determined by the board of directors and pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, a zone may exercise any fiscal powers within its boundaries that the district may exercise.

(c) Any special taxes, benefit assessments, fees, or general obligation bonds that are intended solely for the support of services within a zone shall be levied, assessed, and charged within the boundaries of the zone.

(d) A zone shall not incur a bonded indebtedness that exceeds the limit specified in subdivision (c) of Section 5790. Any bonded indebtedness of the entire district shall be included in computing that limit.

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