What are the differences?
Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMD) - Service Levels and Funding
How Are LMDs Established?
LMDs are created when property owners vote for them during the development of residential or commercial projects under the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972. Some districts, like 4R, 6R, 9, and 10, have built-in annual cost adjustments, enabling them to maintain higher service levels.
Why Does Neighborhood Landscaping Vary Across the City?
Residents may notice differences in landscaping across neighborhoods in Rancho Cucamonga, and it's due to levels of service based on funds available for each Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs).
LMDs are a funding tool used by the City to maintain neighborhood improvements such as parks, playgrounds, landscaping, sidewalks, and trees. Property owners within these districts pay for the construction and upkeep of these improvements through assessments.
Why the Differences?
Each LMD has a unique budget based on the funds collected from property owners through property taxes.
For example, LMD 1 has one of the lowest assessments in the City, resulting in reduced landscaping services compared to districts with higher assessments in eastern portion of Rancho Cucamonga. Since its assessment rate has remained stagnant since 1993, rising maintenance costs have necessitated adjustments. Starting July 1, 2024, LMD 1’s service level was reduced from Service Level C to Service Level F. This change was impacted by Measure A not passing—a 2015 ballot initiative designed to modernize the district and secure additional funding—leaving LMD 1 to operate within its existing budget.
To address service level improvements in other districts, property owners approved Proposition 218 ballots in June 2013 for LMD 2, in December 2009 for LMD 4-R, and in September 2009 for LMD 6-R. In 2014, the City implemented cost-cutting measures to manage a $1 million deficit in the west-side districts, reducing expenditures by over $1 million annually to balance the budget.
Water Conservation Efforts
The City is also making strides in water conservation by implementing drought-tolerant landscape conversions of "non-functional" turf within some city parkways. Trees and grass used for recreation, such as those in sports fields and parks, are not included in these changes.
Looking Ahead
The City remains committed to preserving essential services and neighborhood aesthetics despite funding challenges. Residents are encouraged to participate in discussions about budget priorities and explore solutions to address funding constraints collaboratively.
For more information about City landscape maintenance districts, click here.