Sunset Beach Annexation LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 11, 2017

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1 Sunset Beach Annexation LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 11, 2017

2 History Sunset Beach is a beach-front community of approximately 970 people. It was an unincorporated area of the County of Orange totaling approximately 134 acres. Its location is between Warner Avenue and Anderson Street on either side of Pacific Coast Highway. Given its proximity to Huntington Beach, LAFCO placed Sunset Beach in the City s sphere of influence in This action allowed for the exploration of the annexation of the area to the City. 2

3 Sunset Beach - Aerial 3

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5 Background There were several areas of an existing nexus between Sunset Beach and Huntington Beach to make the potential annexation feasible, including: Through mutual aide agreements, the City provided police, fire and emergency medical response to Sunset Beach. The area was already served by the Huntington Beach Union High School District and the Oceanview School District. Water service was being provided to Sunset Beach by the City as well. 5

6 Rationale for Annexation Annexation was a logical extension of existing City boundaries. Sunset Beach contained uses that were compatible with City land uses in the area. City s General Plan required an Annexation Feasibility Study to determine the following: If annexation was compatible with City s land uses. If annexation had an economic benefit. If annexation would place an excessive burden on City services. 6

7 Annexation Feasibility Study Huntington Beach City Council approved the Annexation Feasibility Study on August 2, Pre-annexation agreement was formed with the County of Orange. City Council formed a Sunset Beach Area City Council Committee to meet with Sunset Beach residents, property owners and businesses to discuss annexation and ongoing issues. On Oct. 18, 2010 the City Council approved the entitlements for the annexation and establishment of General Plan and zoning designations for Sunset Beach. 7

8 Feasibility Study Results No significant impacts were associated with the annexation and proposed Specific Plan and associated elements. Found the project would result in revenues that would exceed expenditures for the City. Annexation No Annexed approximately 134 acres within unincorporated area of Orange County into City. Sunset Beach Sanitary District would continue its current function. Negative Declaration No concluded that City Departments along with Huntington Beach Union High School and Ocean View School Districts can adequately serve the City with the annexation of Sunset Beach. 8

9 Timeline August 2010 October 2010 December 2010 August 2011 Huntington Beach City Council approved the Sunset Beach Annexation Feasibility Study. Huntington Beach City Council approved the entitlements and zoning designations for annexation. Residents of Sunset Beach opposing the new taxes that would be imposed upon annexation filed a lawsuit. Huntington Beach successfully annexed Sunset Beach. 9

10 Why Was Annexation Successful? Maintaining Identity The City and County engaged in best efforts to maintain the identity of Sunset Beach. No changes to street names and addresses except as necessary for public safety purposes. City Council formed a committee comprised of three City Council Members who met regularly with the Sunset Beach community to discuss and address issues distinct to Sunset Beach. City maintained the greenbelt as a community park including all existing parking spaces and infrastructure. The City created a plan to address infrastructure issues. 10

11 Ensuring Public Safety The Huntington Beach Marine Safety Division worked with the Sunset Beach Community Association to address concerns. City Council approved increasing service level and HB Marine Safety took over in October of 2013 after having funding from the County for 2 years of contracted services. Replaced lifeguard towers and added telephone infrastructure to towers to increase communication and emergency response time. Residents have shown appreciation for the improvement in services and infrastructure. 11

12 Providing Equality in Tax Structure Prior to annexation, the County came to an agreement with the City approving a property tax exchange upon annexation. City would receive 100% of Structural Fire Fund and Library Fund. The City of Huntington Beach already provided water billing to Sunset Beach residents with a 10% surcharge. When Sunset Beach was annexed the surcharge was replaced with a 5% Utility User Tax. Outreach about the change took place at community meetings. 12

13 Streamlining Development Building plan check and permit authority for construction activity is going well. Zoning and land use approvals for minor projects are approved at the City; any major developments or land use changes are subject to Coastal Commission approval. City continues to work with California Coastal Commission staff in obtaining Sunset Beach Specific Plan (SBSP) certification so the City will eventually have a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) issuing authority for major improvements/developments. 13

14 Enhancing Infrastructure Sand Replenishment Water Turnaround Landscape Project 11 th Street Bulkhead Improvements Kings Tides and Seawall Repairs 14

15 Conclusion Annexations are more likely successful if a strong nexus already exists. The key to successful implementation, however, is responsiveness and engaging the community. For Huntington Beach the following elements were all key to this special partnership: Maintaining the identity of Sunset Beach Ensuring public safety Providing equality in tax structure Streamlining development Enhancing infrastructure 15

16 Thank You! 16