Maintenance

In 1997, the City of Clayton recognized the importance of public landscaping and the role it plays in defining the character of the community. To ensure the ongoing maintenance of public roadway landscaping, open space, trails, weed abatement, fire breaks, and related improvements, the City established a Community Facilities District known as the Citywide Landscape Maintenance District (LMD). A 10-year parcel tax was adopted to provide dedicated funding for these essential services.

In 2007, as the parcel tax approached expiration, Clayton residents, led by a citizen Blue Ribbon Committee, reviewed the District’s accomplishments and challenges during its first 10 years. The importance of preserving Clayton’s “Front Yard” was reaffirmed, and a refined plan was recommended based on lessons learned. This plan included the creation of the Trails and Landscape Committee (TLC), composed of Clayton volunteers appointed by the City Council to ensure continued community involvement. Voters overwhelmingly approved Measure B, extending the parcel tax for an additional 10-year period and formally establishing the TLC.

In 2016, voters approved Measure H, renewing the parcel tax for another 10-year period and continuing support for the Trails and Landscape Committee.

As the LMD approaches its 2027 sunset, the City is once again evaluating the continuation of this important funding source. A proposed measure for the November 3, 2026 ballot would extend and enhance the current tax rate and methodology for an additional 10-year period, maintaining vital services through 2037.

The LMD currently generates approximately $1.4 million annually, which is used exclusively for District-related services. As was true in 1997 and remains true today, Clayton’s General Fund alone is not sufficient to adequately support the City’s public landscaping needs. Without this dedicated funding, the City’s landscaping would decline significantly, diminishing the community’s appearance and character.

Landscape and Maintenance District FAQ

What does the Landscape Maintenance District Do?

The District funds the ongoing maintenance of trails, open space, roadside landscaping, and community gateway entrances, including weed abatement, on City-owned property.

How much money is generated by the parcel assessment for the District?

In Fiscal Year 2025/26, the District generated approximately $1.4 million to support community maintenance needs.

Who pays for the District?

Residential and commercial property owners pay the assessment as part of their property tax bill.

Can the City use the district money for other services or personnel like Police Officers?

No. District funds are legally restricted and may only be used for services and improvements within the District.

What areas of public roadway landscaping are included in the district?

Atchinson Stage Road – From Pine Hollow Rd. to Caulfield Dr.

Black Point Place – center median island

Caufield Court – center median island

Center Street – from Oak St. to Clayton rd.

Clayton Road – from the western city limits to the southern March Creek Rd. Intersection

Cul-de-sacs – landscaped areas at the end of Ahwanee Ln., Wawona Ct., Tuyshtak Ct., Antelope Ct., Obsidian Ct., Blue Oak Ln., Falcon Pl., Windmill Canyon Pl., Hummingbird Pl., Raven Pl., and Golden Eagle Pl.

Diablo Parkway – from Marsh Creek Rd. to El Portal Dr.

Eagle Peak Avenue – from the east intersection with Oakhurst Dr. to just west of the Ohlone Heights Intersection, and including the west intersection with Oakhurst Dr.

Indianhead Way – entrance to Oakhurst Dr.

Indian Wells Way – both entrance areas with Oakhurst Dr. and center medians to Anizume Ct. and Jalalon Pl.

Jeffery Ranch Court – center median island

Keller Ridge Drive – to Golden Eagle Pl. intersection

Lydia Lane – from intersection of Clayton Rd. to Lydia Lane Park

Main Street – from Clayton Rd. to (old) Marsh Creek Rd

Marsh Creek Road – from the northern intersection of (old) Marsh Creek Rd. to the eastern city limits.

Oakhurst Drive – from the western city limits to Clayton Rd. intersection

Peacock Creek Drive – from Clayton Rd. to approximately the Pebble beach Dr. intersection

Pine Hollow Road – from Atchinson Stage Rd. to Panadero Way

Regency Drive – median entrance from Marsh Creek Rd.

South Mitchell Canyon Road – from approximately Del Trigo Ln. to Herriman Ct. intersection

What would happen if the Landscape Maintenance District funding was not renewed this November 2026?

This would have a devastating effect on the aesthetic appearance of the city.  Failure to renew the District would significantly impact the City’s ability to maintain its landscaped areas. Beginning July 1, 2027, maintenance would be limited to minimum fire-safety requirements only, funded by the General Fund. This would likely result in a reduction of other City services and a noticeable decline in the City’s overall appearance.

Open space & Landscape Maintenance Areas Map