Archives: FAQs

At least some rights I now enjoy will be lost. What are these?

The County/Flood Control District standard Easement Deed will be used along with a Right of Way Contract for the temporary easement rights. The permanent easement will allow the District to build, maintain, repair and replace the proposed flood control structure and the berm that it is built within the easement area described in the Easement … Continued

Property Tax Implications

Generally, there are no changes in the property tax basis as far as a decrease in valuation due to the acquisition. Based on my experience I do not know of a property owner that has received a decrease in tax valuation as a result of a flood control easement acquisition. Conversely there would be no … Continued

Rights of access: Who, what, when?

The permanent easement includes rights of access to perform the functions and uses of the easement by the District. The temporary construction easement would only be for the initial construction of the project with an expiration date or time period and not extend to ongoing maintenance and use. Access to the easement area would be … Continued

Whose responsibility is weed control?

Weeds within the maintenance easement that may impact flood safety and/or required environmental plantings associated with the project will be controlled by and at the expense of the District. For example, if weeds are physically blocking District staff’s ability to assess the integrity of the levee system they may be pulled. Another example is if … Continued

What can and can’t be done on easement?

Structures are not allowed within the easement area except common boundary fencing. Landscaping would be allowed so long as it doesn’t interfere with the District’s improvements and maintenance thereof.

Non-conforming structures?

Non-conforming structures would be handled in a similar manner as conforming except that the District and County take no responsibility to ensure that a non-conforming structure is brought into conformance as a result of the project.

These real estate negotiations are more complex than I am comfortable entering into without some counsel. And while I don’t think the County or Flood Zone is out to get anybody, County Counsel will have a duty to the Flood Zone and my interests may not be entirely aligned. Before I record a permanent easement I would like to have some advice from an attorney skilled in this area. Will I be expected to bear those costs as well?

Attorney fees are not reimbursable. If at the time the District enters into negotiations any of the conditions outlined below in the Code of Civil Procedure 1263.025 are met, the homeowner could get their own appraisal and the District would reimburse reasonable costs up to $5,000. (a) A public entity shall offer to pay the … Continued

What if a homeowner says no to the easement? The project apparently requires participation from 100% of creekside homeowners in Zone 7. What happens if a homeowner declines the offer?

If the project receives CEQA approval and funding and the Board of Supervisors decides to authorize implementing construction of the project then the District may elect to use its powers of Eminent Domain as established in the US Constitution, Federal code, State code, and Water Code Appendix 68-5.13 to acquire the necessary easement for the … Continued

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