For City Council Meeting February 10, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tanya Williams, City Manager
AUTHOR: Christina Taylor, Director of Community Development
title
Request City Council to Adopt Resolution No. 8463 Declaring Certain City-owned Properties Within the City of Rialto as Exempt Surplus Land Pursuant to the Surplus Land Act.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Adopt the Resolution declaring certain City-owned properties as exempt surplus land pursuant to the Surplus Land Act (Government Code Sections 54220-54234); and
2) Direct staff to complete the transfer of exempt property for the purposes of facilitating affordable housing.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rialto (City) owns certain real properties in various areas within the City as described in Exhibit “A” attached to the proposed Resolution (Properties). Pursuant to the Surplus Land Act, Government Code Sections 54220-54234 (SLA), public agencies must formally declare City-owned property as surplus land or exempt surplus land before initiating any disposition. This declaration must occur at a regular public meeting. The proposed resolution (Attachment 1) declares that the subject parcel listed below is exempt surplus land, is characterized as either vacant, and is not otherwise being used by the City.
The subject property for this action is approximately .533 acres located on the east side of S. Sycamore Avenue, south of Randall Avenue. The parcel is landlocked and has no direct access from the public right-of-way. The parcel was originally intended to be used for a well site, but it was later determined a well was not needed at this location.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Once declared exempt surplus land, and thirty (30) days prior to disposing of the land, the City has to notify the Department of Housing and Community (HCD) of its declaration and findings for review and consideration.
Disposal of this property is intended to facilitate affordable housing. However, the SLA exemption process does not authorize the disposition of the property. Staff will return to the City Council with any transaction requiring approval.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed action has been reviewed with respect to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and City staff has determined the designation to be exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378. The surplus land designation does not constitute a “project” under CEQA, as it does not result in a direct or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Future development will be subject to a separate CEQA review as applicable.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This action is consistent with the City of Rialto's General Plan Guiding Principles 1 and 2: (1) Rialto Is a Family First Community. We will require high-quality housing for our families and establish well maintained, safe, attractive neighborhoods; and
(2) Rialto Shall Attract High-Quality New Development and Improve Its Physical Environment. Infrastructure keeps pace with our growth. Every act of construction will result in the improvement and enhancement of both the public and private realms.
Approval of this action also complies with the City of Rialto General Plan Goals and Policies:
Goal 6-1: Maintain and improve the quality of existing housing and neighborhoods in Rialto.
Goal 6-2: Promote and encourage housing development that adequately meets the needs of all socioeconomic segments of the community and region.
Policy 6-2.1: Utilize the, Managing the Land Supply Element, Zoning Ordinance, and other land use controls to provide housing sites that can facilitate and encourage the development of a variety of housing consistent with the City’s identified local needs and its regional housing responsibilities.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
The property is expected to be transferred to facilitate affordable housing and is not expected to generate any revenue.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution