Public Improvement Financing
(Formerly Special Districts)
What is a Special District?
A Special District is a legal governmental entity that has been formed over a specific geographic area within the City of Sacramento and in the County if jurisdiction is approved by the Board of Supervisors. Its purpose is to fund and/or maintain a variety of public infrastructure and/or services. Funding of certain fees may also be included. Refer to the City's Development Fee Financing program below.
What Does the Special Districts/PIF Section Do?
The Special Districts/PIF section has four primary functions:
- Oversee the legal process that enables the formation of special districts throughout the city of Sacramento.
- Administer district funds, monitor growth activity, and establish budgets for the servicing of each district.
- Establish and administer development impact fee districts throughout the City, monitor development activity, and periodically recommend fee adjustments to ensure the viability of the district.
- Facilitate reimbursement to developers who have built public infrastructure.
Types of Special Districts
Three types of special district formations are possible:
- Bonded Districts: These districts sell bonds to finance a variety of public improvements, which primarily include the construction of streets, drainage, water & sewer facilities, streetlights and the acquisition of the land necessary to construct these improvements. Bonds are sold and property owners re-pay through annual assessments over time.
- Annual Service District: Annual districts provide funds for maintenance and operations of public landscaping along major roadways and open spaces, streetlights, parks, etc. They also provide funding for specialized services for libraries, transportation management, and Business Improvement Districts. The lighting and landscape maintenance districts are enhancements to services provided by the citywide lighting and landscape district. The annual assessment amounts may vary year to year depending on the actual budget requirements.
- Special Fee District: Fee districts, better known as developer impact fees, collect fees at time of development in specified geographic development areas for the purpose of constructing or reimbursing developers for constructing public improvements such as streets, storm drains, water and sewer facilities, streetlights, etc.
Additional Information:
- For questions related to specific assessment amounts on an individual parcel of land, or lien pay-offs please contact our consultant:
Muni Financial