Infrastructure Finance Programs

What is CSCDA?

The California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) is a joint powers authority sponsored by the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties.

Who are the participants of CSCDA?

Over 530 cities, counties and special districts in the State are members of CSCDA.

What are eligible development impact fees?

Fees paid to a local agency to mitigate the impact of development and which will ultimately be used by the local agency to pay for the costs of public infrastructure.

How can impact fees be made to be paid in advance?

The local agency can negotiate with the developer to have the fees paid upon approval of a specific plan, development agreement or vesting tentative map and then fund the fees through SCIP.

If we use SCIP and become a member of CSCDA, are we in any way liable for payments or defaults of other participants?

No. If one participant were to default, there would be no effect on the other participants. There is no cross-collateralization of payments or assessments.

What is the difference between an assessment lien and an assessment bond?

The assessment lien is imposed on the parcel of land pursuant to the Municipal Improvement Act of 1913. The Act authorizes an issuer to impose an assessment lien on benefited property to finance various public improvements. The Bonds are Limited Obligation Improvement Bonds authorized under the Improvement Bond Act of 1915 and secured by the liens imposed under the 1913 Act.

Is voter approval required?

No. There is no requirement for a general election. CSCDA will conduct a hearing and landowner ballot protest procedure. Since a condition of participation in SCIP is landowner consent, protests are not expected.

Is a local agency participant of the pool liable to make any bond payments?

No. The bonds are limited obligation bonds, and under no circumstance is a local agency pool participant liable from its general fund or from any other revenue source.

How is SCIP administered?

SCIP is administered by highly trained and experienced consultants selected by CSCDA who prepare the tax roll, disseminate continuing disclosure reports, and handle delinquencies.

What are the duties of a local agency participant after the bonds are issued?

The only duties required are to provide SCIP consultants with information concerning the development such as recordation of subdivisions and changes in property ownership.

How does SCIP meet the benefit test?

The benefit test is met by the fact that the each property must pay the impact fee in order to develop. This differs from typical assessment proceedings in that the benefit test is tied to the improvement.

Do commercial projects qualify?

Yes, in fact the permit fee program is ideal for commercial projects which can pay substantial impact fees but normally do not participate in bond financing. Examples would be shopping centers or high-rise buildings.

The Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 permits CSCDA to establish a Mello-Roos Community Facilities District (“CFD”) which allows for financing of public improvements and services. The services and improvements that Mello-Roos CFDs can finance include streets, sewer systems and other basic infrastructure, police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, schools, parks, libraries, museums and other cultural facilities.

Click Here to download a copy of CSCDA’s Goals and Policies for CFD financing

For more information, please contact us.

CFD Annual Reports:

Manteca Lifestyle Center CFD & Napa Pipe CFD

Other CFD Reports