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City of Atascadero
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
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CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers, Fourth Floor
6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California
Pages
A.REGULAR SESSION - CALL TO ORDER
B.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Newsom
C.ROLL CALL
Mayor Bourbeau
Mayor Pro Tem Dariz
Council Member Funk
Council Member Newsom
Council Member Peek
D.CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items on the consent calendar are considered routine and non-controversial
by City staff and will be acted upon by a single action of the City Council unless
otherwise requested by an individual Council Member for separate
consideration. Public comment on Consent Calendar items will be invited prior
to action on the Calendar.)
1.City Council Draft Minutes - June 23, 2026, Regular Meeting 5
Recommendation: Council approve the June 23, 2026, City Council
regular meeting minutes. [City Clerk]
2.Authorizing Temporary Road Closures for 2026 Hot El Camino Cruise
Nite and Colony Days Parade
9
Fiscal Impact: Cruise Nite incurs no net fiscal impact. The City cost of
conducting the event is approximately $20,000 and is included in the
adopted budget. It is anticipated that these costs will be fully recovered
through budgeted sponsorships and entry fees. The Colony Days closure
of the parade route is expected to take over 100 hours of budgeted staff
time for road closure applications, set-up, and oversight of the road
closure. Colony Days is a non-profit event co-sponsored by the City
Recommendation: Council:
1. Adopt Draft Resolution A, authorizing temporary road closures and
parking restrictions on August 21, 2026, for the Hot El Camino Cruise
Nite.
2. Adopt Draft Resolution B, authorizing temporary road closures and
parking restrictions on October 17, 2026, for the Colony Days Parade.
[Public Works]
3.Cooperation Agreement with the County of San Luis Obispo for
Department of Housing and Urban Development Community
Development Programs for Fiscal Years 2027 through 2029.
16
Fiscal Impact: The Cooperative Agreement will provide continued
availability of CDBG funding for CDBG eligible programs in Atascadero
over the next three years. The current annual award amount is
approximately $176,200 of which 13% will be retained by the County to
cover expenses for administrative project oversight and 7% is available
for City administration, resulting in approximately $141,000 in available
funding to the City for CDBG programs.
Recommendation: Council approve the Cooperation Agreement with the
County of San Luis Obispo for joint participation in the Community
Development Block Grant Program, the Home Investment Partnerships
Program, and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program for Fiscal Years
2026 through 2029. [Public Works]
4.Contract Award for 2026 Public Works On-Call Inspection Services 26
Fiscal Impact: Approving staff’s recommendations will result in
expenditures up to $200,000 in current FY26/27 Budget funds – mostly
related to City capital projects during the construction phase. This
amount will be lower if the City is successful in its current recruitment
effort to fill the Public Works Inspector vacancy, and there will be salary
savings while this position remains vacant to fund inspections related to
encroachment permits and private development.
Recommendation: Council award a professional services agreement to
Filippin Engineering to provide on-call engineering inspection and
development review services not to exceed $200,000 during the 2026-
2027 fiscal year. [Public Works]
5.Notice of Intent to Annex the Barrel Creek Project into CFD 2005-01 29
Fiscal Impact: Assessments for this annexation are estimated to be
$51,331.20 annually, adjusted each year for inflation.
Recommendation: Council adopt Draft Resolution declaring its intention
to annex territory into Community Facilities District 2005-1 (Public
Services) as Annexation No. 27 and to authorize the levy of special taxes
therein (Barrel Creek Project). [Community Development]
6.Confirm the City Manager’s Appointment of Fire Chief 46
Fiscal Impact: The Fire Chief starting annual salary will be at Step B
which is $195,420.60 and is included in the Fire Department budget for
fiscal year 2026-2027.
Recommendation: Council concur with the City Manager and confirm the
appointment of David Van Son as Fire Chief. [City Manager]
7.Support for Designation of Census Tract 06079012502 as a Qualified
Opportunity Zone
60
Fiscal Impact: There is no direct fiscal impact associated with Council
approval of this action. If designated, the Opportunity Zone may facilitate
future private investment that could generate additional property tax,
sales tax, transient occupancy tax, and business-related revenues to
support City services.
Recommendation: Council support the nomination of Census Tract
Page 2 of 130
06079012502 for designation as a Qualified Opportunity Zone and
authorize submission of a recommendation to the California Governor's
Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). [City Manager]
E.UPDATES FROM THE CITY MANAGER
(The City Manager will give an oral report on any current projects and events to
the City Council.)
F.COMMUNITY FORUM
(This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wanting to address the
Council on any matter not on this agenda and over which the Council has
jurisdiction. Speakers are limited to three minutes. Please state your name for
the record before making your presentation. Comments made during
Community Forum will not be a subject of discussion. A maximum of 30 minutes
will be allowed for Community Forum, unless changed by the Council. Any
members of the public who have questions or need information may contact the
City Clerk’s Office, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (805) 470-
3400, or cityclerk@atascadero.org.)
G.PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.Senior Center Heritage Tree Removal 69
Fiscal Impact: None
Recommendation: Council
1. Adopt Draft Resolution to approve the removal of one (1) hazardous
60-inch DBH Coast Live Oak at 5905 East Mall, subject to conditions of
approval and mitigation, including replanting on site.
2. Provide direction on the applicability of the Native Tree Ordinance as
it applies to trees that die naturally and for trees sited on properties
owned by non-profit entities. [Community Development]
2.Annual Military Equipment Report Per CA AB 481 78
Fiscal Impact: Adopting and updating the annual Military Equipment
Policy has no direct fiscal impact. The estimated two-year fiscal impact
associated with the implementation of the UAS program is $60,416.
Funding is proposed from two sources: $26,000 from the General Fund
and $34,416 from the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund
(SLESF).
Recommendation: Council:
1. Approve an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program.
2. Adopt the updated Military Equipment Policy 708, including the
addition of the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to the City’s approved
military equipment inventory, and approve the 2026 Military Equipment
report as required by California Assembly Bill 481. [Police Department]
H.COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
(On their own initiative, Council Members may make a brief announcement or a
brief report on their own activities. The following represent standing committees.
Informative status reports will be given, as felt necessary):
Mayor Bourbeau
1. City Selection Committee
2. County Mayor’s Round Table
Page 3 of 130
3. Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA)
4. Central Coast Community Energy (3CE)
Mayor Pro Tem Dariz
1. Air Pollution Control District
2. California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Board
3. Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO)
4. Visit SLO CAL Advisory Committee
Council Member Funk
1. Atascadero Basin Ground Water Sustainability Agency (GSA)
2. Design Review Committee
3. Homeless Services Oversight Council
4. REACH SLO Advisory Commission
Council Member Newsom
1. City of Atascadero Finance Committee
2. City / Schools Committee
3. League of California Cities – Council Liaison
4. SLO Council of Governments (SLOCOG)
5. SLO Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
Council Member Peek
1. City of Atascadero Finance Committee
2. City/Schools Committee
3. Design Review Committee
4. SLO County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC)
I.INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION AND / OR ACTION:
(Council Members may ask a question for clarification, make a referral to staff or
take action to have staff place a matter of business on a future agenda. The
Council may take action on items listed on the Agenda.)
1. City Council
2. City Clerk
3. City Treasurer
4. City Attorney
5. City Manager
J.ADJOURNMENT
Page 4 of 130
07/14/2026 | Item D1
Atascadero City Council
June 23, 2026
Page 1 of 4
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DRAFT MINUTES
June 23, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers, Fourth Floor
6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California
_____________________________________________________________________
A. REGULAR SESSION - CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Bourbeau called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Funk led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Bourbeau, Mayor Pro Tem Dariz, Council Member Funk,
Council Member Newsom, Council Member Peek
Absent: None
Staff
Present:
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Lara Henderson, City
Attorney Dave Fleishman, City Treasurer/ Director of
Administrative Services Jeri Rangel, Deputy Public Works
Director Ryan Hayes, Community Development Director Phil
Dunsmore, Fire Chief Casey Bryson, Police Chief Dan Suttles,
Deputy City Manager - IT Luke Knight, Community Services and
Promotions Director Terrie Banish, Deputy City Clerk Alyssa
Slater
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. City Council Draft Minutes - June 9, 2026, Regular Meeting
Recommendation: Council approve the June 9, 2026, City Council regular
meeting minutes. [City Clerk]
Page 5 of 130
07/14/2026 | Item D1
Atascadero City Council
June 23, 2026
Page 2 of 4
2. City Council Draft Minutes - June, 2026, Special Meeting, Closed
Session
Recommendation: Council approve the June 9, 2026, City Council special
closed session meeting minutes. [City Clerk]
3. May 2026 Accounts Payable and Payroll
Fiscal Impact: Total expenditures for all funds is $5,435,500.20
Recommendation: Council approve certified City accounts payable, payroll
and payroll vendor checks for May 2026. [Administrative Services]
4. March 2026 Investment Report
Fiscal Impact: None
Recommendation: Council receive and file the City Treasurer's report for
quarter ending March 31, 2026. [Administrative Services]
5. 2026-2027 Appropriations Limit (Gann)
Fiscal Impact: None
Recommendation: Council adopt a Draft Resolution establishing the
annual spending limit for fiscal year 2026-2027. [Administrative Services]
6. 5655 Capistrano/Stadium Park Open Space Purchase
Fiscal Impact: The fiscal impact for the property acquisition is $375,000
plus approximately $10,000 in additional related fees (phase one
environmental and title fees) of City Open Space Acquisition Fees Funds.
Recommendation: Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a sales agreement with Sean
Knoph for the purchase of a vacant property at the entry area for Stadium
Park (APN 029-105-014) in the amount of $375,000 for the preservation
and improvement of a parking area and trail access to Stadium Park Open
Space.
2. Authorize the Administrative Services Director to appropriate
$385,000 in Open Space Acquisition Fees Funds for the purchase of the
property including any escrow/transaction fees. [Community Development]
Mayor Bourbeau opened the Public Comment period.
The following persons spoke on this item: None
Mayor Bourbeau closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION BY: Funk
SECOND BY: Newsom
1. Approve Consent Calendar (Item D5 - Resolution No. 2026-052) (Item D6 -
Contract No. 2026-006).
AYES (5): Peek, Newsom, Funk, Dariz and Bourbeau
Passed 5-0
Page 6 of 130
07/14/2026 | Item D1
Atascadero City Council
June 23, 2026
Page 3 of 4
E. UPDATES FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Assistant City Manager Henderson gave an update on projects and events within
the City.
F. COMMUNITY FORUM
The following persons spoke: Geoff Auslen, Cindy Castle, Jill Aguilar, Judy
Hemmingway, Denise Nielson, Jill Aguilar read a letter on behalf of James and
Susan Taylor.
G. MANAGEMENT REPORTS
1. Sidewalk Vending Regulation
Fiscal Impact: The fiscal impact for drafting the final ordinance is expected
to be within the current budget for legal services. Administrative costs for
regulating the sidewalk vending program should be limited by the number
of permits obtained, and enforcement costs will depend on any non-
permitted sidewalk vendors.
Recommendation: Council provide direction on options presented for
regulation of sidewalk vending within the City. [City Attorney]
City Attorney Fleishman gave the presentation and answered questions from the
City Council.
Mayor Bourbeau opened the Public Comment period.
The following persons spoke on this item: Geoff Auslen
Mayor Bourbeau closed the Public Comment period.
Council provided direction and agreed to defer the topic for discussion at a
later, undecided date.
H. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following Council Members gave brief update reports on their committees
since their last Council meeting:
Mayor Bourbeau
1. County Mayor’s Round Table
2. Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA)
3. Central Coast Community Energy (3CE)
Mayor Pro Tem Dariz
1. Air Pollution Control District
2. Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO)
Council Member Newsom
1. SLO Council of Governments (SLOCOG)
Page 7 of 130
07/14/2026 | Item D1
Atascadero City Council
June 23, 2026
Page 4 of 4
I. INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION AND / OR ACTION:
None
J. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bourbeau noted there would be only one meeting in July on the 14th and
adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
______________________________________
Alyssa Slater
Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED:
Page 8 of 130
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Item D2
TO: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: NICK DE BAR, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER
PREPARED BY: NICK DE BAR, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER
SUBJECT: Authorizing Temporary Road Closures for 2026 Hot El Camino Cruise
Nite and Colony Days Parade
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Council:
1. Adopt Draft Resolution A, authorizing temporary road closures and parking restrictions on
August 21, 2026, for the Hot El Camino Cruise Nite.
2. Adopt Draft Resolution B, authorizing temporary road closures and parking restrictions on
October 17, 2026, for the Colony Days Parade.
DISCUSSION:
Historically, the City participates in two special events each year that require encroachment
permits from Caltrans: Hot El Camino Cruise Nite and the Colony Days Parade. Both of these
events require an encroachment permit from Caltrans due to closures of portions of state
roadway facilities (US 101 and SR 41). In order to obtain Caltrans encroachment permits, the City
must provide Caltrans with traffic control plans for any state highway or ramp closures, and in
addition, Caltrans requires a City Council resolution authorizing the temporary road closures of El
Camino Real and the other streets affected along the routes.
The 2026 Hot El Camino Cruise Nite route has a new route this year and will be exclusively on El
Camino Real between Highway 41 and San Jacinto Avenue. This change is recommended to
address significant traffic impacts to Caltrans’ facilities, reduce detours and congestion on local
streets, and energize more of the Downtown core north of Traffic Way. The route will also allow
traffic to flow at the busy SR 41/El Camino Real intersection and will keep the commercial
businesses between SR 41 and Curbaril Avenue open. Impacts to Caltrans’ facilities will be limited
to the closure of the US 101 northbound off-ramp at Traffic Way and public restriction to access
the US 101 northbound onramp at Rosario Avenue due to the closure of El Camino Real. In the
past, major traffic congestion at the US 101/Curbaril Avenue interchange backed up traffic onto
the US 101 mainline triggering the California Highway Patrol to respond for public safety.
Department: Public Works
Date: 7/14/26
Placement: Consent
Page 9 of 130
7/14/26 | Item D2 | Staff Report
The 2026 Colony Days Parade route will remain unchanged from last year and follow the Lewis-
Capistrano-Hwy 41-El Camino Real-Entrada loop. This parade now occurs in October on the
Saturday coinciding with Fall Fest. This change occurred last year and is meant to bolster each
event.
HOT EL CAMINO CRUISE NITE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026 (EVENT 6:30 TO 8:30 P.M.)
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. but requires temporary road closures in advance of the start time
to secure and clear the event route. The following road segments are proposed to be closed from
5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. for the Hot El Camino Cruise Nite event:
El Camino Real from Highway 41 to San Jacinto Avenue
East Mall from El Camino Real to Palma Avenue
West Mall from El Camino Real to Palma Avenue
Entrada Avenue from El Camino Real to Palma Avenue
Traffic Way from El Camino Real to Lewis Avenue
Rosario Avenue from El Camino Real to Palma Avenue
In addition, the following road segments are proposed to be closed from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
to accommodate check-in and staging of registered vehicles for the event:
West Mall from Palma Avenue to Olmeda Avenue
Entrada Avenue from Palma Avenue to Lewis Avenue
Palma Avenue from Traffic Way to East Mall
Olmeda Avenue from Traffic Way to West Mall
Staff anticipate an improved experience for participants and spectators, including a better and
steady pace for event vehicles through downtown. Spectators will not be allowed in the center
median areas (ramblas) due to Police Department concerns with safety of the spectators. These
areas will be signed for no parking and no spectator seating. In addition, pedestrian crossings
across El Camino Real will be monitored and restricted to West Mall, Traffic Way, and Virginia
Plaza.
The following Saturday evening, “Dancing in the Streets,” a popular event that debuted in 2016,
will have street closures that will only impact the downtown area from West Mall to Traffic Way.
“Dancing in the Streets” is tentatively planned for Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to
9:00 p.m. A resolution is not needed for this event since Caltrans highway operations are
unaffected by the event.
COLONY DAYS PARADE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 (EVENT 10:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.)
The Colony Days Parade route is planned to begin at the Lewis Avenue/West Mall intersection
and travel south on Lewis Avenue/Capistrano Avenue, then west on Highway 41, then north on
El Camino Real, then east on Entrada Avenue ending at Lewis Avenue. The following road
segments are proposed to be closed from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for the Colony Days Parade
event:
Lewis Avenue from Traffic Way to Capistrano Avenue
Page 10 of 130
7/14/26 | Item D2 | Staff Report
Capistrano Avenue from Lewis Avenue to Highway 41
Highway 41 from Capistrano Avenue to El Camino Real
El Camino Real from Highway 41 to Traffic Way
Entrada Avenue from El Camino Real to Lewis Avenue
Other roads will already be closed for Fall Fest, including the following:
East Mall from El Camino Real to Lewis Avenue
West Mall from El Camino Real to Lewis Avenue
Palma Avenue from Entrada Avenue to West Mall
Road closures for the Colony Days Parade occur in two stages. The first stage occurs at 8:00 a.m.
and is a “soft” closure that closes a portion of the parade route to allow floats and other
participants to set up. The second stage occurs at 9:30 a.m. and is a “hard” closure that prohibits
all unauthorized vehicles from driving through the parade route or any closed road.
A detail of each of the road closures is included in the Draft Resolutions (Attachments 1 & 2) and
on the proposed route for Hot El Camino Cruise Nite and Colony Days (Attachment 3).
FISCAL IMPACT:
Cruise Nite incurs no net fiscal impact. The City cost of conducting the event is approximately
$20,000 and is included in the adopted budget. It is anticipated that these costs will be fully
recovered through budgeted sponsorships and entry fees.
The Colony Days closure of the parade route is expected to take over 100 hours of budgeted staff
time for road closure applications, set-up, and oversight of the road closure. Colony Days is a
non-profit event co-sponsored by the City.
REVIEWED BY OTHERS:
This item has been reviewed by the Police Chief and Community Services Director.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
James R. Lewis, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft Resolution A - Hot El Camino Cruise Nite
2. Draft Resolution B – Colony Days Parade
3. Map - Proposed Routes for Hot El Camino Cruise Nite and Colony Days Parade
Page 11 of 130
7/14/26 | Item D2 | Attachment 1
DRAFT RESOLUTION A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING TEMPORARY ROAD
CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS FOR 2026 HOT EL CAMINO CRUISE
NITE
BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Atascadero that the 2026 Hot El
Camino Cruise Nite is scheduled for August 21, 2026, and the route is hereby established as: El
Camino Real from State Route 41 to San Jacinto Avenue. Additionally, East Mall from El Camino
Real to Palma Avenue, West Mall from El Camino Real to Olmeda Avenue, Olmeda Avenue from
Traffic Way to West Mall, Palma Avenue from Traffic Way to West Mall, Entrada Avenue from
El Camino Real to Lewis Avenue, Traffic Way from El Camino Real to Lewis Avenue, and
Rosario Avenue from El Camino Real to Palma Avenue will be closed to accommodate the route
and for participant registration and check-in activities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in order to provide a closed route for the Cruise, the
area described above is designated as a “No Parking” and tow-away zone from 5:00 p.m. until
9:00 p.m. on the aforementioned date of the Cruise.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Engineer is authorized to make
modifications to the above road restrictions and associated traffic control plan as necessary to
address conflicts, improve efficiencies, and for public health, welfare, and safety purposes.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 14th day
of July, 2026.
On motion by Council Member ____________________ and seconded by Council
Member ____________________, the foregoing Resolution is hereby adopted in its entirety on
the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
CITY OF ATASCADERO:
____________________________________
Charles Bourbeau, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Lara K. Henderson, City Clerk
Page 12 of 130
7/14/26 | Item D2 | Attachment 2
DRAFT RESOLUTION B
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING TEMPORARY ROAD
CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS FOR 2026 COLONY DAYS PARADE
ROUTE
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Atascadero that the 2026 Colony
Days Parade is scheduled for October 17, 2026, and the parade route is hereby established to
begin at the intersection of Lewis Avenue/West Mall traveling south on Lewis
Avenue/Capistrano Avenue to Highway 41, then west to El Camino Real, then north to Entrada
Avenue, then east and ending at Lewis Avenue. Additionally, West Mall from Lewis Avenue to
Olmeda Avenue and Olmeda Avenue from Traffic Way to West Mall will be closed for Colony
Days Parade staging area.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in order to provide a closed route for the Parade,
the area described above is designated as a “No Parking” and tow-away zone from 9:00 a.m. until
1:00 p.m. on the aforementioned date of the Parade.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Engineer is authorized to make
modifications to the above road restrictions and associated traffic control plan as necessary to
address conflicts, improve efficiencies, and for public health, welfare, and safety purposes.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 14th day
of July, 2026.
On motion by Council Member ____________________ and seconded by Council
Member ____________________, the foregoing Resolution is hereby adopted in its entirety on
the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
CITY OF ATASCADERO:
____________________________________
Charles Bourbeau, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Lara K. Henderson, City Clerk
Page 13 of 130
7/14/26 | Item D2 | Attachment 3
Cruise Nite Route Map
Page 14 of 130
7/14/26 | Item D2 | Attachment 3
Colony Days Parade Route
Page 15 of 130
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Item D3
Department: Public Works
Date: 07/14/2026
Placement: Consent
TO: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: NICK DE BAR, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER
PREPARED BY: RYAN BETZ, PUBLIC WORKS ANALYST
SUBJECT: Cooperation Agreement with the County of San Luis Obispo for
Department of Housing and Urban Development Community
Development Programs for Fiscal Years 2027 through 2029.
RECOMMENDATION:
Council approve the Cooperation Agreement with the County of San Luis Obispo for joint
participation in the Community Development Block Grant Program, the Home Investment
Partnerships Program, and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program for Fiscal Years 2026 through
2029.
DISCUSSION:
Beginning with the 1994-1995 Fiscal Year, the City of Atascadero has jointly participated with the
County of San Luis Obispo (County) and other cities as part of the "urban county" Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Urban counties receive annual, formula-based grants
directly from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the CDBG, HOME
Investment Partnerships (HOME) and the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG). Cooperative
agreements between the participating jurisdictions comprising an “urban county” establish a
formula allocating CDBG funds by jurisdiction. The HOME and ESG funds are not formally divided
up, but the cities provide recommendations to the County on these programs.
The City has a current Cooperative Agreement with the County for Federal Fiscal Years 2024
through 2026 for joint participation in the Community Development Programs. In the
agreement, the County provides the bulk of administration work for the programs, including
monitoring and oversight for all CDBG grants. This provision applies to all cities participating in
the urban county cooperation agreement with the County, including Arroyo Grande, Atascadero,
Morro Bay, Paso Robles, and San Luis Obispo. The administrative work provided by the County
will come with an associated cost to provide monitoring and oversight services for the cities. The
County provides project oversight and receives 13% of the total grant funds for administration
services. Administrative funding is limited to 20% of the total grant; therefore, the City’s
administrative portion of the funding cannot exceed 7% of the total administrative grant amount.
Although the current agreement remains in effect through June 30, 2027, HUD is requiring the
County to submit a new Cooperative Agreement one year earlier than anticipated. While this
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accelerated timeline presents certain challenges, the County is requesting that participating cities
approve a new agreement containing the minimum provisions necessary to maintain Urban
County participation. The County must submit the participating cities’ Urban Qualification
Agreements to HUD by August 10, 2026. Additionally, the County proposes to address the
operational details typically included in a traditional Urban County Agreement through a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prior to the expiration of the current agreement in June
2027.
The City can elect to continue to participate in the CDBG program by choosing from the following
options:
1. Join the urban county to receive CDBG allocations through the County (current
arrangement).
2. Become a stand-alone CDBG entitlement jurisdiction to receive CDBG funds directly from
HUD.
3. Decline a formula CDBG allocation or entitlement and become an applicant to the
competitive state CDBG program.
Staff has reviewed each of the three options available to the City and recommends continuation
of the current CDBG allocation by participating as part of the "urban county" program (Option 1).
This option is preferred for the following reasons:
1. Participation in the state CDBG program (Option 3) is competitive in nature and there is no
guarantee that the City will receive any CDBG funding from year to year.
2. Becoming a stand-alone City (Option 2) would require the City to meet all of the HUD
regulations as a grant recipient, including preparation of a five-year plan, annual allocation
plan, preparation of various federally required reports, and other administrative activities.
This would require additional staff resources to be allocated toward grant administration.
3. Administration of the CDBG program is highly regulated and involves technical processes and
the County has staff that specialize in this area. Additional training and participation in HUD
activities would be required for Options 2 and 3. This would require significant additional staff
resources.
4. The Option 1 funding allocation to the City from the County application is identical to the
formula used by HUD if the City received a direct allocation. There may be some additional
increase in funding levels as a direct entitlement city; however, it would be offset by the
increases in administration required for direct participation.
Participation as part of the "urban county" allocation program would continue to provide the City
with annual allocation of CDBG funds and continue to limit the amount of time the City would be
required to spend on program administration that increases with either of the remaining options.
Participation in the program is for a three (3) year, fiscal year cycle; therefore, the City will be
able to re-evaluate its options prior to the next three (3) year cycle.
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Continued participation in the CDBG program with the County provides continued allocation of
CDBG funding to Atascadero while limiting the financial and administrative resources necessary
to participate in the program overall.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Council may choose to participate as a stand-alone CDBG entitlement jurisdiction or become an
applicant to the competitive state program. This alternative is not recommended due to the
cumbersome nature of HUD requirements that are most efficiently performed by one entity of
the urban county (County of San Luis Obispo).
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Cooperative Agreement will provide continued availability of CDBG funding for CDBG eligible
programs in Atascadero over the next three years. The current annual award amount is
approximately $176,200 of which 13% will be retained by the County to cover expenses for
administrative project oversight and 7% is available for City administration, resulting in
approximately $141,000 in available funding to the City for CDBG programs.
REVIEWED BY OTHERS:
This item has been reviewed by the Administrative Services Director.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA:
James R. Lewis, City Manager
ATTACHMENT:
1. Cooperation Agreement for Federal Fiscal Years 2027 through 2029
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COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO AND THE CITY OF ATASCADERO FOR JOINT PARTICIPATION IN
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM, THE HOME
INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM, AND THE EMERGENCY
SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEARS 2027 THROUGH 2029
THIS COOPERATION AGREEMENT is made and entered into on the date and year
last written below, by and between the County of San Luis Obispo, a political subdivision
of the State of California, hereinafter called “County,” and the City of Atascadero, a
municipal corporation of the State of California, located in the County of San Luis Obispo,
hereinafter called “City;” jointly referred to as “Parties”.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, in 1974, the U.S. Congress enacted, and the President signed a law
entitled, The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, herein called the “Act.”
The Act is omnibus legislation relating to federal involvement in a wide range of housing
and community development activities and contains eight separate titles; and
WHEREAS, Title I of the Act is entitled “Community Development” and governs
programs for housing and community development within metropolitan cities and urban
counties or communities by providing financial assistance annually for area-wide plans and
for housing, public services, and public works programs; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant Program (hereinafter
referred to as “CDBG”), the HOME Investment Partnerships Act Program (hereinafter
referred to as “HOME”), and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (hereinafter referred
to as “ESG”) are consolidated under Title I of the Act; and
WHEREAS, the County has requested of the federal Department of Housing and
Urban Development, hereinafter referred to as “HUD,” designate the County as an “Urban
County;” and
WHEREAS, the County needs to requalify as an urban county and will be eligible
to receive CDBG funds provided that the County’s entitled cities defer their entitlement to
the County to enable both the County and the entitlement cities to jointly participate in the
program; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to participate jointly with the County in the Urban
County as authorized by signing this Cooperation Agreement; and
WHEREAS, if HUD redesignates the County as an urban county, then the County
may also be eligible to receive funds from the HOME Program and the ESG Program; and
WHEREAS, the CDBG Regulations issued pursuant to the Act provide qualified
urban counties must submit an application to HUD for funds, and cities and smaller
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communities within the metropolitan area not qualifying as metropolitan cities may join
the County in said application and thereby become a part of a more comprehensive County
effort; and
WHEREAS, as the urban county applicant, the County must take responsibility
and assume all obligations of an applicant under federal statues, including: the analysis of
needs, the setting of objectives, the development of community development and housing
assistance plans, the consolidated plan, and the assurances of certifications; and
WHEREAS, by executing this Agreement, the Parties hereby give notice of their
intention to participate in the urban county CDBG, HOME, and ESG Programs; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager of the City of Atascadero is authorized to execute
this Agreement on behalf of the City; and
WHEREAS, the Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors or the Chief Executive
Officer of the County of San Luis Obispo is authorized to execute this Agreement on behalf
of the County
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, recitals and other
provisions hereof, the Parties agree as follows:
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SECTION I. General.
A. Full Cooperation. The County and the City agree to cooperate to undertake, or
assist in undertaking, essential community development and housing assistance
activities, as approved and authorized between the Parties in the CDBG
Agreements, including the Consolidated Plan.
B. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall remain in effect for the three-year
program period of Federal Fiscal Years 2027, 2028, and 2029, and until funds
granted and program income received during the three-year period are expended
and the funded activities are completed. Neither the County nor the City may
terminate, withdraw, or be removed from the program during the three-year
program period. The three (3) year period commences on October 1, 2027, through
September 30, 2030.
a. The County shall, by the date in the Urban County Qualification Deadlines
published on the HUD Exchange Urban Counties website for the next
qualification period, notify the Participating Jurisdictions by letter of their
right not to participate in the Urban County.
C. Scope of Agreement. This Agreement covers the following formula funding
programs administered by HUD where the County is awarded and accepts funding
directly from HUD: the CDBG Program, the HOME Program, and the ESG
Program.
a. The participating City understands and agrees that it may receive a formula
allocation under the HOME and ESG Programs only through the Urban
County. This does not preclude the Urban County or City from applying for
HOME or ESG funds from the State, if the State allows.
b. The participating City understands and agrees that it may not apply for
grants under the State CDBG Program for the fiscal years during the period
in which the Municipality participates in the Urban County’s CDBG
Program.
D. Amendments. The Parties agree to adopt amendment(s) to this Agreement as may
be required by HUD to meet any new Urban County Qualification requirement(s),
when applicable. Failure by either Party to adopt any such amendment, and to
submit such amendment to HUD, will void the agreement for such qualification
period.
SECTION II. Program Administration.
A. City Agreements. Pursuant to 24 CFR 570.501(b), the City is subject to the
same requirements applicable to subrecipients, including the requirement of
executing a written agreement with the County as set forth in 24 CFR 570.503.
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B. Use of Program Income. The County may transfer the program income to the
City, upon its termination of Urban County participation, provided that the City
begins participating as an independent CDBG Entitlement grantee and agrees
to use the program income in its own CDBG Entitlement program.
C. Fair Housing Implementation. The Parties agree that no Urban County
funding shall be allocated or expended for activities in or in support of any
cooperating unit of general local government that does not affirmatively further
fair housing within its own jurisdiction or that impedes the County’s actions to
comply with its fair housing certification.
D. Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act. The Parties to
this Agreement understand and agree that they may not sell, trade, or otherwise
transfer all or any portion of CDBG funds to a Metropolitan City, Urban
County, unit of general local government, or insular area that directly or
indirectly receives CDBG funds in exchange for any funds, credits, or non-
Federal considerations, but must use such funds for activities eligible under
Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.
E. Special Provisions for the Urban County. The Urban County is prohibited
from funding activities in, or in support of, any Participating Jurisdiction that
impedes the County’s actions to comply with the County’s Fair Housing
Certification. Noncompliance with the duty to affirmatively further fair housing
by a Participating Jurisdiction may constitute noncompliance by the Urban
County.
SECTION III. Compliance with Federal Statutes and Regulations.
A. General. The County and the City shall take all actions necessary to assure
compliance with the County’s certification under Section 104(b) of Title I of the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, that the grant will
be conducted and administered in conformity with:
a. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and the implementing regulations
at 24 CFR Part 1);
b. The Fair Housing Act, and the implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part
100, and will comply with the obligation to duty to affirmatively further fair
housing; and
c. Section 109 of Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of
1974, and the implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 6, which
incorporates:
i. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the implementing
regulations at 24 CFR Part 8;
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ii. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the
implementing regulations at 28 CFR Part 35;
iii. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the implementing
regulations at 24 CFR Part 146;
iv. Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968;
v. Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition
Policies Act of 1970, and the implementing regulations at 49 CFR
Part 24;
vi. Section 104(d) of Housing and Community Development Act of
1974, and the implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 42; and
d. Other applicable laws
B. Certification Regarding Policies Prohibiting Use of Excessive Force and
Regarding Enforcement of State and Local Laws Barring Entrances.
The County and the City each have adopted and are enforcing:
a. A policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies
within its jurisdiction against any individuals engaged in non-violent civil
rights demonstrations; and
b. A policy of enforcing applicable State and local laws against physically
barring entrance to or exit from a facility or location which is the subject of
such non-violent civil rights demonstrations within its jurisdiction.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed between the parties hereto that:
Agreement Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, when taken together, shall constitute
one and the same agreement. This Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile
or scanned signature by any of the Parties and the receiving Party may rely on the receipt
of such document so executed and delivered by facsimile or email as if the original had
been received.
The Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and attested by their proper
officer thereunder duly authorized.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the day and the
year set forth below.
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, A Political Subdivision of the State of California
Jimmy Paulding
Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors
ATTEST:
Matthew P. Pontes
Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
BY:
Deputy Clerk
(SEAL)
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL EFFECT:
Jon Ansolabehere
County Counsel
By:
Deputy County Counsel
Dated:
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CITY OF ATASCADERO, a California Municipal Corporation
BY:
James R. Lewis
City Manager
Date:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL EFFECT:
By:
David Fleishman
City Attorney
Dated:
Page 25 of 130
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Item D4
Department: Public Works
Date: 07/14/26
Placement: Consent
TO: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: NICK DE BAR, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER
PREPARED BY: JOE MURPHY, ASSOCAITE CIVIL ENGINEER
SUBJECT: Contract Award for 2026 Public Works On-Call Inspectfon Services
RECOMMENDATION:
Council award a professional services agreement to Filippin Engineering to provide on-call
engineering inspectfon and development review services not to exceed $200,000 during the
2026-2027 fiscal year.
DISCUSSION:
BACKGROUND
The Public Works Administratfon and City Engineering Division (Engineering Division) manages
and inspects all public and private projects located within public right-of-way in Atascadero. This
includes City capital projects, public improvements associated with private development projects,
utflity company and other work within the public right-of-way, and private development
inspectfons (typically septfc systems, grading and drainage, stormwater capture and treatment
devices, and compliance with State constructfon stormwater regulatfons). Similar to the
responsibilitfes of the Building Department, engineering inspectfons focus on compliance with
City, State and Federal standards, and approved project-specific plans and specificatfons.
Providing inspectfon services in a tfmely and thorough manner is critfcal to ensure that private
and public improvement constructfon projects comply with material and workmanship
specificatfons and are not unnecessarily burdened by City delays.
Constructfon inspectfon and coordinatfon for the Engineering Division are performed by one full-
tfme Public Works Inspector and augmented by qualified engineering consultants. In general, the
staff Public Works Inspector’s priority is right-of-way encroachments, private development, and
small capital projects. Large capital projects such as Measure F14 and paving projects, Downtown
ECR Project, Public Safety Facilitfes Projects, and wastewater improvements are typically
inspected by engineering consultants hired by the City. City inspectfon tfme and consultfng costs
for capital projects are charged to and paid from project budget funds while right-of-way
encroachments and private development are paid from permit fee revenue in the General Fund.
The Public Works Inspector resigned in early June 2026 and the positfon is currently vacant. While
a recruitment is presently actfve to fill the positfon, staff does not antfcipate having a new
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employee onboarded in tfme to inspect private development and capital projects occurring over
the next several months. While other City Engineering staff have stepped up to assist with some
of the inspectfon workload, they are also busy with other Council prioritfes and will not be able
to meet inspectfon needs once constructfon season begins in earnest, and especially once City
capital projects begin constructfon.
To address the temporary staffing shortiall as well as provide inspectfon services for larger City
capital projects going to constructfon in upcoming months, it is necessary to contract inspectfon
services to qualified consultants.
ANALYSIS
A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued for Public Works Inspectfon and Development Review
Support Services in June 2026 with a work scope that includes providing inspectfon services for
permitted private constructfon work and City capital projects. Four proposals were received from
Filippin Engineering, Wallace Group, Cannon Corp., and Interwest Consultfng Group - all but
Interwest with local offices in San Luis Obispo County. All four are qualified consultants with
experienced personnel familiar with providing similar services to other local agencies.
A technical selectfon committee independently reviewed and scored each proposal considering
experience with similar work scope, responsiveness to City needs, experience of key personnel,
and other factors. All proposals demonstrated the ability to complete the work, but Filippin
Engineering provided the best overall proposal for this project and is being recommended by the
Public Works Director/City Engineer. Filippin Engineering has a successful track record providing
inspectfon services to the City, is already very familiar with the City’s permitting software and
inspectfon process and have had success working seamlessly with Public Works engineering and
administratfve staff. Filippin Engineering has provided the City with its labor rates and a
reimbursable expenses schedule that will be used as a basis for compensatfon.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approving staff’s recommendatfons will result in expenditures up to $200,000 in current FY26/27
Budget funds, mostly related to City capital projects during the constructfon phase. This amount
will be lower if the City is successful in its current recruitment effort to fill the Public Works
Inspector vacancy, and there will be salary savings while this positfon remains vacant to fund
inspectfons related to encroachment permits and private development.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Council may reject staff recommendatfons and direct staff to provide these services without
additfonal staffing or readvertfse the request for proposals. Staff does not recommend either of
these alternatfves since City staff are currently busy with Council prioritfes and workload, and
readvertfsing for inspectfon and development review services will delay the needed help to
handle the many ongoing development and capital project inspectfon needs.
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REVIEWED BY OTHERS:
This item has been reviewed by the Administratfve Services Director.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
James R. Lewis, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):
None
Page 28 of 130
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Item D5
Department: Community
Development
Date: 07/14/2026
Placement: Consent
TO: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: PHIL DUNSMORE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
PREPARED BY: KELLY GLEASON, PLANNING MANAGER
ERICK GOMEZ, ASSOCIATE PLANNER
SUBJECT: Notice of Intent to Annex the Barrel Creek Project into CFD 2005-01
RECOMMENDATION:
Council adopt Draft Resolution declaring its intention to annex territory into Community Facilities
District 2005-1 (Public Services) as Annexation No. 27 and to authorize the levy of special taxes
therein (Barrel Creek Project).
DISCUSSION:
At their March 28, 2023 meeting, the City Council approved the Barrel Creek project. The City has
completed review of construction permits for the initial grading and infrastructure improvements
and the applicant is proceeding towards map recordation. The applicant is required to annex the
project site into the City’s Community Facilities District (CFD) prior to recordation of their
subdivision map, as required by their conditions of approval.
In July 2004, as a key part of the adoption of the City’s Comprehensive Financial Strategy, the
Council addressed the need to recover all costs associated with new residential development by
directing the formation of a CFD. California law allows the formation of such districts for the
purpose of recovering the cost of providing public safety services, including police and fire services,
and park services for new developments. CFDs ensure that new homeowners pay special taxes in
order to sustain the service capability for emergency and non-emergency services to new growth
areas in the City. Without such special taxes in place, most new residential units have a negative
impact on the General Fund.
The Citywide CFD was established in 2005 consistent with this policy, and a number of projects
have been annexed into the CFD as a requirement prior to recordation of a final map and/or
issuance of construction permits. With the resolution of intention, the City and the applicants are
initiating the process of annexing the Barrel Creek project into the City’s existing CFD.
The attached resolution establishes the date for the public hearing to complete the annexation.
The date has been set for September 8, 2026. There are no registered voters in the area being
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annexed so the election will be a landowner vote. Following completion of the annexation, staff
anticipates levying taxes on the parcels in the 2027-2028 tax year.
The project was conditioned to be fiscally neutral through annexation into the existing Citywide
CFD. Annexation into CFD 2005-1 will satisfy the project’s conditions of approval and allow for
the annexation vote to occur. The Barrel Creek project consists of:
20 residential single-family lots
40 apartment units
A 120-room hotel
16 short-term cottage lodging units
53,500 square-feet of commercial tenant space
The CFD will be active on the entirety of the site however, based on the Rate and Method of
Apportionment that established the methodology for annual levies, annual taxes are expected to
be levied on only the residential properties as commercial development is generally fiscally
neutral or positive. The CFD annual levy is currently $855.52 per residential unit for the 2025-
2026 tax year and adjusts each year for inflation.
Barrel Creek Master Plan of Development
Single-family
residential
subdivision
Existing
Drainage
Multifamily
apartments
Commercial
Plaza
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FISCAL IMPACT:
Assessments for this annexation are estimated to be $51,331.20 annually, adjusted each year for
inflation.
REVIEWED BY OTHERS:
This item has been reviewed by the Administrative Services Director and Community
Development Director.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
____________________________________
James R. Lewis, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Draft Resolution
2. Annexation Map for Annexation No. 27 to CFD No. 2005-1
3. Property Owners Petition
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DRAFT RESOLUTION A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO
ANNEX TERRITORY INTO COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT
NO. 2005-1 (PUBLIC SERVICES) AS ANNEXATION NO. 27, AND TO
AUTHORIZE THE LEVY OF SPECIAL TAXES THEREIN
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Atascadero, California (the “City
Council”), has previously conducted proceedings to establish a community facilities district
pursuant to the terms and provisions of the “Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982”,
as amended (the “Act”), Chapter 2.5, Part 1, Division 2, Title 5, commencing at Section 53311,
of the Government Code of the State of California, thereof designated as COMMUNITY
FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2005-1 (PUBLIC SERVICES) (“CFD No. 2005-1”); and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has received a petition (including waivers) from the
landowner requesting that it annex into CFD No. 2005-1 under the Act, to provide for the
costs of services, and the City Council now desires to commence proceedings to annex
territory into CFD No. 2005-1 as described herein; and
WHEREAS, under the Act, this City Council, as the legislative body for CFD No.
2005-1, is empowered with the authority to annex territory to CFD No. 2005-1 and now
desires to undertake proceedings to annex territory to CFD No. 2005-1.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct.
SECTION 2. Public Convenience and Necessity. This City Council hereby determines
that the public convenience and necessity requires that territory be annexed into CFD No.
2005-1 in order to pay the costs and expenses for the required and authorized public services.
SECTION 3. Boundaries. A general description of the territory included in the
existing CFD No. 2005-1 is hereinafter described as follows: All that property and territory
as originally included in the existing CFD No. 2005-1 heretofore recorded as Instrument No.
2005-037685 in the office of the County Recorder for the County of San Luis Obispo on May
9, 2005 in Book 5 at Page 11-13 of Maps of Assessments and Community Facilities Districts,
to which map reference is hereby made, and as such map was amended as a result of prior
annexations.
A description of the boundaries and territory proposed to be annexed is as follows: All that
property and territory proposed to be annexed to CFD No. 2005-1, is shown on the Annexation
Map for Annexation No. 27 to CFD No. 2005-1, on file in the Office of the City Clerk, the
boundaries of which territory are hereby preliminarily approved and to which map reference
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is hereby made for further particulars. The area proposed to be annexed to CFD No. 2005-1
is as shown on the Annexation Map identified in Exhibit A. The City Clerk is hereby directed to
cause to be recorded such Annexation Map, showing the territory to be annexed, in the office
of the County Recorder of the County of San Luis Obispo within fifteen days of the date of
adoption of this resolution.
SECTION 4. Services. The services which CFD No. 2005-1 is authorized to finance are
in addition to those provided in or required for the territory within CFD No. 2005-1 and will not
be replacing services already available. A general description of the services to be financed is
as follows:
POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES
Police services and fire protection and suppression services (the
“Services”) of the City of Atascadero required to sustain the service
delivery capability for emergency and non-emergency services to new
growth areas of the City of Atascadero, including but not limited to,
related facilities, equipment, vehicles, ambulances and paramedics,
fire apparatus, services, supplies and personnel; provided, however, that
any increases in special taxes for costs related to employee wages and
benefits shall be limited as provided in the Rate and Method of
Apportionment of the Special Taxes to fund such Services.
PARK SERVICES
Park services of the City of Atascadero required for the operation and
maintenance of public parks.
The City of Atascadero is authorized to finance and direct administrative and incidental annual
costs and expenses necessary to provide the maintenance and servicing for public services.
No additional services will be necessary or provided in CFD No. 2005-1 and the services as
described for CFD No. 2005-1 will serve the properties within CFD No. 2005-1. It is presently
intended that the services will be provided, without preference or priority, to the existing territory
in CFD No. 2005-1 and the territory proposed to be annexed to CFD No. 2005-1.
SECTION 5. Special Taxes. It is the intention of this City Council that, except where
funds are otherwise available, a special tax sufficient to pay for said services to be provided
in CFD No. 2005-1 and Annexation No. 27, secured by recordation of a continuing lien against
all non-exempt real property in Annexation No. 27, will be levied annually within the boundaries
of Annexation No. 27 from and after the annexation of such property to CFD No. 2005-1.
The special taxes shall be those as authorized through the formation of CFD No. 2005-1,
adopted by Ordinance of this legislative body, as amended by the adoption of Resolution 2018-
001 and no changes or modifications are proposed in the special taxes from those as currently
set forth and made applicable to CFD No. 2005-1 in accordance with Resolution 2018-001.
For particulars as to the rate and method of apportionment of the proposed special tax (the
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“RMA”), reference is made to the attached and incorporated Exhibit “B,” which sets forth
in sufficient detail the method of apportionment to allow each landowner or resident within
Annexation No. 27 to clearly estimate the maximum annual amount that said person will have
to pay on said special tax.
The special taxes, to the extent possible, shall be collected in the same manner as ad valorem
property taxes and shall be subject to the same penalties, procedure, sale and lien priority in any
case of delinquency as applicable for ad valorem taxes; provided, however, CFD No. 2005-
1 may utilize a direct billing procedure for any special taxes that cannot be collected on the
County tax roll or may, by resolution, elect to collect the special taxes at a different time or in a
different manner if necessary to meet its financial obligations.
SECTION 6. Public Hearing. Notice is given that on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at
6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the regular meeting place of this
City Council at the City of Atascadero, City Hall Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Ave,
Atascadero, California, and the same are hereby appointed and fixed as the time and place when
and where this City Council, as legislative body for CFD No. 2005-1, will conduct a public
hearing on the annexation of territory to CFD No. 2005-1, and consider and finally determine
whether the public interest, convenience and necessity require said annexation of territory to
the CFD No. 2005-1 and the levy of said special tax therein.
SECTION 7. Notice. The City Clerk is hereby directed to cause notice of said public
hearing to be given by publication one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the area
of CFD No. 2005-1, including the area to be annexed to CFD No. 2005-1. The publication of
the notice shall be completed at least seven days before the date herein set for said hearing. The
City Clerk may also cause a copy of such notice to be mailed to the registered voters and
landowners within the territory proposed to annexed, which shall be mailed at least fifteen
days before the date of said hearing.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 14th day of July,
2026.
On motion by Council Member ____________________ and seconded by Council Member
____________________, the foregoing Resolution is hereby adopted in its entirety on the following roll
call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
CITY OF ATASCADERO:
____________________________________
Charles Bourbeau, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Lara K. Henderson, City Clerk
Page 34 of 130
7/14/26 | Item D5 | Attachment 2
Page 35 of 130
PETITION
(With Waivers)
Regarding Proceeding for Annexation of Territory to
Community Facilities District No. 2005-1 (Public Services)
and Related Matters
To the Honorable City Council,
City of Atascadero
6500 Palma Avenue
Atascadero, CA 93422
Members of the Council:
This is a petition to institute proceedings to annex territory, including the property
identified and described in Exhibit "A", to Community Facilities District No. 2005-1
(Public Services) (CFD No. 2005-1) within the City of Atascadero and related matters
pursuant to the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982, commencing with Section
53311 of the California Government Code of the State of California (the "Act"), and it
states as follows:
1. Petitioner. This Petition is submitted by the person (the "Petitioner")
(whether one or more) identified below as or for the record owner(s) of the parcels of
land identified below (the "Property"). The undersigned warrants to the City of
Atascadero that the Petitioner is such owner or is a legally authorized representative
of such owner(s), and that such ownership constitutes ownership of more than 10% of
the property to be annexed, described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and more
particularly described in Section 3 herein.
2. Proceedings Requested. This Petition asks that the City Council
undertake proceedings under the Act to annex territory to CFD No. 2005-1 and to levy
special taxes therein for the purpose of financing all or part of the public services (the
"Services") shown in Exhibit "B" attached hereto and made a part hereof.
3. Boundaries. This Petition asks that the territory, to be included in the
boundaries of the annexation, consist of that shown on a map of the proposed
boundaries of Annexation No. 27 filed with the City Clerk of the City of Atascadero and
which map is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and hereby made a part this Petition and
which map includes the Property.
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4. Special Taxes. The Petitioner agrees that it has reviewed and approves
the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Taxes attached hereto as Exhibit "C"
and made a part hereof, which Rate and Method has previously been adopted by the
City Council of the City of Atascadero to be used by the City for the levy of Special
Taxes in CFD No. 2005-1 and any future annexations to CFD No. 2005-1 to pay for the
Services.
5. Election. The Petitioner asks that the special election to be held under the
Act, to authorize the special taxes and to establish any appropriations limits for
Annexation No. 27, be conducted by the City of Atascadero and its officials, using a
mailed or hand-delivered ballot and that such ballot be canvassed and the results
certified at the same meeting of the City Council for the public hearing for Annexation
No. 27 to CFD No. 2005-1 under the Act or as soon thereafter as possible.
6. Waivers. To expedite the completion of the proceedings for Annexation
No. 27 to CFD No. 2005-1, the Petitioner waives all notices of hearing and all published
notices regarding the annexation of territory of Annexation No. 27 to CFD No. 2005-
1, notices of election, applicable waiting periods under the Act for the election and all
ballot arguments and analysis for the election, it being acknowledged by the Petitioner
that all such notices are for the benefit of the Petitioner and may be waived. The
Petitioner agrees to timely complete and return a consent and waiver to be provided to
Petitioner by the City of Atascadero in order to expedite such proceedings.
7. Authority Warranted. The Petitioner warrants to the City of Atascadero
that presentation of Petition, any waivers contained herein, casting of ballots at the
property owner election and other actions mandated by the City of Atascadero to annex
Annexation No. 27 to CFD No. 2005-1 shall not constitute or be construed as events
of default or delinquencies under any existing or proposed financing documents
entered into or to be entered into by the Petitioner for the Property, including any "due-
on-encumbrance" clauses under any existing security instruments secured by the
Property. If requested by the City of Atascadero, the Petitioner agrees, at its expense,
to supply to the City of Atascadero, current title evidence so that the City of
Atascadero may supply any notice and ballot required under the Act to annex
Annexation No. 27 to CFD No. 2005-1.
8. Due-Diligence and Disclosures. The Petitioner agrees to cooperate with
the City of Atascadero, its attorneys and consultants, and provide all information and
disclosures required by the City of Atascadero about the Special Taxes to purchasers
of the Property or any part of it.
9. Agreements. The Petitioner further agrees to execute such additional or
supplemental agreements as may be required by the City of Atascadero to provide for
any of the actions and conditions under this Petition, including any amount of cash
deposit required to pay for the City of Atascadero's costs to annex Annexation No. 27
to CFD 2005-1. By Executing this Petition, the Petitioner agrees to all of the above.
7/14/26 | Item D5 | Attachment 3
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7/14/26 | Item D5 | Attachment 3
Page 38 of 130
EXHIBIT A
ANNEXATION MAP
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EXHIBIT B
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES
Police services and fire protection and suppression services (the "Services") of the City
Atascadero required to sustain the service delivery capability for emergency and non- emergency
services to new growth areas of the City of Atascadero, including but not limited to, related
facilities, equipment, vehicles, ambulances and paramedics, fire apparatus, services, supplies
and personnel: provided, however, that any increases in special taxes for costs related to
employee wages and benefits shall be limited as provided the Rate Method of Apportionment of
Special to fund such Services.
PARK SERVICE
Park services of the City of Atascadero required for the operation and maintenance of public
parks.
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EXHIBIT C
RATE AND METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT
CITY OF ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2005-1 (PUBLIC SERVICES)
RATE AND METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT
A Special Tax of Community Facilities District No. 2005-1 (Public Services) of the City of Atascadero
("CFD") shall be levied on all Assessor's Parcels in the CFD and collected each Fiscal Year commencing
in Fiscal Year 2005-06 in an amount determined by the City through the application of the rate and
method of apportionment of the Special Tax set forth below. All of the real property in the CFD, unless
exempted by law or by the provisions hereof, shall be taxed for the purposes, to the extent and in the
manner herein provided.
A. DEFINITIONS
The terms hereinafter set forth have the following meanings:
"Acre or Acreage" means the land area of an Assessor’s Parcel as shown on an Assessor's Parcel
Map, or if the land area is not shown on an Assessor's Parcel Map, the land area shown on the applicable
final subdivision map, other final map, other parcel map, other condominium plan, or functionally equivalent
map or instrument recorded in the Office of the County Recorder. The square footage of an Assessor's
Parcel is equal to the Acreage multiplied by 43,560.
"Act" means the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982, as amended, being Chapter 2.5, Part 1,
Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code of the State of California.
"Administrative Expenses" means the actual or estimated costs incurred by the City as administrator of
the CFD to determine, levy and collect the Special Taxes, including salaries, benefits and overhead costs
of City employees whose duties are directly related to administration of the CFD and the fees of consultants,
legal counsel, the costs of collecting installments of the Special Taxes upon the general tax rolls,
preparation of required reports; and any other costs required to administer the CFD as determined by the
City.
"Affordable Unit(s)" means dwelling units located on one or more Assessor’s Parcels of Residential
Property that are subject to deed restrictions, resale restrictions, and/or regulatory agreements recorded in
favor of the City providing for affordable housing. Affordable Units will require annual application to the City
for verification of their affordable housing status. The City will have the authority to approve and
establish policies regarding Affordable Housing Dwelling Units and their status.
Affordable dwelling units shall be classified as Affordable Units by the CFD Administrator in the
chronological order in which the building permits for such property are issued.
"Annual Escalation Factor" means the greater of, five percent (5%) or the annual percentage change in
the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of “All Urban Consumers” for the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose Area.
"Approved Property" means an Assessor’s Parcel and/or Lot in the District, which has a Final Map recorded prior to January 1st preceding the Fiscal Year in which the Special Tax is being levied, but for
which no building permit has been issued prior to the May 1st preceding the Fiscal Year in which the
Special Tax is being levied. The term "Approved Property" shall apply only to Assessors’ Parcels and/or
Lots, which have been subdivided for the purpose of residential or commercial development, excluding
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any Assessor’s Parcel that is designated as a remainder parcel determined by final documents and/or
maps available to the CFD Administrator.
"Assessor's Parcel" means a lot or parcel shown in an Assessor's Parcel Map with an assigned
assessor's parcel number.
"Assessor's Parcel Map" means an official map of the Assessor of the County designating parcels
by assessor's parcel number.
"Base Year" means Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2006.
"CFD Administrator" means an official of the City, or designee thereof, responsible for determining the
Special Tax Requirement and providing for the levy and collection of the Special Taxes.
"CFD" means Community Facilities District No. 2005-1 (Public Services) of the City of Atascadero.
"City" means the City of Atascadero.
"Council" means the City Council of the City of Atascadero, acting as the legislative body of the CFD.
"County" means the County of San Luis Obispo, California.
"Developed Property" means all Taxable Property, exclusive of Property Owner Association Property,
or Public Property, for which a building permit was issued after July 1, 2004 and prior to May 1st
preceding the Fiscal Year in which the Special Tax is being levied.
"Final Map" means an Assessor’s Parcel Map, a final subdivision map, other parcel map, other final
map, other condominium plan, or functionally equivalent map that has been recorded in the Office of the
County Recorder.
"Fiscal Year" means the period starting July 1 and ending on the following June 30.
"Land Use Class" means any of the classes listed in Table 1.
"Lot" means property within a recorded Final Map identified by a lot number for which a building permit
has been issued or may potentially be issued.
"Maximum Special Tax" means the maximum Special Tax, determined in accordance with Section C
below that can be levied in the CFD in any Fiscal Year on any Assessor’s Parcel.
"Multi-Family Residence" means all Assessor’s Parcels of Developed Property for which a building
permit has been issued for a residential structure consisting of two or more residential units that share
common walls, including, but not limited to, duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, condominiums, apartment
units, and secondary units as defined in Ordinance No. 454.
"Non-Residential Property" means all Assessor’s Parcels of Developed Property for which a building
permit(s) has been issued for a non- residential use and does not contain any residential units as defined
under Residential Property or Multi-Family Property.
"Park Services" means the estimated and reasonable costs for maintaining authorized parks within the
City.
"Property Owner Association Property" means any property within the boundaries of the CFD that is
owned by, or irrevocably dedicated as indicated in an instrument recorded with the County Recorder to, a
property owner association, including any master or sub-association.
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"Proportionately" means in a manner such that the ratio of the actual Special Tax levy to the Maximum
Special Tax is equal for all Assessor’s Parcels within each Land Use Class.
"Public Property" means any property within the boundaries of the CFD that is, at the time of the CFD
formation or at the time of an annexation, expected to be used for rights-of-way, parks, schools or any
other public purpose and is owned by or irrevocably offered for dedication to the federal government, the
State, the County, the City or any other public agency.
"Public Safety Costs" means the estimated and reasonable costs of providing Public Safety services,
including but not limited to (i) the costs of contracting for police and fire services, (ii) related facilities,
equipment, vehicles, ambulances and paramedics, fire apparatus, supplies, (iii) the salaries and benefits
of City staff if the City directly provides police and fire protection services, and (iv) City overhead costs
associated with providing such services within the CFD. The Special Tax provides only partial funding for
Public Safety.
"Residential Unit" means any residence in which a person or persons may live, which comprises an
independent facility capable of conveyance separate from adjacent residential dwelling units and is not
considered to be for commercial or industrial use. This includes Single-Family Residence and Multi-
Family Residence.
"Single-Family Residence” means all Assessor’s Parcels of Developed Property for which a building
permit(s) has been issued for purposes of constructing one residential dwelling unit.
"Special Tax" means the Special Tax to be levied in each Fiscal Year on each Assessor's Parcel of
Taxable Property to fund the Special Tax Requirement, and shall include Special Taxes levied or to be
levied under Sections C and D, below.
"Special Tax Requirement" means that amount required in any Fiscal Year for the CFD to: (i) pay for
Public Safety Costs; (ii) pay for Park Services; (iii) pay reasonable Administrative Expenses; (vi) pay any
amounts required to establish or replenish any reserve funds; and (v) pay for reasonably anticipated
delinquent Special Taxes based on the delinquency rate for Special Taxes levied in the previous Fiscal
Year; less any surplus of funds available from the previous Fiscal Year’s Special Tax levy.
"State" means the State of California.
"Taxable Property" means all of the Assessor's Parcels within the boundaries of the CFD that are not
exempt from the Special Tax pursuant to law or as defined below.
"Tax-Exempt Property" means an Assessor's Parcel not subject to the Special Tax. Tax-Exempt Property
includes: (i) Public Property, (ii) Property Owner Association Property, and (iii) property designated by the
City or CFD Administrator as Tax-Exempt Property.
"Undeveloped Property" means, for each Fiscal Year, all Taxable Property not classified as Developed
Property or Approved Property, including an Assessor’s Parcel that is designated as a remainder parcel
and is not identified as potential Public Property by any final document and/or maps available to the CFD
Administrator.
B. ASSIGNMENT TO LAND USE CATEGORIES
Each Fiscal Year using the definitions above, all Taxable Property within the CFD shall be classified as
Developed Property, Approved Property, Non-Residential Property, or Undeveloped Property. Developed
Property shall further be classified as Residential Units as specified in Table 1 and shall be subject to
Special Taxes pursuant to Sections C and D below.
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C. MAXIMUM SPECIAL TAX RATE
1. Developed Property
TABLE 1
Maximum Special Tax for Developed Property
Community Facilities District No. 2005-1 (Public Services)
Land Use
Class
Description
Maximum Special Tax
Per Unit
1 Residential Units $440 per Unit
2 Affordable Units $0 per Unit
On each July 1 following the Base Year, the Maximum Special Tax Rates shall be increased in
accordance with the Annual Escalation Factor.
2. Approved Property
TABLE 2
Maximum Special Tax for Approved Property
Community Facilities District No. 2005-1 (Public Services)
Land Use
Class
Description
Maximum Special Tax
Per Lot
3 Approved Property $231 per Lot
On each July 1 following the Base Year, the Maximum Special Tax Rate shall be increased in
accordance with the Annual Escalation Factor.
3. Non-residential Property
TABLE 3
Maximum Special Tax for Non-Residential Property
Community Facilities District No. 2005-1 (Public Services)
Land Use
Class
Description
Maximum Special Tax
Per Acre
4 Non-Residential
Property $1,848 per Acre
The minimum special tax Non-Residential Property shall be subject to is $50 per parcel. On each July
1 following the Base Year, the Maximum Special Tax Rate for Non-Residential Property shall be increased
in accordance with the Annual Escalation Factor.
4. Multiple Land Use Classes
In some instances an Assessor’s Parcel may contain more than one Land Use Class. The Maximum Special
Tax levied on an Assessor’s Parcel shall be the sum of the Maximum Special Tax levies that can be
imposed on all Land Use Classes located on that Assessor’s Parcel.
5. Undeveloped Property
Undeveloped Property will be assigned a Maximum Special Tax Rate of $410 per acre or portion thereof,
with a minimum rate of $100 for Undeveloped Property less than or equal to one-fourth (1/4) of an Acre
as described in Table 4.
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TABLE 4
Maximum Special Tax for Undeveloped Property
Community Facilities District No. 2005-1
(Public Services)
Land Use
Class
Description
Maximum Special Tax
Per Parcel/Acre
5 Undeveloped Property
1/4 Acre $100 per Parcel
6 Undeveloped Property
>1/4 Acre $410 per Acre
On each July 1 following the Base Year, the Maximum Special Tax Rate, for Undeveloped Property,
shall be increased in accordance with the Annual Escalation Factor
D. METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT OF THE SPECIAL TAX
Commencing with Fiscal Year 2005-06, and for each following Fiscal Year, the CFD Administrator shall
calculate the Special Tax Requirement based on the definitions in Section A and levy the Special
Tax until the amount of the Special Tax levied equals the Special Tax Requirement. The Special Tax
shall be levied each Fiscal Year on each Assessor’s Parcel of Developed Property Proportionately
between Residential Units up to 100% of the applicable Maximum Special Tax. Second, if the Special
Tax Requirement has not been satisfied by the first step, then the Special Tax shall be levied each
F i s c a l Year on each Assessor’s Parcel of Approved Property up to 100% of the applicable Maximum
Special Tax for Approved Property. Third, if the first two steps have not satisfied the Special Tax
Requirement, then the Special Tax shall be levied each Fiscal Year on each Assessor’s Parcel of Non-
Residential Property up to 100% of the applicable Maximum Special Tax for Non-Residential Property.
Lastly, if the preceding steps have not satisfied the Special Tax Requirement, then the Special Tax
shall be levied each Fiscal Year on each Assessor’s Parcel of Undeveloped Property up to 100% of the
applicable Maximum Special Tax for Undeveloped Property.
E. APPEALS
Any taxpayer that believes that the amount of the Special Tax assigned to a Parcel is in error may file
a written notice with the CFD Administrator appealing the levy of the Special Tax. This notice is required
to be filed with the CFD Administrator during the Fiscal Year the error is believed to have occurred.
The CFD Administrator or designee will then promptly review the appeal and, if necessary, meet
with the taxpayer. If the CFD Administrator verifies that the tax should be changed the Special Tax
levy shall be corrected and, if applicable in any case, a refund shall be granted.
F. MANNER OF COLLECTION
Special Tax as levied pursuant to Section D above shall be collected in the same manner and at the
same time as ordinary ad valorem property taxes; provided, however, that the CFD Administrator
may directly bill the Special Tax, may collect Special Taxes at a different time or in a different
manner if necessary to meet the financial obligations of the CFD or as otherwise determined
appropriate by the CFD Administrator.
G. TERM OF SPECIAL TAX
The Special Tax shall be levied in perpetuity or until such time as Council terminates the Special Tax.
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CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Item D6
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
PREPARED BY: RACHEL HUNTER, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
SUBJECT: Confirm the City Manager’s Appointment of Fire Chief
RECOMMENDATION:
Council concur with the City Manager and confirm the appointment of David Van Son as Fire Chief.
DISCUSSION:
Since 2017, the Atascadero Department of Fire and Emergency Services has been led by Chief
Bryson, who, after over 26 years of service to the Department, will be retiring September 18,
2026. Because the City has high training standards and succession planning, an internal
recruitment process was determined to be the most efficient way to select the best qualified
candidate. At the conclusion of the process, Atascadero Battalion Chief David Van Son has been
selected by the City Manager to fill the position. Because Chief Bryson will be retiring September
18, 2026, Chief Van Son’s contract will begin September 19, 2026.
Per the Atascadero Municipal Code:
“The City Manager shall be the appointing authority for all officers and employees of the
City except elective officers, the City Attorney, and persons appointed by the City Council
to the Planning Commission or other boards, commissions and committees who are not
salaried regular employees of the City. Appointment to department head positions shall
be submitted to the City Council for concurrence and confirmation.” (Ord. 24 § 2-2.08,
1980)
We are most fortunate to have an individual as experienced and committed to the City as Chief
Van Son. Chief Van Son brings 37 years of fire service experience with leadership roles in
emergency operations, labor relations, and community risk reduction. Chief Van Son started his
fire career with the Santa Barbara County Hot Shot Crew, after working 3 fire seasons, he joined
the United States Air Force and served three years as a Firefighter / Senior Airman before being
hired as a Firefighter with the city of Great Falls, Montna. Chief Van Son later went on to obtain
his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Human Resources from Columbia Southern University.
Department: City Manager
Date: 7/14/26
Placement: Consent
Page 46 of 130
7/14/26 | Item D6| Staff Report
In 2021, Chief Van Son joined the Atascadero Department of Fire and Emergency Services as
Battalion Chief of Community Risk Reduction. In this role his work includes plan review, public
education, weed abatement enforcement, vegetation management and several inspections. He
is a strong liaison between the community and the City, managing plan review and permitting,
administering vegetation management and coordinating with developers, agencies and
stakeholders to ensure fire and life safety compliance. Chief Van Son is also the liaison to Firewise
communities, leading wildlife preparedness and community resilience initiatives and has had
operational management experience as one of the duty chiefs.
Throughout his career, Chief Van Son has remained committed to organizational excellence,
firefighter wellness and public service. Chief Van Son has been married to his wife Jill for over 35
years. They have 4 children and 2 grandchildren.
The Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Salary Schedule is also attached, displaying the salary ranges for
internal use, and correcting some rounding errors that were found while implementing the
schedule. These errors were clerical in nature.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Fire Chief starting annual salary will be at Step B which is $195,420.60 and is included in the
Fire Department budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.
REVIEWED BY OTHERS:
This item has been reviewed by the Administrative Services Director.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
James R. Lewis, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. David Van Son Resume
2. Draft Fire Chief Employment Agreement
3. Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Salary Schedule
Page 47 of 130
David Van Son
June 14, 2026
Human Resources Department
City of Atascadero
6500 Palma Avenue
Atascadero, CA, 93442
Dear Human Resources Department,
I am pleased to submit my application for Fire Chief with the City of Atascadero. I bring 37 years of fire
service experience, with leadership roles in emergency operations, labor relations, and Community Risk
Reduction. My background provides the strategic, operational, and administrative foundation required to
effectively lead Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services.
As Battalion Chief of Community Risk Reduction, I oversee fire prevention, code enforcement, wildfire
mitigation, public education, emergency preparedness, and community risk reduction programs. I supervise
personnel, manage plan review and permitting, administer vegetation management and defensible space
programs, and coordinate with developers, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure fire and life safety
compliance. I also serve as liaison to Firewise communities, leading wildfire preparedness and community
resilience initiatives.
Previously, I served as a Battalion Chief with Great Falls Emergency Services, providing leadership for one
of four operational platoons consisting of 16 personnel across four fire stations. As a key member of the
department’s leadership team, I was responsible for emergency operations management, workforce
development, labor relations, and the implementation of organizational initiatives that enhanced service
delivery, operational readiness, and departmental performance.
Serving as Union President significantly expanded my leadership and labor relations experience. I
successfully negotiated seven collective bargaining agreements, managed grievance and disciplinary
matters, and facilitated collaborative solutions to complex organizational challenges. By fostering
constructive relationships between labor and management, I helped build consensus, improve
communication, and support organizational effectiveness.
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to organizational excellence, firefighter wellness, and
public service. I have contributed to budget development, emergency planning, EOC training, grant
management, and policy implementation while representing the department before community groups and
partner agencies.
I am honored to be considered for the position of Fire Chief and remain strongly invested in the future of the
City of Atascadero. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience, leadership philosophy,
and vision can support the continued growth and success of Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services while
advancing organizational excellence, operational readiness, and exceptional service to the community.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
David Van Son
Battalion Chief – Community Risk Reduction
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services
D V
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David Van Son
PROFESSIONAL
SUMMARY
Professional leader and role model with over 37 years of dedicated public service
in the firefighting profession, demonstrating a strong commitment to team-
oriented success. Expertise includes fire service operations, community risk
reduction, public relations, contract negotiations, conflict resolution, and political
presentations. Proven ability to foster effective communication within executive
leadership teams to establish strategic goals, policies, and collaborative
relationships across the organization. Advocate for building beneficial
partnerships with management, organized labor, community leaders, and
stakeholders to enhance service delivery and community engagement.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• 2025 Elks Lodge of Atascadero Fire Fighter of the Year award.
• Established three Firewise Communities within Atascadero within 9 months,
with the initial being the first Firewise Community in Atascadero.
• Obtained a 1.2 million dollar grant for the City of Atascadero for fuels
mitigation.
• Earned an Associates of Applied Science Degree and a Bachelor of Arts
degree graduating Magnum Cum Laude.
• 2014 Resolution of Commendation Fire and Rescue Service, City of Great
Falls.
• 2011 to 2014 Appointed to the Commission of Community Service by the
Governor of Montana.
• 2008 – 2011 Appointed to CASA-CAN Great Falls Board
• 2009 Exchange Club of Great Falls, MT Fire Fighter of the Year award
• 1995 Air Force Achievement Medal
• 1995 Air Force Good Conduct Medal
• 1992 National Defense Service Award
• 1991 Hot Shot of the Year award from Santa Barbara County Fire
Department
SKILLS
• Incident command
• Public safety
• Fire prevention
• Emergency communications
• Community relations
• Fire regulations expertise
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Organizational skills
• Emergency planning
D V
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Page 49 of 130
WORK HISTORY
BATTALION CHIEF – COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION 01/2021 to CURRENT
Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services | Atascadero, CA
• Secured $1.2 million in grant funding for wildfire fuels mitigation projects
through successful grant development and agency coordination.
• Established a comprehensive annual inspection program achieving 100%
compliance coverage for schools, hotels, assisted living facilities, and multi-
family occupancies.
• Organized three Firewise USA communities, serving as creator and liaison
to improve neighborhood wildfire preparedness and resilience.
• Contributed to updates of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan,
Emergency Operations Plan, and Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan.
• Developed and secured adoption of local amendments to the California Fire
Code and WUI Code to address community-specific fire hazards.
SECRETARY TREASURER 07/2002 to 06/2021
Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters | Great Falls, MT
• Provided executive leadership and representation for approximately 620
professional firefighters across Montana, advancing organizational priorities
and member interests.
• Managed the organization's annual operating budget and financial
operations, ensuring fiscal accountability and regulatory compliance.
• Developed and implemented the organization's first line-item, zero-based
budget, strengthening financial transparency, planning, and resource
allocation.
• Administered payroll, tax reporting, official records, and required filings for
the Benevolent Fund and Political Action Committee, ensuring accurate
governance and compliance.
• Coordinated scheduling for executive meetings and events, ensuring
seamless communication among stakeholders.
BATTALION CHIEF 01/2017 to 12/2020
Great Falls Fire Rescue | Great Falls, MT
• Supervised a fire operations shift of 16 personnel, maintaining operational
readiness, accountability, and performance through effective leadership,
staffing, and daily work assignments.
• Served as Incident Commander on first-alarm and greater incidents,
directing multi-company emergency operations while ensuring life safety,
property conservation, environmental protection, and personnel safety.
• Resolved personnel issues, conflicts, and grievances while consistently
applying departmental policies, procedures, and labor agreements to
support a productive work environment.
• Contributed to department leadership, strategic planning, and operational
improvement initiatives through performance analysis, operational research,
and resource management.
7/14/26 | Item D6| Attachment 1
Page 50 of 130
PRESIDENT 07/2003 to 12/2020
International Association of Fire Fighters Local 8 | Great Falls, MT
• Represented and advocated for 64 union members, strengthening labor-
management relations through effective communication, conflict resolution,
and member representation in disciplinary and grievance proceedings.
• Negotiated seven collective bargaining agreements, securing favorable
employment terms while maintaining productive relationships between labor
and management.
• Established the organization's first line-item budget in its 102-year history,
improving financial accountability, transparency, and long-term fiscal
planning.
• Directed community outreach and charitable initiatives that enhanced public
engagement and strengthened the organization's presence within the Great
Falls community.
CAPTAIN 10/2003 to 01/2017
Great Falls Fire Rescue | Great Falls, MT
FIRE FIGHTER/ENGINEER 08/1995 to 10/2003
Great Falls Fire Rescue | Great Falls, MT
SENIOR AIRMAN / FIREFIGHTER 02/1992 to 08/1995
United States Air Force
WILD LAND FIRE FIGHTER/HOT SHOT 05/1989 to 02/1991
Santa Barbara County Fire Department | Santa Barbara, CA
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science Degree | Business Administration/Human Resource
Management 12/2014
Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, AL
Associate of Applied Science | Fire Science 11/2012
Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, AL
AFFILIATIONS
• International Association of Fire Chiefs – 2021 – present
• California Fire Chiefs Association 2021 – present
• Central Coast Fire Prevention Association 2021 – present
• San Luis Obispo County Community Fire Safe Council 2021 - present
• International Association of Fire Fighters 1995 – present
• Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters 1995 – Present
• Montana State Firemen's Association 1995 – 2020
• International Association of Fire Investigators 2019 – 2021
• Fire Department Incident Safety Officer Association 2019 – 2021
7/14/26 | Item D6| Attachment 1
Page 51 of 130
PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATIONS
• G191 – ICS/EOC Interface, G775 – EOC Management and Operations,
G626E – Essential EOC Action Planning, L0105 – Public Information
Basics, CSTI Logistics Training, CSTI Operations Training, EOC Section
Intermediate – Management, EOC Section Intermediate – Operations,
Hazardous Materials Incident Commander – Pro Board Licensing Agency:
CAL OES, Sacramento, CA
• Incident Safety Officer Licensing Agency: Fire Department Incident Safety
Officer Association Ann Arbor, MI
• Fire Investigation Technician Licensing Agency: International Association of
Arson Investigators, Crofton, MD
• OSHA On Scene Incident Commander Licensing Agency: Safety
Compliance Management, Inc., San Ramon, CA
• ICS 100 – Introduction to the Incident Command System; ICS 200- Basic
Incident Command for Initial Responders; ICS 300- Intermediate ICS for
Expanding Incidents; ICS 400- Advanced Command and General Staff-
Complex incidents; ICS 700 – National Incident Management System and
Introduction; ICS 800-National Response Framework Licensing Agency:
Emergency Management Institute, FEMA
• Command and Control of Incident Operations; Fire/Arson Investigation;
Leadership I, II, and III; Managing Company Tactical Ops I, II, and III; Fire
Inspection Principles; Incident Safety Officer Licensing Agency: National
Fire Academy / US Fire Administration Emmitsburg, MD
• Fire Fighter II; Airport Fire Fighter; Apparatus Driver/Operator Licensing
Agency: International Fire Service Accreditation Congress Stillwater, OK
• Fire Protection Specialist Licensing Agency: United States Air Force
• Fire Fighter I; Fire Investigation 1A Licensing Agency: Allen Hancock
College Santa Maria, CA
.
7/14/26 | Item D6| Attachment 1
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7/14/26 | Item D6 | Attachment 2
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is made and entered into the 19th day of
September, 2026 by and between the City of Atascadero, County of San Luis Obispo, State of California,
a municipal corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “City”) and David Van Son (hereinafter referred to as
“Van Son”).
SECTION 1 EMPLOYMENT
A. The City agrees to and shall employ Van Son as the Fire Chief of the City of Atascadero. Van
Son agrees to perform the functions and duties of the position of Fire Chief of the City of Atascadero as
described by state law, the Municipal Code of the City of Atascadero, the job description of the position of
Fire Chief as developed by the City Manager of the City, and all other duties and functions as the City
Manager of the City shall from time to time assign.
B. Van Son agrees to perform all such functions and duties to the best of his abilities and in a
competent and efficient manner. Van Son agrees to focus his full professional time, ability and attention to
City business during the term of this Agreement and agrees not to engage in any other business pursuits
whatsoever or, directly or indirectly, render any services of a business, commercial or professional nature
to any other person or organization, whether for compensation or otherwise, without the prior written
consent of the City Manager.
SECTION 2 TERM
A. Van Son shall serve at the will and pleasure of the City Manager. Nothing in this Agreement
shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right of the City Manager to terminate the employment of
Van Son at any time and for any reason, or for no reason, subject only to the provisions specified in Section
3 of this Agreement.
B. This Agreement shall become effective September 19, 2026, and unless otherwise terminated
under the provisions of Section 3, shall remain in effect indefinitely.
C. Nothing in this Section shall or is intended to prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right
of the City or Van Son to terminate the employment of Van Son prior to the expiration of this Agreement, or
any extension thereof, in accordance with Section 3 of this Agreement.
SECTION 3 TERMINATION
A. The City Manager and Van Son may agree mutually in writing to terminate Van Son’s
employment.
B. The City may terminate Van Son's employment at any time without cause. In the event that Van
Son is terminated by the City, and Van Son is otherwise ready, willing and able to perform his duties under
this Agreement, the City shall pay Van Son severance compensation equal to six (6) months of salary and
benefits. In consideration of this severance payment, Van Son agrees that he shall not be entitled to any
other payment or compensation of any kind from the City in connection with the termination of his
employment.
C. Van Son may terminate his employment at any time for any reason by providing 90 days prior
written notice to the City Manager. In the event that Van Son provides such written notice, he shall be
entitled to receive at the termination of this employment only such accrued unused and other such benefits
as may be due and payable under applicable City rule, regulation or policy, and/or under applicable local,
state or federal law. Van Son shall not, however, be entitled to any severance pay or other compensation
at the termination of his employment. During the period subsequent to Van Son’s submission of his notice
terminating his employment, he shall continue to perform his duties as Fire Chief pursuant to this Agreement
unless removed from those duties and/or terminated by the City Manager pursuant to the terms of this
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7/14/26 | Item D6 | Attachment 2
Agreement. However, in the event that Van Son is then removed from those duties and/or terminated by
the City Manager, Van Son shall continue to receive compensation in the form of salary and benefits through
the completion of the 90 (ninety) day notice period.
D. The City Manager may terminate Van Son’s employment for cause. In the event that Van Son
is terminated for cause, he shall not be entitled to the payment of any severance pay or compensation,
other than the payment of accrued unused vacation leave. In the event that Van Son is terminated for
cause, Van Son shall be entitled to prior written notification of the reason(s) for the termination, the facts
upon which such reason(s) are based, copies of all supporting evidence and investigations regarding the
facts and reason(s) for the termination, and the right to respond, orally or in writing or both, to the City
Manager within five (5) working days of receipt of the notice of such termination. Furthermore, if requested
by Van Son, Van Son shall have the right to a hearing before the City of Atascadero City Council which
shall be a hearing de novo. In the event the decision to terminate for cause is reversed by the City Council
and the City Manager terminates Van Son’s employment without cause, the terms of Subsection B hereof
shall apply.
E. The City Manager and/or Van Son may terminate this Agreement in the event that Van Son has
been unable to perform the essential functions of his position due to disability for a period of three (3)
months and it is medically determined that Van Son is permanently disabled from performing the essential
functions of his position.
1. A determination that Van Son is disabled shall be made by the City Manager based
upon competent medical evidence and evaluation and in accord with the applicable state and
federal laws pertaining to the protection of disabled persons and in accord with the laws governing
the City’s membership in CalPERS.
2. In the event it is determined by the City Manager that a question exists as to Van Son’s
ability to perform the essential functions of his position, based upon objective facts, the City
Manager may require Van Son to undergo a fitness for duty examination. Nothing in this subsection
shall obligate Van Son to waive his right to privacy under California Civil Code § 56.10(c)(8), nor
shall the City seek any report pursuant to this subsection beyond that to which it would be entitled
under California Civil Code § 56.10(c)(8).
F. In the event Van Son is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of his office or position as
defined in California Government Code section 53243.4, Van Son shall be required to fully reimburse the
City in accordance with California Government Code sections 53243, 53243.1, and/or 53243.2.
SECTION 4 SALARY AND COMPENSATION
A. Effective upon the commencement of this Agreement, the City shall pay to Van Son a base
salary within salary range established for the Fire Chief. This salary shall be paid on a pro rata basis in
regular installments pursuant to the City’s normal payroll procedures. Van Son shall be eligible for step
advancements in accordance with Atascadero Personnel System Rules Section 4.3.
B. The City Manager may set forth annually in writing certain goals consisting of duties and
responsibilities above and beyond Van Son’s ordinary duties and responsibilities. In the event that Van
Son achieves such goals, he may be entitled to receive other compensation in addition to his regular salary
and benefits. The City Manager shall set forth the amount of additional compensation to which Van Son
would be entitled in the same writing setting forth the annual goals. Any such additional compensation will
be at the discretion of the City Manager with the approval of the City Council if necessary.
C. The City shall deduct or withhold from Van Son’s salary any and all sums as Van Son may from
time to time direct, or as required by law, including, but not limited to, sums for the payment of federal, state
and/or local income taxes and retirement or pension plans.
D. In addition to the compensation set forth above; Van Son shall be entitled to receive the benefits
as set forth in the City Council Resolution establishing compensation and benefits for Management.
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7/14/26 | Item D6 | Attachment 2
E. In its sole discretion, the City may increase Van Son’s base salary and/or other benefits beyond
those set forth in this Agreement in such amounts and/or to such an extent as may be recommended by
the City Manager on the basis of a salary review made at least annually by the City Manager. Any such
increases shall be subject to the approval of the City of Atascadero City Council as required.
F. The City shall provide Van Son with an automobile to be used for City business. The Fire Chief
is on call 24 hours per day and as such is provided a take home vehicle equipped with emergency
equipment and a radio to be able to respond to an emergency situation as per IRS Code 1.274-5T (k) (1)-
(8). Due to the nature of Van Son’s responsibilities as Fire Chief, the City understands and will permit Van
Son incidental personal use of this automobile. Personal use of the automobile shall require the approval
of the City Manager. Van Son shall be required to adhere to Atascadero Administrative Policy No. 18 -
Vehicle Use Policy. Any exceptions to this requirement must be authorized in writing by the City Manager.
G. The City shall budget for and pay the travel and subsistence expenses of Van Son’s for a
reasonable number of local, state and national conferences relevant to his duties and responsibilities as
Fire Chief with the approval of the City Manager.
H. The City Manager shall fix any other terms and conditions of employment relating to Van Son’s
performance as the City Manager may from time to time determine, provided that such other terms and
conditions of employment are not contrary to or inconsistent with the terms set forth in this Agreement, the
City’s rules, regulations and ordinances, local, state and/or federal law.
I. Any provisions of the City code, rules, regulations and ordinances relating to management
employee benefits as they now exist or may later be amended shall also apply to Van Son, in addition to
any benefits set forth in this Agreement, except as those provisions of the City code, rules, regulations and
ordinances relating to management employee benefits may conflict or be inconsistent with the terms of this
agreement, in which case the terms of this Agreement shall control.
SECTION 5 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
A. Annually, the City Manager, with the input of Van Son, may define such goals and performance
objectives which the City Manager determines necessary for the proper operation of City’s Fire &
Emergency Services Department and shall further establish a relative priority among those various goals
and objectives. These goals and objectives shall be reduced in writing and should be reasonably attainable
within the time limitations specified by the City Manager and in light of the appropriations provided through
the annual operating and capital budgets.
B. The City Manager shall review and evaluate Van Son’s performance annually. This review and
evaluation shall take into account any goals that may have been developed by the City Manager, as well
as Van Son’s performance of other functions and duties. The City Manager shall provide to Van Son a
summary written statement of the evaluation and shall provide Van Son with the opportunity to discuss the
evaluation with the City Manager.
SECTION 6 GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. This Agreement constitutes the sole understanding and agreement of the City and Van Son with
respect to the matters set forth herein and supersedes any and all prior negotiations, statements,
instructions, representations or agreements, whether written or oral.
B. The parties agree and acknowledge that no representations, inducements, promises or
agreements, oral or otherwise, have been made by any party, or by anyone acting on behalf of any party,
which are not contained herein and that any agreement, statement or promise not contained in this
Agreement shall not be valid or binding on either party.
C. Any amendment to this Agreement shall be valid only if in writing approved and signed by both
Page 55 of 130
7/14/26 | Item D6 | Attachment 2
parties, unless otherwise specified in this Agreement.
D. If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void
or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect.
E. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement,
the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs in addition to any other
relief to which that party may be entitled.
F. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State
of California.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement as of the date and year
first written above.
CITY: Van Son:
___ _____ __ ________________________
James R. Lewis David J. Van Son
City Manager Fire Chief
___________________ ___________________
Date Date
Page 56 of 130
CLASSIFICATION RANGE STEP A STEP B STEP C STEP D STEP E
Account Clerk II 13 4,504.14 4,729.35 4,965.82 5,214.11 5,474.82
Accounting Specialist - Confidential 26 6,186.89 6,496.23 6,821.04 7,162.09 7,520.19
Administrative Assistant 20 5,344.49 5,611.71 5,892.30 6,186.92 6,496.27
Administrative Assistant - Confidential 22 5,611.70 5,892.29 6,186.90 6,496.25 6,821.06
Administrative Services Director M59 14,067.64 14,771.02 15,509.57 16,285.05 17,099.30
Assistant City Manager M59 14,067.64 14,771.02 15,509.57 16,285.05 17,099.30
Assistant Planner 26 6,186.89 6,496.23 6,821.04 7,162.09 7,520.19
Associate Civil Engineer M37 8,225.06 8,636.31 9,068.13 9,521.54 9,997.62
Associate Civil Engineer - Registered M41 9,068.13 9,521.53 9,997.61 10,497.49 11,022.36
Associate Planner 31 6,987.41 7,336.78 7,703.62 8,088.80 8,493.24
Battalion Chief M53 12,152.16 12,759.76 13,397.75 14,067.64 14,771.02
Building Inspector I 25 6,035.99 6,337.79 6,654.68 6,987.41 7,336.78
Building Inspector II 30 6,821.08 7,162.13 7,520.24 7,896.25 8,291.06
Building Permit Technician 17 4,965.82 5,214.11 5,474.82 5,748.56 6,035.99
Chief Building Official M46 10,241.45 10,753.52 11,291.20 11,855.76 12,448.55
City Manager M75 20,784.31 21,823.53 22,914.71 24,060.45 25,263.47
Code Enforcement Officer 25 6,035.99 6,337.79 6,654.68 6,987.41 7,336.78
Community Development Director M58 13,724.52 14,410.75 15,131.29 15,887.85 16,682.24
Community Services & Promotions Director M57 13,397.75 14,067.64 14,771.02 15,509.57 16,285.05
Community Services Officer SS17 4,916.93 5,162.78 5,420.92 5,691.97 5,976.57
Deputy Administrative Services Director M46 10,241.45 10,753.52 11,291.20 11,855.76 12,448.55
Deputy City Manager M54 12,448.55 13,070.97 13,724.52 14,410.75 15,131.29
Deputy Public Works Director M46 10,241.45 10,753.52 11,291.20 11,855.76 12,448.55
Deputy Public Works Director/Utilities Manager M49 11,022.36 11,573.48 12,152.15 12,759.76 13,397.75
Economic Development Manager M46 10,241.45 10,753.52 11,291.20 11,855.76 12,448.55
Finance Analyst M39 8,636.31 9,068.13 9,521.54 9,997.62 10,497.50
Finance Technician 21 5,474.82 5,748.56 6,035.99 6,337.79 6,654.68
Finance Technician- Confidential 22 5,611.70 5,892.29 6,186.90 6,496.25 6,821.06
Fire Captain F41 8,845.43 9,287.70 9,752.09 10,239.69 10,751.67
Fire Captain Specialist I F41-1 9,022.34 9,473.46 9,947.13 10,444.49 10,966.71
Fire Captain Specialist II F41-2 9,199.25 9,659.21 10,142.17 10,649.28 11,181.74
Fire Captain/Paramedic F41-10 9,906.88 10,402.22 10,922.33 11,468.45 12,041.87
Fire Captain/Paramedic/Specialist I F41-11 10,083.79 10,587.98 11,117.38 11,673.25 12,256.91
Fire Captain/Paramedic/Specialist II F41-12 10,260.70 10,773.74 11,312.43 11,878.05 12,471.95
Fire Chief M63 15,509.57 16,285.05 17,099.30 17,954.27 18,851.98
Fire Engineer F34 7,459.11 7,832.07 8,223.67 8,634.85 9,066.59
Fire Engineer Specialist I F34-1 7,608.29 7,988.70 8,388.14 8,807.55 9,247.93
Fire Engineer Specialist II F34-2 7,757.47 8,145.34 8,552.61 8,980.24 9,429.25
Fire Engineer/OIC F34-1 7,608.29 7,988.70 8,388.14 8,807.55 9,247.93
Fire Engineer/OIC/Specialist I F34-2 7,757.47 8,145.34 8,552.61 8,980.24 9,429.25
Fire Engineer/OIC/Specialist II F34-3 7,906.66 8,301.99 8,717.09 9,152.94 9,610.59
Fire Engineer/Paramedic F34-10 8,354.20 8,771.91 9,210.51 9,671.04 10,154.59
Fire Engineer/Paramedic/OIC F34-11 8,503.39 8,928.56 9,374.99 9,843.74 10,335.93
Fire Engineer/Paramedic/OIC/Specialist I F34-12 8,652.57 9,085.20 9,539.46 10,016.43 10,517.25
Fire Engineer/Paramedic/OIC/Specialist II F34-14 8,801.75 9,241.84 9,703.93 10,189.13 10,698.59
Fire Engineer/Paramedic/Specialist I F34-11 8,503.39 8,928.56 9,374.99 9,843.74 10,335.93
MONTHLY SALARY
Approved July XX, 2026
Effective July 1, 2026
7/14/26 | Item D6 | Attachment 3
Page 57 of 130
Fire Engineer/Paramedic/Specialist II F34-12 8,652.57 9,085.20 9,539.46 10,016.43 10,517.25
Firefighter F31 6,930.63 7,277.16 7,641.02 8,023.07 8,424.22
Firefighter Specialist I F31-1 7,069.24 7,422.70 7,793.84 8,183.53 8,592.71
Firefighter Specialist II F31-3 7,207.86 7,568.25 7,946.66 8,343.99 8,761.19
Firefighter/FEO F31-1 7,069.24 7,422.70 7,793.84 8,183.53 8,592.71
Firefighter/FEO/Specialist I F31-3 7,207.86 7,568.25 7,946.66 8,343.99 8,761.19
Firefighter/FEO/Specialist II F31-4 7,346.47 7,713.79 8,099.48 8,504.45 8,929.67
Firefighter/Paramedic F31-10 7,762.31 8,150.43 8,557.95 8,985.85 9,435.14
Firefighter/Paramedic/FEO F31-11 7,900.92 8,295.97 8,710.77 9,146.31 9,603.63
Firefighter/Paramedic/FEO/Specialist I F31-12 8,039.53 8,441.51 8,863.59 9,306.77 9,772.11
Firefighter/Paramedic/FEO/Specialist II F31-13 8,178.14 8,587.05 9,016.40 9,467.22 9,940.58
Firefighter/Paramedic/Specialist I F31-11 7,900.92 8,295.97 8,710.77 9,146.31 9,603.63
Firefighter/Paramedic/Specialist II F31-12 8,039.53 8,441.51 8,863.59 9,306.77 9,772.11
GIS Business Analyst 30 6,821.08 7,162.13 7,520.24 7,896.25 8,291.06
Human Resources Manager M46 10,241.45 10,753.52 11,291.20 11,855.76 12,448.55
Inspector 22 5,611.70 5,892.29 6,186.90 6,496.25 6,821.06
Lead Maintenance Worker 19 5,214.11 5,474.82 5,748.56 6,035.99 6,337.79
Lead WWTP Operator 31 6,987.41 7,336.78 7,703.62 8,088.80 8,493.24
Lead Zookeeper 18 5,089.99 5,344.49 5,611.71 5,892.30 6,186.92
Maintenance Supervisor 25 6,035.99 6,337.79 6,654.68 6,987.41 7,336.78
Maintenance Worker I 9 4,085.39 4,289.66 4,504.14 4,729.35 4,965.82
Maintenance Worker II 15 4,729.35 4,965.82 5,214.11 5,474.82 5,748.56
Office Assistant II 10 4,187.54 4,396.92 4,616.77 4,847.61 5,089.99
Office Assistant III 13 4,504.14 4,729.35 4,965.82 5,214.11 5,474.82
Planning Manager M46 10,241.45 10,753.52 11,291.20 11,855.76 12,448.55
Plans Examiner/Building Inspector 31 6,987.41 7,336.78 7,703.62 8,088.80 8,493.24
Police Chief M64 15,887.85 16,682.24 17,516.35 18,392.17 19,311.78
Police Commander M54 12,448.55 13,070.97 13,724.52 14,410.75 15,131.29
Police Corporal PD39 8,327.00 8,743.35 9,180.52 9,639.55 10,121.53
Police Corporal - Intermediate POST PD39i 8,535.18 8,961.94 9,410.04 9,880.54 10,374.57
Police Corporal- Advanced POST PD39a 8,743.35 9,180.52 9,639.55 10,121.53 10,627.61
Police Level 3 Reserve Officer PD35 7,682.77 8,066.91 n/a n/a n/a
Police Officer PD35 7,682.77 8,066.91 8,470.26 8,893.77 9,338.46
Police Officer - Advanced POST PD35a 8,066.91 8,470.26 8,893.77 9,338.46 9,805.38
Police Officer - Intermediate POST PD35i 7,874.84 8,268.58 8,682.01 9,116.11 9,571.92
Police Officer Recruit SS25 5,976.57 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Police Records Clerk 20 5,344.49 5,611.71 5,892.30 6,186.92 6,496.27
Police Records Supervisor 31 6,987.41 7,336.78 7,703.62 8,088.80 8,493.24
Police Sergeant PS46 10,010.14 10,510.65 11,036.18 11,587.99 12,167.39
Police Sergeant - Advanced POST PS46a 10,260.39 10,773.41 11,312.08 11,877.68 12,471.56
Police Sergeant - Supervisory POST PS46s 10,510.65 11,036.18 11,587.99 12,167.39 12,775.76
Property Evidence Technician SS24 5,834.23 6,125.94 6,432.24 6,753.85 7,091.54
Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor SS35 7,627.79 8,009.18 8,409.64 8,830.12 9,271.63
Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor
- EMD SS35e 7,677.79 8,061.68 8,464.77 8,888.01 9,332.41
Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor
- EMD with Longevity SS35el 8,059.18 8,462.14 8,885.25 9,329.52 9,795.99
Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor
w/ Longevity SS35l 8,009.18 8,409.64 8,830.12 9,271.63 9,735.21
Public Safety Dispatcher SS25 5,976.57 6,275.40 6,589.17 6,918.63 7,264.56
Public Safety Dispatcher - EMD SS25e 6,026.57 6,327.90 6,644.30 6,976.52 7,325.34
Public Safety Dispatcher - EMD
with Longevity SS25el 6,325.40 6,641.67 6,973.76 7,322.45 7,688.57
Public Safety Dispatcher w/Longevity SS25l 6,275.40 6,589.17 6,918.63 7,264.56 7,627.79
7/14/26 | Item D6 | Attachment 3
Page 58 of 130
Public Works Analyst M39 8,636.31 9,068.13 9,521.54 9,997.62 10,497.50
Public Works Director M59 14,067.64 14,771.02 15,509.57 16,285.05 17,099.30
Public Works Inspector 27 6,337.79 6,654.68 6,987.41 7,336.78 7,703.62
Public Works Operations Manager M41 9,068.13 9,521.53 9,997.61 10,497.49 11,022.36
Recreation Coordinator 20 5,344.49 5,611.71 5,892.30 6,186.92 6,496.27
Recreation Supervisor M28 6,601.73 6,931.82 7,278.41 7,642.33 8,024.45
Senior Building Inspector 35 7,703.62 8,088.80 8,493.24 8,917.90 9,363.80
Senior Planner 38 8,291.06 8,705.61 9,140.89 9,597.93 10,077.83
Senior Recreation Coordinator 24 5,892.30 6,186.92 6,496.27 6,821.08 7,162.13
Systems Administrator III 36 7,896.25 8,291.06 8,705.61 9,140.89 9,597.93
Technical Support Specialist II 21 5,474.82 5,748.56 6,035.99 6,337.79 6,654.68
Website and Social Media Technician 20 5,344.49 5,611.71 5,892.30 6,186.92 6,496.27
WWTP Operator I 19 5,214.11 5,474.82 5,748.56 6,035.99 6,337.79
WWTP Operator II 25 6,035.99 6,337.79 6,654.68 6,987.41 7,336.78
WWTP Operator in Training 13 4,504.14 4,729.35 4,965.82 5,214.11 5,474.82
Zoo Director M46 10,241.45 10,753.52 11,291.20 11,855.76 12,448.55
Zoo Education Curator 9 4,085.39 4,289.66 4,504.14 4,729.35 4,965.82
Zoo Supervisor 20 5,344.49 5,611.71 5,892.30 6,186.92 6,496.27
Zookeeper I 9 4,085.39 4,289.66 4,504.14 4,729.35 4,965.82
7/14/26 | Item D6 | Attachment 3
Page 59 of 130
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Item D7
Department: City Manager
Date: 7/14/26
Placement: Consent
TO: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: LORELI CAPPEL, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
PREPARED BY: LORELI CAPPEL, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
SUBJECT: Support for Designation of Census Tract 06079012502 as a Qualified
Opportunity Zone
RECOMMENDATION:
Council support the nomination of Census Tract 06079012502 for designation as a Qualified
Opportunity Zone and authorize submission of a recommendation to the California Governor's
Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).
DISCUSSION:
The federal Opportunity Zone Program was established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to
encourage long-term private investment in economically distressed communities through
preferential federal capital gains tax treatment. In 2025, Congress reauthorized and updated the
program through "Opportunity Zones 2.0," creating a new designation process for eligible census
tracts across the nation.
The California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is currently
accepting recommendations from local jurisdictions for consideration as part of California's
Opportunity Zone nomination process. Local support and demonstration of community readiness
are important factors in evaluating candidate census tracts.
Census Tract 06079012502 (see map below), located within the City of Atascadero, qualifies as an
eligible Low-Income Community under federal criteria and contains several characteristics that
make it well-positioned for Opportunity Zone designation.
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7/14/26 | Item D7 | Staff Report
Map of Census Tract 06079012502
The census tract includes portions of Downtown Atascadero, the City's primary commercial
corridor, established industrial employment areas, vacant and underutilized properties, and
locations identified for future economic development and housing investment. The area contains
opportunities for infill development, adaptive reuse, business expansion, housing production, and
public-private partnerships that align with both local and state economic development goals and
are all actions eligible for Opportunity Zone fund investment.
Designation as an Opportunity Zone would provide an additional tool to attract private
investment into the community by:
Encouraging redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties;
Supporting small business growth and entrepreneurship;
Expanding employment opportunities and workforce development;
Increasing housing production, including workforce housing;
Leveraging public infrastructure investments already underway within the City;
Advancing goals identified in the City's General Plan, Economic Development Strategic
Plan, and Capital Improvement Program.
Recent public investments within and adjacent to the census tract demonstrate the City's
commitment to creating an environment conducive to private investment. These investments
include:
Downtown El Camino Real Safety and Parking Enhancement Project;
Public Safety Facilities Project;
Broadband infrastructure expansion and fiber deployment;
Streets, utilities, and public infrastructure improvements;
Ongoing economic development initiatives focused on business retention, expansion, and
attraction.
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Opportunity Zone designation does not commit the City to any financial obligation, subsidy, or
regulatory change. Rather, it serves as a federal incentive that can be utilized by private investors
and project sponsors to facilitate investment in qualifying projects within the designated area.
Council approval of this action will formally document the City's support for designation of
Census Tract 06079012502 as a Qualified Opportunity Zone and satisfy a component of the GO-
Biz Local Authority Recommendation Form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with Council approval of this action. If designated, the
Opportunity Zone may facilitate future private investment that could generate additional
property tax, sales tax, transient occupancy tax, and business-related revenues to support City
services.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Provide alternative direction to staff.
2. Decline to support the nomination.
REVIEWED BY OTHERS:
This item has been reviewed by the Planning Manager and City Manager.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
James R. Lewis, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Census Tract 06079012502 Opportunity Zone Nomination Map
2. GO-Biz Local Authority Recommendation Form
Page 62 of 130
7/14/26 | Item D7 | Attachment 1
Census Tract 06079012502 Opportunity Zone Nomination Map
Page 63 of 130
7/14/26 | Item D7 | Attachment 2
Opportunity Zones 2.0 - Local Authority Recommendation Form
This form is to be completed by an authorized representative of a city/municipality, county,
special district, regional joint powers authority, council of governments, or tribal
government within California. Only census tracts that appear on the official Qualified
Opportunity Zones Eligible Tract list by the U.S. Department of the
QUESTIONS:
Census Tract Identification
1.Select the County this census tract is located within:
2.Recommended Census Tract:
Please include the full 11-digit Census Tract GEOID (Geographic Identifier). For
example, for census tract 06001400100, you would type in “06001400100”. Census tract
numbers that are incomplete or unrecognizable will not be considered.
3.List any California-based federally or non-federally recognized tribes within this
census tract:
Please separate each tribal entity with a semicolon (;).
Recommending Entity
4.Recommending Entity Name:
5.Recommending Entity Type:
6.Recommending Entity Address:
7.Recommending Entity Address:
8.Recommending Entity Address:
9.Recommending Entity Website:
Authorized Submitter Contact Information
A submitter must occupy a position within the recommending
entity and be authorized to complete this form on the entity’s behalf. Outside consultants
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7/14/26 | Item D7 | Attachment 2
may not submit a recommendation. For example, any city employee authorized by the
city may submit a recommendation on the city’s behalf.
10.Submitter First Name:
11.Submitter Last Name:
12.Submitter Job Title:
13.Submitter Email Address:
14.Submitter Phone Number:
Census Tract Questions
15.Is there currently committed public investment (local, state, or federal) in the
census tract you are recommending?
Please see the form instructions linked at the top of this page for more details.
Yes
No
16.IF YES TO #15: List the funding source(s), approximate date of secured investment,
and a general description of the investment:
Please separate each funding source with a semicolon (;). For example: Funding Source
Name, Date, Brief Description; Funding Source Name, Date, Brief Description.
17.Does this census tract include a site identified in a Housing Element approved by
the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for
affordable housing and/or does it support the implementation of Regional Housing
Needs Assessment (RHNA) goals?
Please see the form instructions linked at the top of this page for more details.
Yes
No
18.Does this census tract include one or more shovel-ready sites as generally defined
by the GO-Biz "Business Ready Sites" Program?
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7/14/26 | Item D7 | Attachment 2
Please see the form instructions linked at the top of this page for more details.
Yes
No
19.IF YES TO #18: List the site address(es):
Please separate each address with a semicolon (;). For example: 123 Main Street, City, Zip
Code; 132 Second Street, City Zip Code. Incomplete or false addresses will not be awarded
points.
20.Is the census tract located within an existing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District
(such as an EIFD, CRIA, or CRD)?
Please see the form instructions linked at the top of this page for more details.
Yes, the TIF District is Fully Formed
Yes, the TIF District is in Process
No
21.IF FULLY FORMED OR IN PROCESS TO #20: Provide the name of the TIF District(s):
Please separate each name with a semicolon (;).
22.IF NO TO #20: Are you considering the formation of a TIF District that will
encompass this census tract within the next 6 months?
Please note that this is for informational purposes only.
Yes
No
23.Has the governing body of the recommending entity approved this
recommendation via one of the following options?
Proclamation
Record of Action Taken
Resolution
No
24.IF PROCLAMATION / RECORD / RESOLUTION TO #23: Provide the relevant
proclamation, record of action taken, or resolution link:
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25.List community and/or regional partners in support of this recommendation:
Please separate each partner’s name with a semicolon (;). Letters of support will be
accepted during the public comment period in August. Please note that letters of support
are not required but are encouraged as a means to demonstrate stakeholder engagement.
26.Select the following strategic sectors, as defined by the California Jobs First State
Blueprint, that this census tract may support (Select as many as apply):
Please note that the sectors are listed in alphabetical order with no indication of
prioritization. Please see the form instructions linked at the top of this page for more
details.
Aerospace & Defense (Aircraft, Shipbuilding, Space, Defense & Satellites)
Childcare
Clean Economy (Batteries, Wind, Solar, ZEV, Critical Minerals, Hydrogen, Carbon
Management)
Creative Economy
Education & Skilled Workforce
Financial & Professional Services
Healthcare
High-Tech (Semiconductors & Microelectronics, Hardware, Software & Services,
Artificial Intelligence, Fusion, Robotics, Quantum)
Housing
Infrastructure (Broadband, Transportation Infrastructure, Transmission &
Distribution, Water)
Life Sciences (Medtech, Pharma/biotech)
Manufacturing (Advanced and/or Precision)
Tourism & Outdoor Recreation
Transport & Logistics
Working Lands & Water (Agricultural Production, Food Processing, Agtech & Farm
Equipment, Bioeconomy, Blue economy/tech)
Page 67 of 130
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None of the above
27.Provide a brief description (max 1,000 characters, approximately 200 words) of how
this census tract will advance the selected sectors with relevant examples:
28.Provide a brief description (max 1,000 characters, approximately 200 words) of how
this census tract will incentivize and/or appeal to public and/or private investment
opportunities:
29.Submit one form per census tract. If you are nominating multiple census tracts, list
all census tracts in order of preference:
Please answer this question consistently for each form you submit. Separate each census
tract number with a semicolon (;) and indicate preference by listing the census tracts in
order of most preferred to least preferred. List the census tracts in the same order on each
form you submit.
Certification and Signature
Certification Statement
I hereby certify, on behalf of the submitting jurisdiction, that the information contained in
this form is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that
submitting inaccurate or misleading information may result in disqualification. I am
authorized by the governing body of my jurisdiction to submit this recommendation.
30.Submitter Full Name:
31.Date of Submission:
Page 68 of 130
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Item G1
Department: Community
Development
Date: 07/14/2026
Placement: Public Hearing
TO: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: PHIL DUNSMORE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
PREPARED BY: SAM MOUNTAIN, ASSISTANT PLANNER
SUBJECT: Senior Center Heritage Tree Removal
RECOMMENDATION:
Council:
1. Adopt Draft Resolution to approve the removal of one (1) hazardous 60-inch DBH Coast
Live Oak at 5905 East Mall, subject to conditions of approval and mitigation, including
replanting on site.
2. Provide direction on the applicability of the Native Tree Ordinance as it applies to trees
that die naturally and for trees sited on properties owned by non-profit entities.
DISCUSSION:
An application has been submitted by the property owner to retroactively request the removal of
one (1) 60-inch DBH Coast Live Oak, which was located on the property frontage of the Senior
Center across from the Sunken Gardens. In the update of the Native Tree Ordinance in February
2018, the tree was one of multiple trees around the park declared as a heritage tree due to its
significance. The tree was originally planted as part of the historic Atascadero Civic Center but
had been recently subject to disease. A certified arborist declared the tree dead and hazardous
to the public, and the applicants were given permission by staff to begin removal ahead of this
hearing. Because this tree is a listed heritage tree, City Council approval for removal and
determination of appropriate mitigation is required.
ANALYSIS
History
The tree-lined streets around the Sunken Gardens are a unique character-defining feature for the
City. The large Coast Live Oak trees located on the property frontages of West Mall and East Mall
were originally planted approximately 100 years ago during construction of the City Hall
Administration building.
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The Native Tree Ordinance labels these trees, including the removed tree, as “Heritage Trees,”
which are defined as native or non-native trees recognized by the City Council for their age, size,
location, historical, and/or cultural significance. Heritage Trees are subject to the same
protections as native trees, but proposals for their removal must be approved by the City Council.
It is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain native trees and, if needed, process
removal of the tree. Mitigation and/or installation of required replanting(s) are the responsibility
of the property owner.
Mitigation
The Atascadero Municipal Code requires mitigation for all native trees approved for removal. The
Tree Ordinance allows for either replanting of new native trees, payment of mitigation fees to the
City’s Native Tree Fund, or a combination of both. Given the prominent location and historical
significance of the removal, staff recommends that the applicant mitigate the removal by
replanting a new tree in the same location.
Due to the age of the existing trees around the Sunken Gardens, staff expects to continue to see
tree failures and decline over the next few decades. To maintain the historic character and
ambiance that defines the City core, staff is recommending replacement of these trees one at a
time. By staggering removals and giving the new trees time to grow, the City can slowly replace
the Coast Live Oaks around the Sunken Gardens and blend the new generation of trees in with
the old established trees.
Based on the native tree replacement standards, removal of a 60-inch DBH evergreen native tree
would require mitigation of either twenty (20) new 5-gallon oak trees planted on site, or payment
of $1,000.00 to the tree fund. The tree ordinance allows multi-family and commercial projects to
plant larger size specimens to reduce the quantity of replacements required. Given the limited
planting area available on site, there will be an additional cost to the property owner to grind out
the stump of the existing tree and prepare the site for replanting.
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07/14/2026 | Item G1 | Staff Report
In these situations, staff has historically recommended replanting with a 24-36” box tree to
provide a substantial presence and minimize the potential for damage due to a smaller trunk
diameter. However, these large trees can be severely root-bound, and installation around existing
improvements can result in damage to the roots, lowering rates of survivability. Therefore, for
this unique situation, staff is recommending one (1) 15-gallon Coast Live Oak be planted on the
West Mall property frontage in the area of the removed tree to fulfill replanting requirements.
Staff is recommending a minimum height of 6 feet and minimum diameter 6” above the soil line
of 0.75-inches at the time of planting to ensure a larger, healthy tree. Irrigation is included in the
conditions of approval to support tree establishment and survivability.
Given the visual importance and historic character of the Coast Live Oak trees which line West
Mall and East Mall, Staff believes that mitigating through strategic replanting efforts is crucial for
proper mitigation of the removed tree.
CONCLUSION
The removed Coast Live Oak was a designated Heritage Tree that contributed to the historic
character of the Sunken Gardens area. While the tree's removal was necessary due to its
hazardous condition and confirmed death, appropriate mitigation is required under the Native
Tree Ordinance. Staff recommends approval of the removal with mitigation consisting of the
planting of one (1) 15-gallon Coast Live Oak. This approach balances the practical constraints of
the site with the City's long-term goal of preserving and gradually renewing the historic Civic
Center tree canopy.
Additionally, staff is recommending Council provide direction on the applicability of the Native
Tree Ordinance as it relates to trees that die naturally and are not removed as part of a
development project and also consider provisions of trees that may be on the property of non-
profit entities.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Council may approve the project with additional or revised project conditions or
mitigation requirements.
2. Council may continue the hearing and refer the item back to staff and the applicant for
additional information or analysis. Direction should be given to staff and the applicant on
required information.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
Page 71 of 130
7/14/26 | Item G1 | Staff Report
REVIEWED BY OTHERS:
This item has been reviewed by the Community Development Director.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
James R. Lewis, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Draft Resolution
2. Photo of tree prior to removal
Page 72 of 130
7/14/26 | Item G1 | Attachment 1
DRAFT RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE REMOVAL
OF ONE 60-INCH DBH HAZARDOUS HERITAGE COAST LIVE OAK
PREVIOUSLY LOCATED AT 5905 EAST MALL
WHEREAS, an application was received from Senior Citizens United (Applicant and
Owner) at 5905 East Mall, Atascadero, CA 93422, to approve the removal of one hazardous
Heritage Coast Live Oak totaling 60-inches diameter at breast height (DBH); and
WHEREAS, the site’s current General Plan Land Use Designation is Downtown (D); and
WHEREAS, the site’s current Zoning Designation is Downtown Commercial (DC); and
WHEREAS, Atascadero Municipal Code § 9-11.111(b) requires City Council approval
for the removal of designated Heritage Trees; and
WHEREAS, this tree was deemed to be dead and beyond reclamation by a certified
arborist; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Director allowed removal of the tree prior to
City Council approval to mitigate the hazardous nature of the tree, and
WHEREAS, the subject tree was a 60-inch DBH Coast Live Oak which was planted as
part of the design and original construction of the historic Atascadero Civic Center during
establishment of the Atascadero Colony, and has helped to create a tree lined streetscape on West
Mall and East Mall which is a unique character defining feature of the City’s core; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is required to make decisions regarding all tree removal
application requests involving designated Heritage Trees; and
WHEREAS, the laws and regulations relating to the preparation and public notice of
environmental documents, as set forth in the State and local guidelines for implementation of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) have been adhered to.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Atascadero:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct.
SECTION 2. Public Hearing. The City Council of the City of Atascadero, in a regular
session assembled on July 14, 2026, considered testimony and reports from staff, the applicants,
and the public in relation to said action.
Page 73 of 130
7/14/26 | Item G1 | Attachment 1
SECTION 3. Facts and Findings. The City Council makes the following findings and
determinations:
A. Findings for Approval of Heritage Tree Removal
FINDING: The tree is dead, diseased or injured beyond reclamation, as certified by a
tree condition report from an Arborist.
FACT: A report completed by Mark Franzmann of Greenvale Tree Company, a
certified arborist, states that the tree is dead.
SECTION 4. Approval. The City Council of the City of Atascadero, in a regular session
assembled on July 14, 2026, resolved to approve the removal of one hazardous Heritage Coast
Live Oak totaling 60 inches DBH previously located at 5905 East Mall, subject to the following:
EXHIBIT A: Conditions of Approval
EXHIBIT B: Replanting Detail
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 14th day
of July, 2026.
On motion by Council Member _____ and seconded by Council Member _____, the
foregoing Resolution is hereby adopted in its entirety on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
CITY OF ATASCADERO:
________________________________
Charles Bourbeau, Mayor
ATTEST:
Lara K. Henderson, City Clerk
Page 74 of 130
7/14/26 | Item G1 | Attachment 1| Exhibit A
Conditions of Approval
TRP26-0035
Heritage Tree Removal
5905 East Mall
APN 029-347-022
Timing
BL: Business License
GP: Grading Permit
BP: Building Permit
FI: Final Inspection
TO: Temporary
Occupancy
FO: Final Occupancy
Responsibility
/Monitoring
PS: Planning Services
BS: Building Services
FD: Fire Department
PD: Police
Department
CE: City Engineer
WW: Wastewater
CA: City Attorney
PLANNING DIVISION
1. This approval is for Native Tree Removal Permit TRP26-0035, allowing for the removal of
a 60-inch Coast Live Oak Heritage Tree at 5905 East Mall (APN 029-347-022), as depicted
and described on the attached exhibits. The approval of this entitlement runs with the
land, regardless of the owner.
Ongoing PS
2. The applicant and/or subsequent owners shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the
City of Atascadero or its agents, officers, and employees against any claim or action
brought to challenge an approval by the City, or any of its entities, concerning the
proposed project.
Ongoing PS
3. In accordance with the Atascadero Municipal Code section 9-8.105, any violation of any
of the conditions of approval may subject the applicant and/or future property owners to
the penalties set for in the Atascadero Municipal Code, as well as any other available
legal remedies.
Ongoing PS/CA
4. The applicant shall replant one (1) new 15-gallon size Coast Live Oak that is a
minimum of 6 feet tall and has a minimum 0.75-inch diameter at 6 inches above the
soil line.
The existing stump shall be ground out to provide adequate area for planting the
new tree. To improve the chances of tree survival, planting shall be done according
to the planting detail in Exhibit B and verified on site by the consulting arborist.
Irrigation shall be provided to the new tree in a form verified by the Community
Development Department.
BP PS
5. The new tree replanted on site shall be monitored by site inspections by the City
during a four (4) year establishment period. If the replanted tree dies within this
establishment period, City staff shall require the property owner to replant a new
tree in its place.
BP PS
Page 75 of 130
7/14/26 | Item G1 | Attachment 1| Exhibit B
Page 76 of 130
7/14/26 | Item G1 | Attachment 2
Page 77 of 130
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Item G2
Department: Police
Date: 7/14/2026
Placement: Public Hearing
TO: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: DAN SUTTLES, CHIEF OF POLICE
PREPARED BY: DAN SUTTLES, CHIEF OF POLICE
SUBJECT: Annual Military Equipment Report Per CA AB 481
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Council:
1. Approve an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program.
2. Adopt the updated Military Equipment Policy 708, including the additfon of the
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to the City’s approved military equipment inventory, and
approve the 2026 Military Equipment report as required by California Assembly Bill 481.
DISCUSSION:
BACKGROUND
On September 30, 2021, California Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481) was signed into law, which codified
California Government Code Sectfons 7070 to 7075. AB 481 requires law enforcement agencies
to obtain approval of, by ordinance at a regular meetfng, a military equipment policy related to
any funding, acquisitfon, or use of military equipment. The items considered to be “military
equipment” are defined under Government Code Sectfon 7070(c). AB 481 also requires the City
Council to annually review and approve any military equipment policy adopted by the ordinance.
Any proposed policy must be posted on the City’s website at least 30 days before that annual
review and approval.
On June 14, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 656 adoptfng a Military Equipment
Policy per AB 481. Pursuant to Ordinance No. 656, staff must return to Council annually to provide
a report on the City’s Military Equipment Policy, including the quantfty of items possessed, costs,
results on any internal audits, and report on any complaints or concerns regarding the use of the
equipment.
Staff reviewed department records and determined there were no complaints or concerns
regarding the Department's use of military equipment during the reportfng period. Staff also
conducted an internal audit of military equipment deployments and determined there were no
violatfons of Policy 708 or any other departmental policy.
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7/14/26 | Item G2 | Staff Report
As part of this annual review, staff recommends a revision to Sectfon 708.6 of the Military
Equipment Use Policy to clarify the use of military equipment by assistfng law enforcement
agencies. The previous language could be interpreted to prohibit assistfng agencies from using
equipment not specifically listed in the City's Military Equipment Use Policy. The proposed
revision clarifies that assistfng agencies operatfng within the City may utflize military equipment
that is authorized under their own applicable laws, policies, and procedures when providing
mutual aid, partfcipatfng in regional operatfons, or responding to exigent circumstances. The
amendment is intended to clarify existfng operatfonal practfces and does not expand the
Department's authority to acquire or use military equipment.
The updated Military Equipment List, attached to this report, identffies each authorized item of
military equipment, the quantfty possessed, and the associated costs. The following summarizes
the Department's use of military equipment during the reportfng period:
USE OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT
Patrol rifles (16), were deployed in the field during high-risk vehicle stops and other law
enforcement operatfons when appropriate and within policy, however were never fired in
the field during police operatfons. Rifles were only additfonally deployed and fired in the
training of law enforcement personnel.
40mm Less Lethal Launchers (9), were deployed in the field and were only fired in the
training of law enforcement personnel. 40mm rounds and “Bean Bag” rounds were only
used in the training of law enforcement personnel.
.308 caliber bolt actfon rifles (2), were only deployed in the course of Special Enforcement
Detail (SED) operatfons and training of team members. These rifles were only fired in the
course of training.
Additfonal patrol rifles listed on the Military Equipment List are not regularly deployed
and are secured in the police armory. They are available for deployment should actfvely
used patrol rifles become inoperable or in need of repair.
ADDITION OF UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (UAS) IN 2026
Staff has reviewed the Police Department's 2026 equipment needs and identffied a need to
acquire an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to enhance public safety operatfons through improved
situatfonal awareness, search and rescue capabilitfes, critfcal incident response, fire emergency
response, and crime scene documentatfon.
On January 27, 2026, the City Council approved a one-tfme General Fund budget adjustment of
$26,000 to begin implementatfon of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program for the Police
Department. As part of that directfon, staff was tasked with developing the program, preparing
the required amendments to the Military Equipment Policy, and returning to the City Council for
consideratfon of the UAS as an authorized item of military equipment.
Since that tfme, staff has evaluated operatfonal needs, applicable legal requirements, equipment
optfons, training requirements, and data storage solutfons necessary to establish a responsible
public safety UAS program. The Department determined that a UAS will enhance officer and
community safety by providing rapid aerial situatfonal awareness during critfcal incidents,
Page 79 of 130
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Staff Report
reducing the need to place personnel in hazardous environments, improving search and rescue
operatfons, assistfng with disaster and fire response, documentfng crime scenes and major traffic
collisions, and supportfng enforcement of the City's fireworks social host ordinance through safe
aerial observatfon and evidentfary documentatfon. The UAS will only be deployed for authorized
public safety purposes in accordance with Department policy and applicable law and will not be
used for routfne patrol or generalized surveillance.
While the initfal General Fund allocatfon provided funding to begin implementatfon of the
program, additfonal planning identffied costs necessary to fully establish and operate the program
during its first two years. These costs include pilot training, operatfonal accessories, antfcipated
overtfme for planned and emergency deployments, video storage infrastructure, and ongoing
program implementatfon. During this process, projected data storage costs also increased
significantly due to substantfal increases in market pricing for storage infrastructure. As a result,
the estfmated two-year cost of establishing the UAS program is $60,416.
Funding for the initfal implementatfon of the UAS program will be provided through a
combinatfon of General Fund and Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF)
resources. The estfmated two-year cost of the program, including UAS equipment, accessories,
pilot training, video storage solutfons, and antfcipated operatfonal costs, including overtfme, is
$60,416. Of this amount, $26,000 will be funded through the General Fund and $34,416 through
SLESF. Ongoing program costs will be evaluated and addressed through future budget
development processes. Potentfal optfons include incorporatfng ongoing UAS program costs into
future operatfng budgets, identffying offsetting expenditure reductfons elsewhere within the
Department's budget, or reducing or discontfnuing the UAS program based on operatfonal needs,
available resources, and City Council prioritfes.
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM
Staff recommends the acquisitfon of one DJI Matrice 4T Unmanned Aerial System at a purchase
cost of $7,799. The Matrice 4T was selected following an evaluatfon of available public safety UAS
platiorms because it provides the capabilitfes necessary to support the Department's operatfonal
needs while representfng a cost-effectfve solutfon. The aircraft integrates high-resolutfon visual
imaging, thermal imaging, laser range finding, extended flight performance, and advanced
obstacle avoidance technologies into a compact platiorm designed specifically for public safety
operatfons.
These capabilitfes enable officers to locate missing or at-risk persons, identffy heat signatures
during nighttime or low-visibility incidents, safely assess hazardous areas without unnecessarily
exposing personnel to danger, document crime scenes and major traffic collisions from an aerial
perspectfve, and provide real-tfme situatfonal awareness during critfcal incidents. Staff
determined that the DJI Matrice 4T provides the best combinatfon of operatfonal capability,
reliability, and value for the Department's antfcipated public safety missions.
Page 80 of 130
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Staff Report
PRIVACY AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
The Atascadero Police Department recognizes the importance of protectfng individual privacy
and civil libertfes. UAS operatfons will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and
state laws, constftutfonal protectfons, and department policy. The Department does not utflize
UAS technology for random surveillance, and personnel are required to take reasonable steps to
avoid collectfng informatfon from locatfons where individuals have a reasonable expectatfon of
privacy unless otherwise authorized by law. All UAS deployments, data retentfon practfces, and
flight operatfons are governed by department policy, FAA regulatfons, and established
operatfonal procedures designed to promote both public safety and the protectfon of individual
rights.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
1. To adopt the updated policy but not approve the additfonal equipment.
2. Not adopt the updated policy nor approve the additfonal equipment.
3. Provide an alternatfve directfon to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adoptfng and updatfng the annual Military Equipment Policy has no direct fiscal impact.
The estfmated two-year fiscal impact associated with the implementatfon of the UAS program is
$60,416. Funding is proposed from two sources: $26,000 from the General Fund and $34,416
from the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF). A detailed cost breakdown is
provided in the table below. Ongoing program costs and long-term funding strategies will be
evaluated as part of future budget development processes.
PROPOSED FUNDING USES
DJI Matrice 4T (Including
Accessories) $ 12,330
HPE MSA 2060 Data Storage
Hardware 21,582
Annual Overtime for 2 years
($7,210 annually) 14,420
Annual Training for 2 years ($6,042
annually) 12,084
Total Estimated Costs $ 60,416
ESTIMATED FUNDING SOURCES
2026/2027 General Fund $ 26,000
Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund 34,416
Total Funding Sources $ 60,416
Page 81 of 130
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Staff Report
REVIEWED BY OTHERS:
This item has been reviewed by the City Manager, the City Attorney, and the Assistant City
Manager.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
James R. Lewis, City Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Military Equipment Policy 708
2. Military Equipment List
3. UAS Policy 613
4. UAS Operatfons Manual
5. UAS Emergency Procedures
6. UAS Emergency Checklist
Page 82 of 130
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/06/12, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Atascadero Police Department Military Equipment - 1
Atascadero Police Department
Atascadero PD Policy Manual
Military Equipment
708.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the approval, acquisition, and reporting
requirements of military equipment (Government Code § 7070; Government Code § 7071;
Government Code § 7072).
708.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include (Government Code § 7070):
Governing body – The elected or appointed body that oversees the Department.
Military equipment – Includes but is not limited to the following:
• Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial or ground vehicles.
• Mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles or armored personnel carriers.
• High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), two-and-one-half-ton trucks,
five-ton trucks, or wheeled vehicles that have a breaching or entry apparatus attached.
• Tracked armored vehicles that provide ballistic protection to their occupants.
• Command and control vehicles that are either built or modified to facilitate the
operational control and direction of public safety units.
• Weaponized aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of any kind.
• Battering rams, slugs, and breaching apparatuses that are explosive in nature. This
does not include a handheld, one-person ram.
• Firearms and ammunition of .50 caliber or greater, excluding standard-issue shotguns
and standard-issue shotgun ammunition.
• Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than .50 caliber, including firearms and
accessories identified as assault weapons in Penal Code § 30510 and Penal Code §
30515, with the exception of standard-issue firearms.
• Any firearm or firearm accessory that is designed to launch explosive projectiles.
• Noise-flash diversionary devices and explosive breaching tools.
• Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service-issued handheld
pepper spray.
• Area denial electroshock devices, microwave weapons, water cannons, long-range
acoustic devices (LRADs), acoustic hailing devices, and sound cannons.
• Kinetic energy weapons and munitions.
• Any other equipment as determined by a governing body or a state agency to require
additional oversight.
Policy
708
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 1
Page 83 of 130
Atascadero Police Department
Atascadero PD Policy Manual
Military Equipment
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/06/12, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Atascadero Police Department Military Equipment - 2
708.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Atascadero Police Department that members of this department comply with
the provisions of Government Code § 7071 with respect to military equipment.
708.3 MILITARY EQUIPMENT COORDINATOR
The Chief of Police should designate a member of this department to act as the military equipment
coordinator. The responsibilities of the military equipment coordinator include but are not limited to:
(a) Acting as liaison to the governing body for matters related to the requirements of this
policy.
(b) Identifying department equipment that qualifies as military equipment in the current
possession of the Department, or the equipment the Department intends to acquire
that requires approval by the governing body.
(c) Conducting an inventory of all military equipment at least annually.
(d) Collaborating with any allied agency that may use military equipment within the
jurisdiction of Atascadero Police Department (Government Code § 7071).
(e) Preparing for, scheduling, and coordinating the annual community engagement
meeting to include:
1. Publicizing the details of the meeting.
2. Preparing for public questions regarding the department’s funding, acquisition,
and use of equipment.
(f) Preparing the annual military equipment report for submission to the Chief of Police
and ensuring that the report is made available on the department website (Government
Code § 7072).
(g) Establishing the procedure for a person to register a complaint or concern, or how that
person may submit a question about the use of a type of military equipment, and how
the Department will respond in a timely manner.
708.4 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
The following constitutes a list of qualifying equipment for the Department:
See Attached
708.5 APPROVAL
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall obtain approval from the governing body by
way of an ordinance adopting the military equipment policy. As part of the approval process, the
Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall ensure the proposed military equipment policy is
submitted to the governing body and is available on the department website at least 30 days prior
to any public hearing concerning the military equipment at issue (Government Code § 7071). The
military equipment policy must be approved by the governing body prior to engaging in any of the
following (Government Code § 7071):
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 1
Page 84 of 130
Atascadero Police Department
Atascadero PD Policy Manual
Military Equipment
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/06/12, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Atascadero Police Department Military Equipment - 3
Requesting military equipment made available pursuant to 10 USC § 2576a.(a)
Seeking funds for military equipment, including but not limited to applying for a grant,(b)
soliciting or accepting private, local, state, or federal funds, in-kind donations, or other
donations or transfers.
(c) Acquiring military equipment either permanently or temporarily, including by borrowing
or leasing.
Collaborating with another law enforcement agency in the deployment or other use of(d)
military equipment within the jurisdiction of this department.
Using any new or existing military equipment for a purpose, in a manner, or by a person(e)
not previously approved by the governing body.
Soliciting or responding to a proposal for, or entering into an agreement with, any other(f)
person or entity to seek funds for, apply to receive, acquire, use, or collaborate in the
use of military equipment.
Acquiring military equipment through any means not provided above.(g)
708.7 ANNUAL REPORT
Upon approval of a military equipment policy, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee should
submit a military equipment report to the governing body for each type of military equipment
approved within one year of approval, and annually thereafter for as long as the military equipment
is available for use (Government Code § 7072).
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee should also make each annual military equipment
report publicly available on the department website for as long as the military equipment is
available for use. The report shall include all information required by Government Code § 7072
for the preceding calendar year for each type of military equipment in department inventory.
708.8 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Within 30 days of submitting and publicly releasing the annual report, the Department shall hold
at least one well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting, at which
the Department should discuss the report and respond to public questions regarding the funding,
acquisition, or use of military equipment.
708.6 COORDINATION WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS
Military equipment should not be used by any other law enforcement agency or member in this
jurisdiction unless the military equipment is approved for use in accordance with this policy.This
policy recognizes the need for agencies to provide assistance to each other, whether in
ongoing combined or regional operations, occasional planned operations, or in exigent
circumstances. Where applicable to the provisions of Government Code § 7070 through § 7075,
such assisting agencies must comply with their respective military equipment use policies when
rendering assistance.
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 1
Page 85 of 130
ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY MANUAL
ATTACHMENT TO POLICY MANUAL SECTION 708
INVENTORY LIST OF AB 481 DEFINED MILITARY EQUIPMENT
Equipment Name: 5.56mm Semi-Automatic Rifles and Ammunition - CA Govt. Code §7070(c)(10)
Quantity Owned/Sought: 7 owned Lifespan: Approximately 15 years
Equipment Capabilities: Semi-automatic rifles that fire a 5.56mm projectile.
Manufacturer Product Description: Colt
Purpose/Authorized Uses: Officers may deploy the patrol rifle in any circumstance where the officer can
articulate a reasonable expectation that the rifle may be needed. Examples of some general guidelines
for deploying the patrol rifle may include but are not limited to:
● Situations where the officer reasonably anticipates an armed encounter.
● When an officer is faced with a situation that may require accurate and effective fire at long
range.
● Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect's firepower.
● When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to fire on a barricaded person or
a person with a hostage.
● When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor.
● When authorized or requested by a supervisor.
Fiscal Impacts: The initial cost of equipment is approximately $1,100 per rifle. The ongoing costs for
ammunition vary, and maintenance is performed by Department staff.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: All applicable State, Federal, and Local laws governing police use
of force. Various Atascadero Police Department Policies on Use of Force and Firearms including
Atascadero Police Department Policy Manual sections: 300, 305, 310, 312, 314.7.3, 433.
Training Required: Officers must complete a CA POST-certified 24-hour patrol rifle course as well as
regular department firearms training and qualifications as required by law and policy.
Equipment Name: 5.56mm Semi-automatic Rifles and Ammunition - CA Govt. Code §7070(c)(10)
Quantity Owned/Sought: 17 owned Lifespan: Approximately 15 years
Equipment Capabilities: Semi-automatic rifle capable of firing a 5.56mm projectile.
Manufacturer Product Description: Bushmaster XM15-E2S Patrolman Rifle. Short-barreled carbine for
patrol operations
Purpose/Authorized Uses: Officers may deploy the patrol rifle in any circumstance where the officer
can articulate a reasonable expectation that the rifle may be needed. Examples of some general
guidelines for deploying the patrol rifle may include but are not limited to:
● Situations where the officer reasonably anticipates an armed encounter.
● When an officer is faced with a situation that may require accurate and effective fire at long
range.
● Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect's
firepower.
● When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to fire on a barricaded person
or a person with a hostage.
● When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor.
● When authorized or requested by a supervisor.
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 2
Page 86 of 130
ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY MANUAL
ATTACHMENT TO POLICY MANUAL SECTION 708
INVENTORY LIST OF AB 481 DEFINED MILITARY EQUIPMENT
Fiscal Impacts: The initial cost of equipment is approximately $1,100 per rifle. The ongoing costs for
ammunition vary, and maintenance is performed by Department staff.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: All applicable State, Federal, and Local laws governing police
use of force. Various Atascadero Police Department Policies on Use of Force and Firearms including
Atascadero Police Department Policy Manual sections: 300, 305, 310, 312, 314.7.3, 433.
Training Required: Officers must complete a CA POST-certified 24-hour patrol rifle course as well as
regular department firearms training and qualifications as required by law and policy.
Equipment Name: 5.56mm Semi-Automatic Rifles and Ammunition - CA Govt. Code §7070(c)(10)
Quantity Owned/Sought: 3 owned Lifespan: Approximately 15 years
Equipment Capabilities: Semi-automatic rifles that fire a 5.56mm projectile.
Manufacturer Product Description: Heckler and Koch G36C is a compact deployable patrol rifle ideal for
compact carry locations such as motor vehicles and motorcycles.
Purpose/Authorized Uses: Officers may deploy the patrol rifle in any circumstance where the officer can
articulate a reasonable expectation that the rifle may be needed. Examples of some general guidelines
for deploying the patrol rifle may include but are not limited to:
● Situations where the officer reasonably anticipates an armed encounter.
● When an officer is faced with a situation that may require accurate and effective fire at long
range.
● Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect's firepower.
● When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to fire on a barricaded person or
a person with a hostage.
● When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor.
● When authorized or requested by a supervisor.
Fiscal Impacts: The initial cost of equipment is approximately $1,100 per rifle. The ongoing costs for
ammunition vary, and maintenance is performed by Department staff.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: All applicable State, Federal, and Local laws governing police use
of force. Various Atascadero Police Department Policies on Use of Force and Firearms including
Atascadero Police Department Policy Manual sections: 300, 305, 310, 312, 314.7.3, 433.
Training Required: Officers must complete a CA POST-certified 24-hour patrol rifle course as well as
regular department firearms training and qualifications as required by law and policy.
Equipment Name: 40 caliber and 9mm Semi-Automatic Rifles and Ammunition - CA Govt. Code
§7070(c)(10)
Quantity Owned/Sought: 2 owned Lifespan: Approximately 15 years
Equipment Capabilities: Semi-automatic rifles that fire a 40 caliber and 9mm projectile.
Manufacturer Product Description: The Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun is designed to meet a wide
range of tactical requirements for specialized teams.
Purpose/Authorized Uses: Officers may deploy the patrol rifle in any circumstance where the officer can
articulate a reasonable expectation that the rifle may be needed. Examples of some general guidelines
for deploying the patrol rifle may include but are not limited to:
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 2
Page 87 of 130
ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY MANUAL
ATTACHMENT TO POLICY MANUAL SECTION 708
INVENTORY LIST OF AB 481 DEFINED MILITARY EQUIPMENT
● Situations where the officer reasonably anticipates an armed encounter.
● When an officer is faced with a situation that may require accurate and effective fire at long
range.
● Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect's firepower.
● When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to fire on a barricaded person or
a person with a hostage.
● When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor.
● When authorized or requested by a supervisor.
Fiscal Impacts: The initial cost of equipment is approximately $1,100 per rifle. The ongoing costs for
ammunition vary, and maintenance is performed by Department staff.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: All applicable State, Federal, and Local laws governing police use
of force. Various Atascadero Police Department Policies on Use of Force and Firearms including
Atascadero Police Department Policy Manual sections: 300, 305, 310, 312, 314.7.3, 433.
Training Required: Officers must complete a CA POST-certified 24-hour patrol rifle course as well as
regular department firearms training and qualifications as required by law and policy.
Equipment Name: .308 caliber bolt-action Rifle and Ammunition - CA Govt. Code §7070(c)(10)
Quantity Owned/Sought: 1 owned Lifespan: Approximately 15 years
Equipment Capabilities: The Remington 700 Sniper Rifle fires a .308 caliber projectile at extended
distances.
Manufacturer Product Description: The Remington 700 is the number one bolt-action of all time,
proudly made in the U.S.A. For over 50 years, more Model 700s have been sold than any other bolt-
action rifle before or since. The legendary strength of its 3-rings-of-steel receiver paired with a hammer-
forged barrel, combine to yield the most popular bolt-action rifle in history.
Purpose/Authorized Uses: This rifle is exclusively authorized for use by a sniper-trained SWAT officer,
and may be deployed in circumstances where the officer can articulate a reasonable expectation that
the rifle may be necessary. Examples of some general guidelines for deploying the rifle may include,
but are not limited to:
● Situations where the officer reasonably anticipates an armed encounter.
● When the officer is faced with a situation that may require accurate and effective fire at long
range.
● Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect's
firepower.
● When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to fire on a barricaded person
or a person with a hostage.
● When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor.
● When authorized or requested by a supervisor.
Fiscal Impacts: $1,604.12 per rifle. The ongoing costs for ammunition vary, and maintenance is
performed by Department staff.
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 2
Page 88 of 130
ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY MANUAL
ATTACHMENT TO POLICY MANUAL SECTION 708
INVENTORY LIST OF AB 481 DEFINED MILITARY EQUIPMENT
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: All applicable State, Federal and Local laws governing police
use of force. Various Atascadero Police Department Policies on Use of Force including Atascadero Police
Department Policy Manual sections 300, 305, 310, 312, 314.7.3.
Training Required: In addition to patrol rifle and standard SWAT Operator training, SWAT Snipers must
complete a CA POST-certified sniper course as well as regular SWAT Sniper training and qualifications
as required by law and policy.
Equipment Name: .308 caliber bolt-action Rifle and Ammunition - CA Govt. Code §7070(c)(10)
Quantity Owned/Sought: 1 owned Lifespan: Approximately 15 years
Equipment Capabilities: The AXSA LE Sniper Rifle fires a .308 caliber projectile at extended distances.
Manufacturer Product Description: The Accuracy International AX308 rifle is a precision bolt-action
rifle designed for accuracy and reliability in various shooting scenarios, including long-range shooting
and tactical applications. The rifle is built on a sturdy chassis system constructed from high-grade
materials, providing stability and durability. The barrel is equipped with a heavy-profile, match-grade
barrel, the AX308 rifle delivers superb accuracy and consistent shot-to-shot performance. The barrel is
cold hammer-forged and precision-machined to ensure exceptional quality and longevity.
Purpose/Authorized Uses: This rifle is exclusively authorized for use by a sniper-trained SWAT officer
and may be deployed in circumstances where the officer can articulate a reasonable expectation that
the rifle may be necessary. Examples of some general guidelines for deploying the rifle may include but
are not limited to:
● This bolt-action rifle is replacing the aging Remington 700 Sniper Rifle.
● Situations where the officer reasonably anticipates an armed encounter.
● When the officer is faced with a situation that may require accurate and effective fire at long
range.
● Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect's
firepower.
● When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to fire on a barricaded person
or a person with a hostage.
● When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor.
● When authorized or requested by a supervisor.
Fiscal Impacts: This rifle was purchased and gifted by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Advisor
Council. The ongoing costs for ammunition vary, and maintenance is performed by Department staff.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: All applicable State, Federal, and Local laws governing police
use of force. Various Atascadero Police Department Policies on Use of Force including Atascadero Police
Department Policy Manual sections 300, 305, 310, 312, 314.7.3.
Training Required: In addition to patrol rifle and standard SWAT Operator training, SWAT Snipers must
complete a CA POST-certified sniper course as well as regular SWAT Sniper training and qualifications
as required by law and policy.
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 2
Page 89 of 130
ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY MANUAL
ATTACHMENT TO POLICY MANUAL SECTION 708
INVENTORY LIST OF AB 481 DEFINED MILITARY EQUIPMENT
Equipment Name: 40mm Less Lethal Launchers and Kinetic Energy Munitions - CA Govt. Code
§7070(c)(14)
Quantity Owned/Sought: 9 owned Lifespan: Approximately 15 years
Equipment Capabilities: The 40mm Less Lethal Launcher is capable of firing 40mm Kinetic Energy
Munitions.
Manufacturer Product Description:
Purpose/Authorized Uses: To compel an individual to cease his/her actions when such munitions
present a reasonable option. A verbal warning of the intended use of the device should precede its
application. The 40mm Less Lethal Launchers and Kinetic Energy Munitions are intended for use as a
“less lethal” use of force option, which serves as an additional option to mitigate the possibility of using
lethal force.
Fiscal Impacts: $3,400 initial purchase per launcher, $2,500 initial purchase of 40mm projectiles.
The ongoing cost for munitions will vary.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: All applicable State, Federal, and Local laws governing police
use of force. Various Atascadero Police Department Policies on Use of Force, primarily Atascadero
Police Department Policy Manual sections 300 and 308.
Training Required: Initial orientation courses, including qualifications, are provided by Department
members who have attended a POST-certified instructor’s course; annual recertification, including
qualifications by demonstrated use in a training environment, is required of all operators.
Equipment Name: - .556 AR-15 Patrol Rifles, CA Govt. Code §7070(c)(10)
Quantity Owned/Sought: 16 Lifespan: 15 years
Equipment Capabilities: Semi-automatic rifle capable of firing a 5.56mm projectile.
Manufacturer Product Description: 5.56 Sionic AR-15 Patrol Rifles for patrol operations and SWAT
Team deployment.
Purpose/Authorized Uses: Officers may deploy the patrol rifle in any circumstance where
the officer can articulate a reasonable expectation that the rifle may be needed. Examples of
some general guidelines for deploying the patrol rifle may include but are not limited to:
These Patrol Rifles are replacing the aging Patrol Rifle inventory.
Situations where the officer reasonably anticipates an armed encounter.
When an officer is faced with a situation that may require accurate and effective fire at
long range.
Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a
suspect's firepower.
When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to fire on a barricaded
person or a person with a hostage.
When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor and
when authorized or requested by a supervisor. These Patrol Rifles are replacing the aging Patrol Rifle inventory.
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 2
Page 90 of 130
ATASCADERO POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY MANUAL
ATTACHMENT TO POLICY MANUAL SECTION 708
INVENTORY LIST OF AB 481 DEFINED MILITARY EQUIPMENT
Fiscal Impacts: The initial cost of equipment is approximately $2,350 per rifle. The ongoing costs for
ammunition vary, and maintenance is performed by Department staff.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: All applicable State, Federal, and Local laws governing the use
of force by police. Various Atascadero Police Department Policies on the Use of Force, primarily sections
300 and 308 of the Atascadero Police Department Policy Manual.
Training Required: Officers must complete a CA POST-certified 24-hour patrol rifle course as well as
regular department firearms training and qualifications as required by law and policy.
Equipment Name: - Unmanned Aerial Systems
Quantity Owned/Sought: 1 Lifespan: 5 years
Equipment Capabilities: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) provide real-time aerial surveillance,
reconnaissance, mapping, search-and-rescue support, and incident assessment capabilities while
enhancing officer safety and operational awareness.
Manufacturer Product Description:
DJI Matrice 4T Universal Edition: Enterprise-grade unmanned aerial system equipped with thermal
imaging, low-light imaging, zoom capabilities, and real-time aerial observation features designed for
public safety operations.
Purpose/Authorized Uses: Search and rescue operations, crime scene documentation and
mapping, tactical and critical incident support, disaster assessment and emergency management,
suspect search and apprehension support, public safety and infrastructure assessment, and traffic
collision investigation and special event management.
Fiscal Impacts: $7,799 Initial purchase for Matrice 4T.
Legal/Procedural Rules Governing Use: All applicable Federal, State, and Local laws governing the
operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
and airspace restrictions, constitutional protections related to privacy and search and seizure, and
applicable California laws. UAS operations shall be conducted in accordance with Atascadero Police
Department Policy Manual Section 613 (Unmanned Aerial Systems), the Atascadero Police Department
UAS Operations Manual, and other applicable Department policies and procedures.
Training Required: Operators must possess and maintain a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
Certificate and complete Department-approved UAS operator training. Training includes aircraft
operations, FAA regulatory compliance, flight safety, emergency procedures, privacy and
constitutional law considerations, evidence collection, and public safety mission deployment.
Operators must complete recurrent training and proficiency evaluations as required by Department
policy and FAA regulations.
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 2
Page 91 of 130
Policy
613
Atascadero Police Department
Atascadero PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/06/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Atascadero Police Department Unmanned Aerial System - 1
Unmanned Aerial System
613.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use of an unmanned aerial system
(UAS) and for the storage, retrieval and dissemination of images and data captured by the UAS.
This policy will be implemented in accordance with the Atascadero Police Department Unmanned
Aerial System Operation Manual.
613.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Pilot - Any member who has successfully passed their FAA Part 107 examination, and completed
the requirements for flight operations outlined by this manual.
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) - An unmanned aircraft of any type that is capable of sustaining
directed flight, whether preprogrammed or remotely controlled (commonly referred to as an
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)), and all of the supporting or attached systems designed for
gathering information through imaging, recording or any other means.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) - A powered, aerial vehicle that uses aerodynamic forces
to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, and can be expendable or
recoverable. refers more specifically to the unmanned aerial vehicle itself.
Visual Observer (VO) - The Visual Observer is equally responsible for the visual observation
of the UAV while in-flight. The VO shall alert the pilot of any conditions (obstructions, terrain,
structures, air traffic, weather, etc.) that may affect the safety of flight. The VO is responsible
for all aviation-related communications required by the FAA. The VO shall successfully complete
department approved training outlined in this manual.
613.2 POLICY
Unmanned aerial systems may be utilized to enhance the department’s mission of protecting lives
and property when other means and resources are not available or are less effective. Any use
of a UAS will be in strict accordance with constitutional and privacy rights and Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) regulations.
613.3 PRIVACY
The use of the UAS potentially involves privacy considerations. Absent a warrant or exigent
circumstances, operators and observers shall not intentionally record or transmit images of any
location where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., residence, yard,
enclosure). Pilots, and Visual Observers shall take reasonable precautions to avoid inadvertently
recording or transmitting images of areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Reasonable precautions can include, for example, deactivating or turning imaging devices away
from such areas or persons during UAS operations.
7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 3
Page 92 of 130
Atascadero Police Department
Atascadero PD Policy Manual
Unmanned Aerial System
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/06/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Atascadero Police Department Unmanned Aerial System - 2
613.4 PROGRAM COORDINATOR
The Chief of Police will appoint a program coordinator who will be responsible for the management
of the UAS program. The program coordinator will ensure that policies and procedures conform to
current laws, regulations, and best practices and will have the following additional responsibilities:
•Coordinating the FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) application process
and ensuring that the COA is current, and/or coordinating compliance with FAA Part
107 Remote Pilot Certificate, as appropriate for department operations.
•Ensuring that all authorized operators and required observers have completed all
required FAA and department-approved training in the operation, applicable laws,
policies, and procedures regarding use of the UAS.
•
•Coordinating the completion of the FAA Emergency Operation Request Form in
emergency situations, as applicable (e.g., natural disasters, search and rescue,
emergency situations to safeguard human life).
•Developing protocol for conducting criminal investigations involving a UAS, including
documentation of time spent monitoring a subject.
•Implementing a system for public notification of UAS deployment, when needed.
•Developing an operational protocol governing the deployment and operation of a UAS
including but not limited to safety oversight, use of visual observers, establishment of
lost link procedures, and secure communication with air traffic control facilities.
•Developing a protocol for fully documenting all operations..
•Developing a UAS inspection, maintenance, and record-keeping protocol to ensure
continuing airworthiness of a UAS, up to and including its overhaul or life limits.
•Developing protocols to ensure that all data intended to be used as evidence are
accessed, maintained, stored, and retrieved in a manner that ensures its integrity as
evidence, including strict adherence to chain of custody requirements.
•Electronic trails, including encryption, authenticity certificates, and date and time
stamping, shall be used as appropriate to preserve individual rights and to ensure the
authenticity and maintenance of a secure evidentiary chain of custody.
•Developing protocols that ensure retention and purge periods are maintained in
accordance with established records retention schedules.
•Facilitating law enforcement access to images and data captured by the UAS.
•Recommending program enhancements, particularly regarding safety and information
security.
•Ensuring that established protocols are followed by monitoring and providing periodic
reports on the program to the Chief of Police.
•Maintaining familiarity with FAA regulatory standards, state laws and regulations, and
local ordinances regarding the operations of a UAS.
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Atascadero Police Department
Atascadero PD Policy Manual
Unmanned Aerial System
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/06/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Atascadero Police Department Unmanned Aerial System - 3
613.5 USE OF UAS
Only certified pilots who have completed the required training shall be permitted to operate the
UAS. The Chief of Police, Commander, Watch Commander, or Sergeant may authorize the
deployment of the UAS.
Use of vision enhancement technology (e.g., thermal and other imaging equipment not generally
available to the public) is permissible in viewing areas only where there is no protectable privacy
interest or when in compliance with a search warrant or court order. In all other instances, legal
counsel should be consulted.
UAS operations should only be conducted consistent with FAA regulations.
613.6 PROHIBITED USE
The UAS video surveillance equipment shall not be used:
•To conduct random surveillance activities.
•To target a person based solely on actual or perceived characteristics, such
as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, economic status, age, cultural group, or disability.
•To harass, intimidate, or discriminate against any individual or group.
•To conduct personal business of any type.
The UAS shall not be equipped with or used to deploy weapons or devices designed to
cause physical harm or incapacitation. The UAS program is intended solely for observation,
documentation, and incident support purposes.
613.7 RETENTION OF UAS DATA
Data collected by the UAS shall be retained as provided in the established records retention
schedule.
All media, including pictures or videos, captured during an operation of evidentiary value will be
booked into APD evidence following proper departmental procedures.
All media, including pictures or videos, captured during an operation will be stored in accordance
with the Atascadero Police Department Policy and the City of Atascadero's Record Retention
Schedule.
All media, including pictures or videos, captured during training or non-criminal related operations,
are not required to be booked into APD evidence.
All media, including pictures or videos, may be saved by the program coordinator for training,
social media, or media inquiry purposes, with Division Commander approval.
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Atascadero Police Department
Atascadero PD Policy Manual
Unmanned Aerial System
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/06/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Atascadero Police Department Unmanned Aerial System - 4
613.8 RETRIEVAL AND DISSEMINATION OF IMAGES AND DATA
Access to and retrieval of UAS collected images or data shall be limited to authorized personnel
and handled in accordance with department evidence procedures, public records laws, and the
City's records retention schedule. Dissemination of such information shall occur only for legitimate
law enforcement, investigative, training, or legal purposes.
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Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)
Operations Manual
Revision Date: 04/16/2026
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PREFACE
The purpose of this operations manual is to equip members of the Atascadero Police Department
with a set of procedures, definitions, regulations, and policies intended to ensure safe, competent,
and lawful operation of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). This handbook will be revised as
necessary to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and to comply with legal or procedural updates.
PRIVACY
The Atascadero Police Department understands that the protection of reasonable expectations of
privacy and civil rights remains of utmost importance. All Flight Crew members share
responsibility for ensuring UAS Operations are conducted in such a way that protects the civil
rights and reasonable expectations of privacy of all individuals. Remote Pilots in Command
should ensure onboard cameras are not directed or focused on uninvolved persons, vehicles, or
uninvolved occupied structures whenever possible. The Atascadero Police Department does not
conduct random surveillance with UAS. Given any deployment, consideration shall be given to
maintaining public privacy and the freedom from intrusion.
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MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of the Atascadero Police Department is to “do good” and work toward the greater good,
even to the detriment of self. Our goal is to “be premier.” Our goal is to work toward being the premier
law enforcement agency on the Central Coast. This is a direction. It is a bold goal, but it is what we
should be working toward.
We seek to accomplish our purpose and goal through the following methods:
Professionalism – We will be professional in both appearance and practice. We will
demonstrate professionalism by treating others with dignity, even in their worst moments.
Professionalism will ensure our reputation amongst the residents of Atascadero and within the
law enforcement community remains at the highest levels.
Partnerships – We cannot do this job alone. We will develop and foster good relationships.
We will work with other law enforcement agencies, other city departments, with
organizations, and with individual members of our community to accomplish our objectives.
Personal Growth – The Atascadero Police Department is committed to providing appropriate
training and instruction to the members of our department, but we cannot do it all. Members
are encouraged to seek out opportunities for their own growth, including professional training,
personal training, and other educational opportunities. Members are encouraged to be good
family members and role models within the community.
“Who you are away from work is just as important as who you are at work.”
This mission and these values guide all our actions, including the use of unmanned aerial systems.
PHILOSOPHY
The overall intent and goal of the Atascadero Police Department UAS Program shall be to provide
investigative perspective and support to the agency during specific missions or calls for service. Examples
of investigative perspective and support include, but are not limited to: Missing Persons Reports, Search
and Rescue Operations, Traffic Accident Documentation, Crime Scene Documentation, Evidence
Location, Suspect Location, Tactical Situations in support of SWAT or SED Team, Hostage/Barricade
situations, Active Threats, Officer-Involved Incidents, Traffic Stops, Foot Pursuits, etc.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ................................................................................................................................. 2
Mission Statement ............................................................................................................... 3
Definitions & Abbreviations ................................................................................................ 5
Section 1 – Administration .................................................................................................. 8
1.1 Preface
1.2 Operations Manual
1.3 Organization
1.4 Team Personnel
1.5 Storage
Section 2 – Safety ................................................................................................................ 12
2.1 Preface
2.2 Safety Policy
2.3 Safety Awareness
2.4 Emergency Notification
2.5 Emergency Procedures
2.6 Medical Factors
Section 3 – Training ............................................................................................................ 16
3.1 Preface
3.2 Instructors
3.3 Training Policies
3.4 Initial Training
3.5 PIC Training
3.6 VO Training
3.7 Recurrent Training
Section 4 - General Operating Procedures ........................................................................... 20
4.1 Preface
4.2 General Deployment Rules
4.3 Deployment Rules- Jurisdictional
4.4 Deployment Rules- Outside Agency Assist
4.5 UAS Operation Summary
4.6 Jurisdictional Airspace Zones
4.7 Data & Media Retention
4.8 General UAV Requirements
Section 5 – Supplements ..................................................................................................... 23
5.1 UAS Inventory and Systems Weekly Checklist
5.2 PIC Full Flight Duty Qualification Form
5.3 UAS Operation Summary Form
5.4 Jurisdictional Airspace Zones F
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5
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Above Ground Level (AGL)
AGL refers to the altitude or height of an object, aircraft, or terrain measured from the ground directly
beneath it, rather than at sea level.
Mean Sea Level (MSL)
The standard reference for measuring an aircraft’s altitude relative to the average level of the world’s
oceans (altitude in reference to sea level).
Air Traffic Control (ATC)
A ground-based service provided by trained controllers who direct aircraft during takeoff, flight, and
landing to prevent collisions, organize traffic flow, and provide pilots with essential information and
support.
Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Issued by the FAA and grants permission to fly within specific boundaries and parameters.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
A United States Federal Government Agency within the US Department of Transportation. The FAA
regulates civil aviation in the United States and surrounding waters. Its powers include air traffic
control, certification of personnel and aircraft, setting standards for airports, and protection of US
assets during the launch or re-entry of commercial space vehicles.
National Airspace System (NAS)
The NAS is the integrated network of US airspace, navigation facilities, airports, equipment,
services, rules, regulations, and personnel that ensures the safe and efficient operation of aircraft
under FAA jurisdiction.
FAA Airspace Classification:
The FAA has two categories of airspace: Regulatory and Nonregulatory.
Regulatory: Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, restricted and prohibited areas
Nonregulatory: Military operations areas (MOA), warning areas, controlled firing areas (CFA) and
national security areas (NSA).
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Regulatory Airspace Categories:
Class A – Generally from 18,000’ MSL up to FL600 (60,000’).
Class B – Surrounds major airports, extending from the surface to 10,000’ MSL
Class C – Surrounds airports with radar approach control, typically from the surface to 4,000’ MSL
Class D – Surrounds airports with operational control towers, extends from the surface to 2,500’MSL
Class E – Controlled airspace that can start at various altitudes, typically from 1,200 to 18,000’ MSL
Class G – Uncontrolled airspace, typically from the surface up to 1,200’ MSL
The entirety of the City of Atascadero falls within Class G (uncontrolled) Airspace. No Air Traffic
Control (ATC) Authorization is required for UAS operations; however, pilots must still adhere to all
Part 107 regulations and basic safety guidelines.
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)
A NOTAM is a notice containing time-sensitive information essential to personnel concerned with
flight operations, but not known far enough in advance to be publicized by other means. It states the
abnormal status of a component of the National Airspace System, not the normal status. NOTAMS
indicate real-time establishment, condition or change of any facility, service, procedure or hazard in
the NAS (ex: temporary flight restrictions (TFR), runways or taxiways closed, fuel unavailable at
airport, runway lighting inoperative, etc).
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)
A restriction issued by the FAA on airspace that limits aircraft operations in specific areas for safety
or security reasons, communicated through NOTAMs.
Operational Waiver
An official document issued by the FAA that approves certain operations of aircraft outside the
limitations of a regulation.
Part 107 Regulations
Regulations set forth and governed by the FAA, which permits the use of UAS for commercial
purposes. Part 107 regulations are found in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Pilot
Any member who has successfully passed their FAA Part 107 examination, and completed the
requirements for flight operations outlined by this Operations Manual.
Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
Person who has final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of flight, has been
designated as the PIC before or during the flight, and holds the appropriate training and required
certificates for the conduct of the flight. The PIC is solely responsible for the input of
commands/piloting during flight operations. Pilots are authorized to evaluate and accept or decline
any mission or portion thereof due to safety, practical, legal, or policy concerns.
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Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
A powered, aerial vehicle that uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously
or be piloted remotely, and can be expendable or recoverable. Refers more specifically to the
unmanned aerial vehicle itself.
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)
Consists of an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 lbs., the command system, a secure control
link, camera, and other related safety support equipment, including ground control base stations and
specialty vehicles designed to support unmanned flight operations.
Unmanned Aerial System Crewmember
A Pilot in Command, Visual Observer, or other persons assigned duties for UAS operations.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Visual contact between PIC or VO and a UAV sufficient to maintain safe operational control of the
aircraft, known location, and be able to scan the airspace in which it is operating to see and avoid
other aircraft or objects aloft or on the ground.
Visual Observer (VO)
The Visual Observer is equally responsible for the visual observation of the UAV while in-flight. The
VO shall alert the PIC of any conditions (obstructions, terrain, structures, air traffic, weather, etc.)
that may affect the safety of flight. The VO is responsible for all aviation related communications
required by the FAA. The VO shall be certified by successful completion of a department approved
training course outlined by this Operations Manual.
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8
Section 1
ADMINISTRATION
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1.1 Preface
The following procedures are intended to promote the safe, competent, and lawful operation of
Atascadero Police Department’s Unmanned Aerial System (UAS).
1.2 Operations Manual
This operations manual is written to satisfy the following criteria:
1.2.1 The policies and procedures contained in this manual are issued by authority of
the Chief of Police. As such, it is an official document of the Atascadero Police
Department.
1.2.2 This manual is not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather to serve as a supplement
to other department guidelines, policies and procedures, FAA regulations, the
Operational Waiver or COA (if applicable), and the aircraft manufacturer’s
approved user manual.
1.2.3 This manual has been written to address all UAS operations. The manual will be
reviewed and updated in the same manner and time frame as other programs at
APD. Any changes to the manual will be approved by the Chief of Police or
his/her designee and communicated to all members involved in the UAS
operations program.
1.2.4 A copy of the manual will be made available to each person having UAS
responsibilities and will be a required document to read and understand.
1.3 Organization
1.3.1 The UAS program shall be comprised of those personnel approved by the
Chief of Police. Personnel include the coordinator, pilots, visual observers,
and those contributing to, or having an assignment to the UAS program.
1.3.1 The UAS program will be comprised of trained and selected personnel only.
1.4 Team Personnel
1.4.1 UAS Coordinator: The UAS coordinator will be a sworn employee and
member of the Atascadero Police Department appointed by the Chief of
Police.
1.4.1.1 UAS Coordinator responsibilities:
The UAS Coordinator responsibilities are outlined in the APD Policy
Manual, in policy 613 - Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations.
Responsibilities include:
Coordinating the FAA Operational Waiver or Certificate of
Authorization (COA) application process, if applicable, and
ensuring that the waiver or COA is current. Ensuring that all
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authorized operators have completed all required FAA and
department-approved training in the operation, applicable laws,
policies and procedures regarding use of the UAS.
Developing and/or maintaining uniform protocol for
submission and evaluation of requests to deploy a UAS,
including urgent requests made during ongoing or emerging
incidents. Deployment of a UAS shall require authorization of
the Chief of Police or the authorized designee, depending on
the type of mission.
Implementing a system for public notification of UAS
deployment, if needed.
Developing and/or maintaining an operational protocol
governing the deployment and operation of a UAS including,
but not limited to, safety oversight, use of Visual Observers,
establishment of lost link procedures, and secure
communication with nearby air traffic control facilities.
Developing and/or maintaining a protocol for fully
documenting all operations.
Developing and/or maintaining a UAS inspection, maintenance,
and record-keeping protocol to ensure continuing airworthiness
of a UAS, up to and including its overhaul or life limits.
Developing and/or maintaining protocols to ensure that all
evidence is collected, stored, and purged in strict adherence to
department policy.
Developing and/or maintaining protocols to ensure all
electronic trails, including encryption, authenticity certificates,
and date/time stamping, shall be used as appropriate to preserve
individual rights and to ensure the authenticity and maintenance
of a secure evidentiary chain of custody.
Facilitating law enforcement access to images and data
captured by the UAS.
Recommending program enhancements, particularly regarding
safety and information security.
Ensuring that established protocols are followed by monitoring and
providing periodic audits and reports on the program to the Chief
of Police.
1.4.2 Pilot in Command: The PIC is responsible for the safety and operation of the
UAS during a mission or training, and holds final authority over all flight
decisions.
1.4.2.1 Pilot in Command responsibilities:
Understand, and comply with, FAA regulations applicable to the airspace
where the UAS will operate.
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Have an understanding of, and comply with, the manufacturer’s
user manuals for any UAS airframe in the UAS Program.
Understand and comply with the UAS Operations Manual.
Maintain proficiency and qualifications on each of the airframes in the UAS
Program.
Prior to any flight operations, obtain and maintain an FAA Remote
Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating.
1.4.3 Visual Observer: The VO is crucial in ensuring the UAS operates in a safe
manner, as well as to provide safety and situational awareness to the PIC.
1.4.3.1 Visual Observer responsibilities:
Effectively communicate with the PIC, air traffic control, and manned aircraft
(if applicable) via radio or face-to-face (whichever is most appropriate).
Understand and comply with regulations concerning right- of- way rules,
operating near other aircraft, weather, careless operation, etc.
Knowledge of, and ability to use, UAS support equipment (radio, camera,
charging stations, etc.).
NOTAM filing (if applicable) or FAA air traffic control operation notification.
1.5 Storage
1.5.1 The UAS equipment will be stored at a specified location at the APD Station. The
UAS Coordinator will be responsible for establishing the storage location.
1.5.2 The UAS equipment, when not in use or in stand-by, shall be secured at the storage
location. Only UAV pilots who have fulfilled all requirements and training should
have access to UAVs and related equipment.
1.5.3 The storage location should be temperature-regulated to protect UAS equipment
from overheating, rust, condensation, etc.
1.5.4 The UAS Coordinator or designee will conduct a regular inventory and systems
check on all UAS equipment to ensure a state of readiness and airworthiness.
1.5.5 Each pilot is responsible for their own regular maintenance and pre-flight checks.
1.5.6 All UAS program members are equally responsible for maintaining, cleaning, and
securing the UAS equipment.
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Section 2
SAFETY
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2.1 Preface
The Atascadero Police Department is committed to maintaining safe and efficient operations.
Above all else, the primary concern of every operation, regardless of the nature, is safety.
2.2 Safety Policy
The above goal is achieved through the following:
Ongoing and intentional training operations.
Conduct regular audits of safety policies, procedures, and practices.
Monitor and apply California POST and industry best practices regarding
UAS operations.
Monitor the UAS community to ensure best practices are regularly
incorporated into our program.
2.2.1 It is the duty of every member within our UAS program to contribute to the goal
of safe operations. This contribution may come in many forms and always
includes operating in the safest manner practicable, given any mission. Pilots
shall never take unnecessary risks. Any safety hazard, whether procedural,
operational, or maintenance-related, should be identified as soon as possible.
Suggestions in the interest of safety should be made through the UAS program
chain of command.
2.2.2 If any member observes or has knowledge of an unsafe or dangerous act
committed by another member, the on-duty Watch Commander is to be
notified immediately.
2.3 Safety Awareness and Reporting
All members of the UAS program are considered safety officers and are responsible for the
following:
Ensure all flight personnel and/or observers understand applicable regulatory
requirements, standards, and organizational safety policies and procedures.
Observe and control safety systems by monitoring all operations. Communicate
safety concerns immediately, as they arise.
Review standards and practices of departmental personnel as they impact
operational safety. Keep abreast of industry standards regarding UAS safety.
Communicate any known safety-related issues and the corrective action(s)
taken to the UAS Coordinator. This includes, but is not limited to, any in-
flight problems and/or lessons learned. The proper procedures for handling
problems should be shared and discussed among all team members.
Copy and circulate any pertinent safety information.
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2.4 Emergency Notification
Members will follow established procedures and policies regarding emergency or accident
notification(s). Any UAS incident involving the following shall be reported as soon as
practicable to the UAS Coordinator and on-duty Watch Commander:
Any in-flight collision with an object, animal, or person(s), resulting in damage or
injury.
Any equipment malfunction resulting in the loss of the location of the UAV (flyaway).
Other damage incurred, including scratches, dents, cracks, chips, bends, or
loss to any part(s) of the UAS.
2.5 Emergency Procedures
A list of emergency procedures and instructions will be readily available to all PIC’s and team
members. PIC’s shall follow all established procedures when encountering an aircraft or
operational emergency. All PIC’s and team members will be trained and have adequate
knowledge of the following emergency scenarios and their supplemental procedures:
Engine Failure - Note aircraft position on remote control (RC) and locate aircraft.
Loss of Link - Point RC toward aircraft. If the link returns, continue the flight
at a closer range. If the link does not return, press the “return to home button”
and clear the landing area.
Aircraft Critical Battery - Land aircraft at a close, practical, and safe landing area.
Loss of GPS - Land aircraft at a close, practical, and safe landing area.
Extreme Winds - Return home as soon as possible or land aircraft at close,
practical, and safe landing area; avoid launching aircraft when extreme winds
are forecast during flight time.
PIC Incapacitation/Medical Emergency - Most readily available crew member
shall take flight controls.
Hostile Actions Toward UAS – Increase altitude as necessary and note location
of hostile subject(s). Radio ground unit(s) as necessary
Flyaway - Note last known location, altitude, and direction of travel.
Immediately notify Air Traffic Control (San Luis Tower: 805-781-8753) and
initiate a search.
Emergency Shutoff - Aircraft emergency shutoff will only be used to reduce the
risk of injury or damage.
2.6 Medical Factors
Safety is of utmost importance. Flight crew members reserve the final authority to accept or
decline missions for a variety of reasons, including crew member fatigue, illness, or any set of
circumstances in which the crew member does not feel they are capable of safely operating a
UAS.
2.6.1 A self-assessment of physical condition shall be made by all flight crew members
during pre-flight activities. An example of an acceptable self-assessment is the
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IMSAFE checklist:
I - Illness: Do you have any current or recurring illnesses that could affect flight?
M – Medication: Any medications that could impair your ability to fly?
S – Stress: Are you experiencing psychological pressure or anxiety?
A – Alcohol: Any alcohol in the last 8 hours? Are you hungover?
F – Fatigue: Are you tired or not adequately rested?
E – Emotion: Are you emotionally upset about anything?
2.6.2 No member shall act as a PIC or a VO with any measurable amount of alcohol in
their blood.
It is emphasized that safety is the responsibility of all Flight Crew members.
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Section 3
TRAINING
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3.1 Preface
To ensure the continuous safe operation of the UAS, high levels of competency must be achieved
and maintained. Proficiency, in both academic knowledge and practical skills, is best realized
through regular training. Pilots and Flight Crew members are encouraged to seek out training
opportunities as they become available.
3.2 Instructors
3.2.1 Training will be conducted based on the varying needs of the program.
3.2.2 Duties of instructing new members shall fall upon those who have the aptitude
to teach, possess the most flight time, and demonstrate exceptional ability and
knowledge of UAS operations. Instructors will be designated based on
experience and competency with the UAS operation and overseen by the UAS
Coordinator.
3.3 Training Policies
3.3.1 Training plans will be developed by the UAS Coordinator and other UAS Flight
Crew, as designated. Training will be implemented by department-approved
UAS instructors.
3.3.2 As approved by the UAS Coordinator and chain of command, members may
choose to conduct training outside of regular work hours, so as to have less of an
impact on staffing levels.
3.3.3 All deployments and/or exercises will be documented and counted toward a
member’s training. All training will be documented and logged.
3.3.4 The UAS Coordinator will ensure member’s flight training files are
maintained and accurate. Each member of the UAS program has the
responsibility to verify their individual flight training file is accurate and
up-to-date with all pertinent information.
3.4 Initial Training
3.4.1 Upon acceptance into the UAS Program, each new member will attend an
orientation and should be given a copy of this UAS Operations Manual and
the ATPD Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations policy.
3.4.1.1 The new member orientation will address the following:
UAS Operations Manual review.
UAS Operations Policy review.
Standard UAS Operator Log (ASA-SP-UAS)
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3.5 PIC Training
3.5.1 A member is authorized for “Full Flight Duty” as a PIC when the following
criteria has been met:
Must review and acknowledge the Operations Manual and Policy.
Must complete a department-approved FAA Part 107 Test Prep & Training Course.
Must pass FAA Aeronautical Knowledge (Unmanned Aircraft General – Small) Exam.
Must possess a current FAA Temporary or Permanent Remote Pilot Certificate.
Must attend and participate in a department-approved hands-on flight training course.
Must pass a departmental UAS Operations Flight Proficiency test.
Must complete a minimum of 4 in-flight hours on each airframe used by the
department.
3.5.1.1 Any member who has the status of PIC may act as a VO while the PIC in training
is at the controls of the UAS.
3.5.1.2 A 4-hour departmental training for PIC’s will occur every four months. Training
will include, but is not limited to, in-flight proficiency for all airframes, policy
and operational procedures.
3.5.1.3 In-flight training will be conducted within the bounds of any Operational Waivers
or COAs, as applicable.
3.5.1.4 Reasonable efforts will be made to schedule training in a manner that impacts
staffing levels as little as possible.
3.6 VO Training
3.6.1 A member is authorized to be a qualified VO when the following criteria has
been met:
Must review and acknowledge the Operations Manual and Policy.
Must review the following POST Learning Portal presentation(s):
• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
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Must review and pass the Visual Observer Roles in FAA Part 107 Training
Course.
3.7 Recurrent Training
3.7.1 All members shall maintain proficiency in their pilot/VO abilities, and are
encouraged to seek out training opportunities as they are available.
3.7.2 All members must pass their recurrent FAA Aeronautical Knowledge exam every
24 months.
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Section 4
GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES
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4.1 Preface
The key goal of the UAS Operations program is to deploy the UAS in the safest manner
possible.
4.2 General Deployment Rules
4.2.1 No pilot may act as a PIC for more than 10 hours in any 24-hour period.
4.2.2 It is strongly recommended to have a visual observer for every flight, but not required.
4.2.3 Requests for deployment can be made at any time during the day or night.
4.2.4 All requests for UAS deployment shall be made through the on-duty Watch
Commander.
4.2.5 When multiple requests for UAS deployment occur simultaneously or within a
timeframe that prevents the UAS from supporting all requests, deployments shall
be prioritized based on operational necessity, with the protection of life and
public safety serving as the primary consideration.
4.2.6 Rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in place for flights within the
department’s jurisdiction will apply to any flights outside the department’s
jurisdiction should the UAS team provide mutual aid to another agency, even if
outside agencies employ different policies for UAS usage.
4.2.7 The PIC is ultimately responsible for the UAS operation, as well as accepting or
declining a mission.
4.2.8 No member of the department (or other entity), regardless of rank, may order a pilot
to:
Accept a mission that is unsafe, impractical, unlawful, or contrary to policy.
Fly outside of FAA, Operational Waiver, or COA, or manufacturer’s parameters.
Violate any rules or regulations that the PIC feels would put members of
the public, first responders, or other members at a greater risk than is
normally assumed with flight operations.
4.2.9.1 Should the pilot decline a mission, the pilot shall still complete a UAS Operation
Summary form, outlining the reason(s) why the mission was not accepted and
immediately submit the form to the UAS Coordinator and the on-duty Watch
Commander.
4.3 Deployment Rules – Atascadero PD Jurisdiction
4.3.1 When the need for a UAS deployment becomes apparent, the on-duty Watch
Commander will first be notified.
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The on-duty Watch Commander may also request the use of a UAS
deployment. The on-duty Watch Commander will gather information
pertaining to the mission and contact the PIC to notify him/her of the mission
and all pertinent information.
The PIC will determine if the UAS can be deployed safely and
practically, and will either accept or decline the mission based on the
criteria established in this manual and department policy.
4.3.2 The PIC will screen the request, using the UAS Operations Checklist. The checklist
will be based on the following criteria:
Is the proposed mission of the UAS within the capabilities of the equipment
and personnel to perform?
Does the proposed mission fall within FAA and Operational Waiver or COA
requirements?
Does the proposed mission fall within department rules, regulations, polices,
and procedures?
If the use of the UAS requires a warrant, has it been requested and/or
obtained?
Can the UAS be deployed safely, given the current and ongoing weather conditions?
4.3.3 If the mission is accepted, the following will take place when the PIC arrives on
scene:
The PIC will make an on-scene assessment of the conditions and determine if
the UAS can fulfill the requested goals of the mission.
The PIC will begin pre-flight operations. A VO should be used during flight
operations, if available. An officer on scene can be used as VO, if available and if
qualified to act as VO.
4.4 Deployment Rules – Outside Agency Assist
4.4.1 When an outside agency requests the need of a UAS deployment, the on-
duty Watch Commander will first be notified.
The on-duty Watch Commander may deny a request for an outside
agency assist.
If the on-duty Watch Commander approves the request, the Watch
Commander will gather information pertaining to the mission and
contact the PIC to notify him/her of all pertinent information.
The PIC will determine if the UAS can be deployed safely and
practically, and will either accept or decline the mission based on the
criteria established in this manual and department policy.
The PIC will screen the request, using the UAS Operation Checklist,
based on the criteria outlined in 4.3.2 of this manual.
If approved, the PIC will respond to the requested location and begin pre-flight
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operations.
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4.4.2 The PIC will ensure the operation will be within the parameters of any
Operational Waivers or COA, if applicable.
4.4.3 The on-duty Watch Commander will inform the requesting agency if the
department has accepted or declined their request.
4.5 UAS Operation Summary
4.5.1 A UAS Operation Summary form shall be completed before and after every
mission or training exercise. PIC flight hours should be logged in the
Standard UAS Operator Log.
4.5.2 Before launch, a thorough pre-flight inspection must be completed by the
designated PIC. The pre-flight checklist should cover the authority, clearance,
weather, mechanical, technical, and risk considerations involved with the mission.
4.5.3 After landing and completion of the UAS mission, a thorough post-flight inspection
must be completed by the designated PIC. The post-flight checklist should cover the
mechanical, technical, and evidentiary considerations of the completed mission.
4.5.4 Following the completion of a UAS mission, the completed UAS Operation
Summary form must be given to the UAS Coordinator in a timely manner.
4.6 Jurisdictional Airspace Zones
4.6.1 If a flight will occur within the controlled Class D airspace of San Luis Obispo
County Regional Airport (KSBP – McChesney Field), the PIC will determine
maximum allowable flight altitude using the Aloft Air Control or a similar app.
The PIC will obtain Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability
(LAANC) or ATC approval as required.
4.6.2 If a flight will occur within the Class E Airspace of the Paso Robles Municipal
Airport (KPRB), the PIC will determine maximum allowable flight altitude using
the Aloft Air Control or a similar app. The PIC will obtain LAANC or ATC
approval as required.
4.6.3 Once the LAANC notification has been sent, the PIC or VO will call the on-call
Air Traffic Controller at San Luis Tower, (805) 781-8753, to notify them of the
planned operational zone.
4.6.4 If either the LAANC request or notification to the Air Traffic Controller is denied,
no flight shall proceed until permission is granted.
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4.7 Data & Media Retention
4.7.1 All media, including pictures or videos of evidentiary value captured
during an operation will be booked into APD evidence following proper
departmental procedures.
4.7.2 All media, including pictures or videos, captured during an operation will
be stored in accordance with Atascadero Police Department Policy and
the City of Atascadero’s Records Retention Schedule.
4.7.3 All media not of evidentiary value, including pictures or video captured
during training or non- criminal related operations, is not required to be
booked into APD evidence.
4.7.4 All media, including pictures or video, may be saved by the UAS
Coordinator for training, social media, or media inquiry purposes, with
Division Commander approval.
4.8 General UAV Requirements
4.8.1 When a UAV has been determined to no longer be of use or airworthy it
will be decommissioned and tagged as "decommissioned.”
4.8.2 The UAS Coordinator will determine whether any UAV should be
decommissioned.
4.8.3 Decommissioned UAS’s will be disposed of in accordance with Section 10 of the
City of Atascadero’s Purchasing Policy.
4.8.4 The UAV manufacturer will be notified, so that any “key” unlock applied
to the airframe can be cancelled. For DJI airframes, this will occur through
notification to the Qualified Entities Program (QEP) representative.
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SECTIONAL CHARTS
Sectional Chart of KSBP (San Luis Obispo Regional Airport) and Surrounding Area
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Sectional Chart of KPRB (Paso Robles Airport) and Surrounding Area
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7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 5
Atascadero Police Department
UAS Emergency Procedures
General Emergency Priorities
1. Protect life and public safety.
2. Yield immediately to all manned aircraft.
3. Maintain positive control of the UAS whenever possible.
4. Notify the Watch Commander and UAS Coordinator as required.
5. Document the incident and remove the aircraft from service if necessary.
Loss of Command and Control Link
• Attempt to re-establish the control link by adjusting antenna position, moving closer to
the aircraft, or restarting the controller/application.
• If communication is restored, terminate the mission when practical.
• If communication is not restored, verify Return-to-Home (RTH) has activated and clear
the landing area.
• If the aircraft does not return, note the last known location, altitude, direction of travel,
and remaining battery level.
• If the aircraft creates a hazard to aviation or enters controlled airspace, notify San Luis
Tower at (805) 781-8753.
• Notify the Watch Commander and begin recovery efforts.
Flyaway
• Maintain visual observation of the aircraft whenever possible.
• Record the last known location, altitude, direction of travel, and battery level.
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• Notify responding personnel of the aircraft's last known position.
• Notify San Luis Tower if necessary.
• Recover the aircraft when safe.
• Notify the Watch Commander and UAS Coordinator.
Aircraft Crash / Hard Landing
• Ensure the scene is safe.
• Render medical aid if necessary.
• Secure the aircraft and prevent further damage.
• Preserve the scene if the crash resulted in injury or property damage.
• Do not relaunch the aircraft.
• Notify the Watch Commander and UAS Coordinator.
• Remove the aircraft from service pending inspection.
Critical Battery
• Immediately terminate the mission.
• Return the aircraft to the home point or the nearest safe landing area.
• Recover the aircraft.
• Inspect the battery and aircraft for damage before returning them to service.
Loss of GPS
• Maintain manual control of the aircraft.
• Avoid obstacles and maintain visual line of sight.
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• Land at the nearest safe location.
• Do not resume flight until GPS functionality has been restored.
Manned Aircraft Conflict
• Immediately descend or land the UAS.
• Yield the right-of-way to all manned aircraft.
• Resume operations only after the conflict no longer exists.
PIC or VO Medical Emergency
• Land the aircraft immediately.
• Render first aid and request EMS if needed.
• Flight controls may only be transferred to another qualified PIC.
• Terminate the mission.
Battery Fire / Thermal Event
• Move personnel away from the aircraft.
• Do not unnecessarily handle a burning or damaged battery.
• If safe to do so, isolate the battery from combustible materials.
• Notify the Watch Commander.
• Remove the aircraft from service.
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Hostile Actions Toward the UAS
• Increase altitude or reposition the aircraft if safe.
• Document the location and description of the involved person(s).
• Notify ground personnel immediately.
• Terminate the mission if continued flight presents an unreasonable safety risk.
Emergency Shutoff
• Use only when necessary to prevent imminent injury or significant property damage.
• Expect the aircraft to fall immediately after activation.
• Notify the Watch Commander.
• Remove the aircraft from service pending inspection.
Post-Incident Actions
• Notify the Watch Commander.
• Notify the UAS Coordinator.
• Complete the UAS Operation Summary.
• Document maintenance issues.
• Remove the aircraft from service until inspected if damage is suspected.
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7/14/26 | Item G2 | Attachment 6
Rev/June 2026
Atascadero Police Department
UAS Emergency Action Checklist
PRIORITY OF ACTIONS
1. Protect life and safety.
2. Avoid conflict with manned aircraft.
3. Maintain control of the aircraft whenever possible.
4. Notify responding personnel as necessary.
5. Complete required notifications and documentation.
LOST COMMAND / LOSS OF CONTROL LINK
□ Maintain visual contact with aircraft if possible.
□ Attempt to restore control.
□ Confirm Return-to-Home has activated.
□ Clear landing area.
□ If aircraft does not return:
• Note last known location
• Altitude
• Direction of travel
• Battery level
□ If aircraft enters controlled airspace or creates a hazard to aviation:
Notify San Luis Tower
(805) 781-8753
□ Notify Watch Commander.
□ Begin recovery operations.
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Rev/June 2026
FLYAWAY
□ Maintain visual observation.
□ Record last known position.
□ Notify responding units.
□ Notify San Luis Tower if aircraft may enter controlled airspace.
□ Recover aircraft when safe.
□ Notify UAS Coordinator.
CRASH / HARD LANDING
□ Ensure scene is safe.
□ Render aid if anyone is injured.
□ Secure aircraft.
□ Preserve evidence if collision occurred.
□ Do not relaunch aircraft.
□ Notify Watch Commander.
□ Notify UAS Coordinator.
LOW BATTERY / CRITICAL BATTERY
□ Terminate mission.
□ Return to Home or land immediately.
□ Select safest available landing area.
□ Recover aircraft.
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Rev/June 2026
LOSS OF GPS
□ Maintain manual control.
□ Avoid obstacles.
□ Land at nearest safe location.
MANDED AIRCRAFT CONFLICT
□ Descend immediately or land.
□ Yield right-of-way.
□ Resume operations only after aircraft has cleared.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY (PIC OR VO)
□ Land immediately.
□ Provide medical aid.
□ Request EMS if necessary.
□ Transfer control only to another qualified PIC.
FIRE / BATTERY THERMAL EVENT
□ Move personnel away.
□ Do not handle damaged battery unnecessarily.
□ Allow battery to cool if safe.
□ Treat as hazardous lithium battery.
□ Notify UAS Coordinator.
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Rev/June 2026
AFTER ANY EMERGENCY
□ Notify Watch Commander.
□ Notify UAS Coordinator.
□ Complete UAS Operation Summary.
□ Record maintenance issue.
□ Remove aircraft from service until inspected if required.
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