Population and Locale
The City of American Canyon was incorporated in 1992. The current population is approximately 16,031 residents with a build-out population estimated at 22,000. Located at the southeastern end of Napa County, the City is roughly 3.6 square miles in size. American Canyon is bounded geographically by the Napa River to the west, the foothills of the Sulphur Springs Mountain Range to the east, the City of Vallejo to the south and vineyards and the Napa Airport to the north.
Climate
The climate is generally mild, with northeasterly winds from the San Francisco Bay. Summer temperatures range from 50 to 90 degrees, winter temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees. Average rainfall is 18 inches per year.
City Government
The City of American Canyon operates under the council-manager form of government. Policy-making authority is vested in a five-member City Council. Day-to-day administration is provided by the City Manager, serving under the direction of the Council. Operating departments include Planning & Building, Public Works, Parks, Community Services and Finance.
Police
The American Canyon Police Department is a contracted service with the Napa County Sheriff Department which provides law enforcement services to the City. A Police Chief, 2 Sergeants, 11 Sworn Officers and a Police Technician make up the force. American Canyon is a safe community with few major crimes reported.
Fire
The American Canyon Fire District offers fire, hazardous materials, medical and rescue emergency response. In addition, they provide non-emergency public assist, public education and disaster training. Staffing includes one full-time Fire Chief, 3 Fire Captains, 3 Engineers and 6 Firefighters. In addition, 20 Reserve Firefighters from the community assist with major incidents. The District also receives automatic aid from the City of Vallejo and Napa County Fire. The District has one station located at 225 James Road and is in the process of design of a new police/fire facility. The District maintains a Class 3 ISO Rating which results in lower fire insurance rates. Response time to the developed portions of the District is less than 5 minutes.
Transportation
Highway 29, the world famous "Napa Valley Winery Trail" travels through American Canyon and intersects with Highway 12 at the north end of town and Highway 37 near the south end. Highway 12 travels east to I-80 (3 miles) and west to the counties of Sonoma and Marin, and Highway 101 (25 miles). An alternate route is Highway 37 (to I-80 or Highway 101) one mile south of town.
Water Supply
The City of American Canyon's water supply comes from the North Bay (State Water Project). Water pressure is maintained at 65 to 100 psi with flows sufficient to meet the needs of most commercial and industrial projects. The City also receives both raw and treated water through agreements with the City of Vallejo to serve new development.
Sewer Service
The sewer service area extends from Napa/Solano County line north to Fagan Creek. In 2002, American Canyon completed construction of its own new 2.57 million gallon per day wastewater treatment facility designed to meet very strict state standards. Recycled water meeting Title 22 standards is available for sale.
Storm Drainage
A Storm Drain Master Plan was completed in 1996. The City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Given its proximity to the Napa River, development in American Canyon must comply with the Regional Water Quality Control Board regulations, as well as other State and Federal regulatory agencies.
Solid Waste Disposal
Under a franchise agreement with the City, American Canyon Disposal Service provides garbage pick-up for all residents and businesses. Roll-off service is also available. Additional services include curbside recycling and a new Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. For service, call (800) 499-8771.
Electricity and Natural Gas
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) supplies electricity and natural gas to American Canyon. Information on rates and services is available by calling (800) 743-5000.
Telephone
SBC provides a variety of services to American Canyon, including ISDN lines. Residential customers can obtain service by calling (800) 310-2355. Business customers may call (800) 750-2355. A Business Industry Consulting Service is available by calling (888) 888-0814. Standard long distance providers include SBC, Sprint, MCI and AT&T.
Local Newspapers
Two daily newspapers, the Times Herald in Vallejo and the Napa Valley Register service the area. Local newspapers are the American Canyon Citizens Echo and the Napa Solano Post delivered free to all households once each month. Regional and national newspapers are available for delivery. To contact local papers call Times Herald at (707) 643-1141; Napa Valley Register at (707) 226-3711; American Canyon Citizens Echo at (707) 647-1680; Napa-Solano Post at (707) 647-7678.
Taxes and Assessments
Property Tax: 1% of assessed value. Sales Tax: 7.75%. Business Licenses: A sliding scale based upon gross receipts, capped at $1,500 annually. Transient Occupancy Tax: 10%. Fire Assessment Fee: Approximately $79 per household; businesses are based on type of construction, potential fire hazard, and fire equipment installed. Impact Fees: The City had adopted impact fees for Water, Sewer, Parks, Traffic and Civic Facilities. There are no Utility User Taxes or Mello-Roos Assessment Districts in American Canyon.
Community Facilities
Health: Queen of the Valley Hospital operates the Napa Valley Women's Healthcare Center at Canyon Plaza in American Canyon. JobCare of St. Helena Hospital operates an occupational medical facility 4 miles north in Napa Gateway Business Park. A regional Kaiser Permanente Hospital and Sutter Solano Medical Center are four miles south in Vallejo. Queen of the Valley Hospital is 15 miles north in Napa.
Education: The City is part of the Napa Valley Unified School District. There are two elementary schools and one middle school in town. A third Elementary School will be opening by Spring 2005 and a high school is in the planning stages. Bus service is provided to Napa high schools. Napa Valley College is approximately 6 miles north and Solano Community College is 15 miles away in Fairfield. Pacific Union College has a degree completion campus 4 miles north in Napa.
Recreation: The City owns and operates a community center and aquatic facility. A branch of the County Library operates in Canyon Plaza. The City has over 50 acres of developed parkland, ranging from tot lots to a 20-acre community park. The City owns a large open space on its western edge that is now being restored as wetlands with recreational facilities. The 640-acre Newell Open Space preserve with planned hiking and horse trails is located on the eastern border of the city.
Housing Availability, Prices and Rentals
The housing stock in American Canyon is predominantly single-family homes. Neighborhoods range from older to high-end new subdivisions. Housing prices, while on the rise, still remain moderate in spite of the City's close proximity (about 40 miles) to San Francisco and its location in Napa County. The sale price of existing homes range from $300,000 to over $400,000. New homes are being built which will sell in the $500,000 to $600,000 range. There are four mobile home parks with over 700 spaces available. Modular homes are also available in some parks. Apartments rent from $900 to $1,400 per month. Home rentals range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. The City has a Rent Stabilization Ordinance that limits rent increases at mobile home parks. The City has a state-certified Housing Element and is actively involved in developing affordable housing.
Long-Term Development
The potential for attracting additional office and professional buildings, retail-commercial office/business parks, and light-manufacturing investment to the community is excellent. The city's master planned industrial park has approximately 50 acres available for development. An additional 350 acres is being annexed to expand the industrial area. The City's intent is to promote long-term economic developmen by expanding its industrial base and increasing retail services, both for its citizens and the 5 million tourists that come to the Napa Valley each year. City staff is willing to act creatively and expeditiously to make worthwhile projects happen. It is currently working on the development of its Highway 29 commercial corridor, which will link to a 100-acre, master-planned Town Center that will provide an array of services for both visitors and local residents.
