2010 CALAFCO Annual Conference

Moderator:

Brendon Freeman, Napa LAFCO

Panel

Adam Lindgren, Principal

Jim Simon, Principal

Ken Lee, Senior Associate

AudienceWho’s in the room?

What do spheres of influence mean to you in your role as a commissioner? How about in your role as an agency board member (city council, district board member, county board of supervisors)?

History of CKHPost WWII growth1959 Commission on

Metro Area Problems1963 LAFCo enabling

legislation, 3 enabling acts

1985 Cortese-Knox1997 “Growth Within

Bounds”2000 CKH

Purpose of CKHGov’t Code Sections 56001, 56300, 56301,

56434Efficient delivery of servicesPromote orderly growth and developmentDiscourage sprawl – tension Govt C 56001Consider local conditions and circumstancesPreserve open space & agricultureProvide housing for all incomes

Sphere of InfluenceSOI means “a plan for the probable physical

boundaries and service area of a local agency, as determined by the commission.” Gov’t Code 56076.

Purpose of an SOI is “to ensure the provision of efficient services while discouraging urban sprawl and the premature conversion of agricultural and open space lands by preventing overlapping jurisdictions and duplication of services.” CALAFCO.org

History of SOIsSIO: derived from the term in international

relationsan area or region over which a state or

organization has significant cultural, economic, military or political influence

more specifically and ironically, in international relations it is known as the claim by a state to exclusive or predominant control over a foreign area or territory that other nations may or may not recognize

SOIs in Context of Other Boundaries and Planning AreasCity limits / district boundariesSphere of Influence: a plan for the probable physical

boundaries and service area of a local agency, as determined by the commission. Gov. Code 56076.

General Plan Planning Area: A city's general plan must include a comprehensive, long-term plan for the physical development of both the city and any land outside the city's boundaries that the city determines is related to its planning (together the city's general plan planning area). Gov. Code 65300.

Urban Service Boundary/Urban Service Area Boundary: a boundary that limits the expansion of municipal services, often used to plan to the size and location of public infrastructure.

Sphere of Influence Life Cycle

Establishing

Planning

Developing

Annexing

STATUTORY MODELSTATUTORY MODELMSRs & SOI UpdatesEvery 5 Years

Sphere of Influence Life Cycle

Establishing

Planning

Developing

Annexing

COMMON MODELCOMMON MODEL

Legislative EvolutionSpheres

“probable ultimate physical boundary”

Sphere Amendments

City-County agreements

Sphere Updates (every 5 years)

MSRs

“Backbone Infrastructure” (Govt Code 56434)

Factors in the SOI Life Cycle – From Unincorporated to SOI to Incorporated

• Land use authority• Site control / ownership• Legal processing requirements• Existing jurisdictional

boundaries/service territory (e.g., special districts)• Financing plan –

land uses that balance revenues and service costs

• Fiscal impact analysis to city, county, etc.

• LAFCO as facilitator & leader

• County leadership• City tact• Elected vs. staff• Resident

opposition

Rancho Cordova

Southeast Orange County

Rancho Santa MargaritaRSMPop: 49,988Median HH Income: $102,370Housing: 17,191‘09 Taxable Sales: $103,426,000

Las FloresPop 5,779Median HH Income $120,8822,049 Housing Units

Coto de CazaPop 15,002Median HH Income $178,8974,660 Housing Units

Remaining Southeast Orange County

Ladera RanchLadera RanchPop: 21,877Median HH Income: $152,957Housing: 7,877

TakeawaysSOIs are as relevant as agencies want to

make them relevant (think MSRs)

Not one agency can do it alone, including LAFCO

All agencies and stakeholders need to understand the factors and their roles in influencing them

Q & A / Open DiscussionQuestions

Opinions

Differing Viewpoints