Frequently Asked Questions

1.	What is LAFCO? LAFCO stands for Local Agency Formation Commission.  LAFCOs were created in each county in California by the State Legislature in 1963 to discourage urban sprawl, preserve agricultural land resources and encourage the orderly formation and development of local government agencies. The law that governs LAFCO is known as the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000. More Information - pdf copy of legislation
2.	What does LAFCO do? LAFCO has three major areas of responsibility: Planning local government boundaries: LAFCOs are required to create boundary plans for each city and special district. These plans are called "Spheres of Influence," defined as "…. a plan for the probable boundary and service area of a local government agency." Approving or disapproving proposals for changes in local government boundaries or organization, such as: Annexations of land to cities or special districts Detachment of land from cities or special districts Incorporation of new cities   Formation or dissolution of new special districts   Consolidation of special districts Special studies of local government: LAFCO is required to undertake special studies of local government services. Studies may be oriented toward a specific geographic area of the county, a specific local government service provided by one or more agencies, or services provided by a particular agency. Service reviews or studies undertaken to update an adopted sphere of influence are usually aimed at improving services and reducing service costs.
3.	Is LAFCO required to comply with CEQA? Yes, LAFCO must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) when acting on boundary change proposals More Information