Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is LAFCO?
LAFCO
is an acronym for Local Agency Formation Commission. It is a regulatory
agency with countywide jurisdiction, established by state law (Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg
Act) to discourage urban sprawl and to encourage orderly and efficient
provision of services, such as water, sewer, fire protection, etc.
Monterey County LAFCO is a state mandated agency.
2. What does LAFCO do?
LAFCO
is responsible for reviewing and approving proposed jurisdictional
boundary changes, including annexations and detachments of territory to
and/or from cities and special districts, incorporations of new cities,
formations of new special districts, and consolidations, mergers, and
dissolutions of existing districts. In addition, LAFCO must review and
approve contractual service agreements, determine spheres of influence
for each city and district, and may initiate proposals involving
district consolidation, dissolution, establishment of subsidiary
districts, mergers, and reorganizations (combinations of these
jurisdictional changes).
3. Who are the members of LAFCO?
The
LAFCO of Monterey County is composed of seven regular Commissioners: two
members from the Board of Supervisors; one representative from the
cities within Monterey County; one public member;
and two Independent Special District Members. There are
four
alternate Commissioners, which reflect the above membership categories.
4. When and where does the Commission
meet?
Regular
LAFCO meetings are scheduled for 4:00 pm, on the fourth Monday of each
month, in the Monterey
County Government Center, 168 W. Alisal St.
1st Floor, in Salinas. When the fourth Monday is
a holiday, the meeting is usually held the previous
or following Monday. Also,
typically there are no meetings in August or November
and the First Monday in December. A full list
of regular meeting dates, for the year, are listed under "Current
Agenda" button.
5. How long will it take to process
my proposal?
If
your proposal is considered routine and is non-controversial, processing
time is approximately 3 to 4 months after a complete set of application
materials have been submitted to the LAFCO office. More complex
proposals may take additional time to process.
6. Is the public
notified about LAFCO actions?
State
law requires that LAFCO notify affected agencies and the public
regarding jurisdictional boundary change proposals. Notification of a
pending proposal is made to County departments, interested individuals,
and local governmental agencies potentially affected by a LAFCO
proposal. LAFCO must also inform the County Surveyor, Assessor, and
Auditor before a proposal is scheduled for a public hearing.
7. Does LAFCO charge a fee to process
jurisdictional boundary change proposals?
State
law authorizes LAFCO to charge the estimated reasonable cost to process
jurisdictional boundary change proposals. Processing fees vary depending
on the type of proposal (i.e., district formation, merger,
reorganization, etc.). Annexation and detachment fees are also based on
acreage. Please contact the LAFCO office at (831) 754-5838 for fee
calculation information.
8. What is a sphere of influence?
A
sphere of influence is a planning tool adopted and used by LAFCO to
designate the future boundary and service area for a city or special
district.
9. Can a sphere of influence be
changed?
Yes.
LAFCO may amend and update spheres of influence.
10. Is LAFCO required to comply with
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)?
Yes.
LAFCO must comply with CEQA.
