HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3.1 General Plan Planning Area (2) 1410, Nei L420-30
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
ISSUES
1 . Is the City interested in pursuing lands outside its present
boundaries? If so, to what extent?
2 . If the City is interested in pursuing lands outside its
present boundaries, in what manner?
a. Planning Area Boundary
b. Sphere of Influence
c . Annexation
3 . To what extent does the City wish to study the impact of a
potential sphere of influence on the provision of existing
services to Dublin residents? If the impact is to be
addressed, should it be done so as part of the General Plan
process or separately?
4 . What problems, if any, are presented by including areas such
as Camp Parks, Santa Rita, Los Positas, etc . , within the
City' s planning area boundary or sphere of influence?
5. The Local Agency Formation Commission Executive Director has
indicated that in developing a sphere of influence, LAFCO
typically looks to the planning area boundaries established by
the agencies concerned. Mr. Mayne indicated to City Staff
that it was incumbent upon the City to develop the data
necessary to establish the sphere desired by the City.
a. Should the City determine its planning area
boundary and request LAFCO to do the study?
b. Should the City perform the study in
accordance with the LAFCO Director' s instructions?
c . Should the City perform the study and request the
County to fund the study?
3 . 1
*ow Nee
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
FACT SHEET
WHAT IS A "SPHERE OF INFLUENCE"?
It is a plan for the probable ultimate physical boundaries and service area
of a local governmental agency. (See existing Sphere for City of
Pleasanton)
WHO PREPARES THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE?
The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) must develop and determine the
sphere of influence of each local government within the County.
WHAT MUST BE CONSIDERED IN THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE?
LAFCO must consider and prepare written findings on the following factors :
A. MAXIMUM SERVICE AREA: The maximum possible service area of the agency
based upon present and possible service capabilities .
B. RANGE OF SERVICES: The range of services the agency is providing or
could provide.
C. FUTURE POPULATION: The projected future population growth of the area.
D. TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT: The type of development occurring or planned for
the area, including, but not limited to, residential, commercial, and
industrial development.
E. SERVICE NEEDS : The present and probable future service needs of the
area.
F. EXISTING AGENCIES : The present level, range, and adequacy of services
provided by existing agencies .
G. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN POTENTIAL SPHERE: The social &
economic interdependence & interaction between the existing service area
and the potential sphere of influence.
H. MAINTAINING AGRICULTURAL PRESERVES: The effect on existing agricultural
preserves within the sphere of influence.
HOW IS THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE USED?
LAFCO must use the sphere of influence as a factor in making decisions on
annexation, government reorganizations, and similar matters .
WHO UPDATES AN EXISTING SPHERE OF INFLUENCE?
LAFCO must "periodically review and update" the adopted sphere.
CAN THE CITY REQUEST REVISIONS TO AN EXISTING SPHERE OF INFLUENCE?
The City may, by resolution, request an amendment or revision of an adopted
sphere of influence. LAFCO will then hold a hearing and either deny or
approve the request.
IF THE CITY REQUESTS A REVISION TO AN EXISTING SPHERE OF INFLUENCE, WHO PAYS
FOR IT?
The agency making a request for revision must reimburse LAFCO for the actual
& direct costs incurred by LAFCO, however LAFCO may, at its discretion,
waive such reimbursements if it is part of the periodic review of an adopted
sphere.
WHAT EFFECT DOES A SPHERE OF INFLUENCE HAVE ON ANNEXATIONS?
A sphere of influence is a factor which must be considered, but it does not
guarantee annexation or land use control of the property.
CAN ANNEXATIONS TAKE PLACE WITHOUT A SPHERE OF INFLUENCE?
A recent court case held that a sphere of influence must be adopted before
annexation can occur.
WHAT OBLIGATIONS COME WITH A SPHERE OF INFLUENCE?
Since a sphere of influence indicates the ultimate physical boundary and
service area of a governmental agency, it follows that the agency would have
an obligation to annex and provide services within the area 1) if so
requested by the property owner and 2 ) if the annexation is consistent and
compatible with local conditions and circumstances, including but not
limited to the local General Plan.
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AND A PLANNING AREA
OF THE GENERAL PLAN?
The "planning area" of a General Plan should extend as far as needed to
include all areas of planning concern, since planning concerns do not
respect political boundaries . The planning area should extend at least as
far as the sphere of influence ( see diagram) .
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