Frequently Asked Questions
What is LAFCO?
LAFCO is an acronym for Local Agency Formation Commission. It is a regulatory
agency with county-wide 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. Alameda LAFCO
is a state-mandated agency and is not a county department.
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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).
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Who are the members of LAFCO?
The Alameda County LAFCo is composed of seven regular Commissioners: two
members from the Board of Supervisors; two members who represent the cities
in Alameda; two members who represent special districts; and one public
member. There are four alternate Commission seats; one from each of the
above-membership categories.
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When and where does the Commission meet?
Regular LAFCO meetings are scheduled for 4:30 p.m., on the second Thursday
of every odd month (January, March, May, July, September and November).
Meetings are held at the Dublin San Ramon Services District Board Room,
7051 Dublin Blvd. in Dublin.
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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.
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Is the public notified about LAFCO actions?
State law requires that LAFCO notify affected agencies and the public regarding
most jurisdictional boundary change proposals. Notification of a pending
proposal is made to County departments, interested individuals, and local
governmental agencies. In addition, comments are solicited from community
groups as well as agencies that may potentially be affected by a LAFCO project.
LAFCO must also wait until information is returned from the County Assessor,
Auditor, and various state agencies before a proposal may be scheduled for
a public hearing.
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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
refer to LAFCO's fee schedule located on-line at this website or contact
the LAFCO office at (510) 271-5142 for fee information.
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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.
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Can a sphere of influence be changed?
Yes. LAFCO may amend and update spheres of influence.
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Is LAFCO required to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)?
Yes. LAFCO must comply with CEQA.
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If you have additional questions, please contact the LAFCo office at (510)
271-5142 or by e-mail. Thanks you for your interest
in the LAFCo of Alameda County.
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