How do LAFCO actions differ from land use regulations such as zoning?
LAFCOs were created by the Legislature specifically to resolve local boundary issues. They possess the Legislatures delegated authority to make decisions regarding jurisdictional boundaries of cities and most special districts, but their powers are limited to that subject. LAFCOs have no general governmental powers, and thus no authority to regulate the uses of land (zoning, etc.), property development, or subdivision design (e.g. roads, sizes of water lines, etc.). The power to adopt zoning and similar local government land use regulation is a part of the police power vested in cities and counties. LAFCOs do, however, engage in indirect land use decisions by approving or denying boundary changes to cities and special districts. LAFCOs boundary decisions control access to public facilities and services that may be growth inducing (e.g. sewer services to an undeveloped area), growth supporting (e.g. boundary changes which affect already developed areas), or non-growth related (e.g. serv
Related Questions
- Why not depend on "smart growth" zoning, environmental laws, or other government regulations to assure that land with significant conservation values is protected?
- Why not depend on "smart growth" zoning or other government regulations to assure that land with significant conservation values is protected?
- Where can I get or review a copy of the Zoning and Land Development Regulations?
