LAFCO's Mission Statement

The Local Agency Formation Commission is committed to serving the residents of San Luis Obispo County and the State of California by discouraging urban sprawl and encouraging the orderly formation and development of local agencies based on local conditions and circumstances.

LAFCO's Purpose

The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act of 2000 calls on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to make decisions while balancing the following goals:

Encourage Orderly Growth and Development

LAFCO considers proposals for the formation of new local governmental agencies including Cities and Special Districts.  LAFCO is also responsible for considering annexations and detachments for agencies.  LAFCO also determines the Sphere of Influence, which is a plan for the probable physical boundary of a City or Special District.

Promoting Efficient Provision of Public Services

LAFCO reviews proposals based on a variety of factors including:  a plan for services submitted by the agency, resource and infrastructure capacity, and the need for services.

Preserve Agricultural Land Resources

LAFCO considers the impact that a proposal may have on existing agricultural lands with focus on prime agricultural lands.  San Luis Obispo LAFCO has adopted specific policies regarding the preservation of agricultural resources.

Discourage Urban Sprawl

Urban sprawl can best be described as irregular and disorganized growth occurring without apparent design or plan.  By discouraging sprawl, LAFCO limits the misuse of land resources and promotes a more efficient system of services by local governmental agencies.