State to Reconsider City’s Bid to Expand
Santa Paula has been granted a second chance by a state planning agency to prove the merits of expanding its city boundaries by 5,413 acres.
Members of the Local Agency Formation Commission had previously rejected the city’s request.
But on Wednesday, the seven-member commission decided to reconsider the city’s expansion plans to include the 5,413-acre Adams Canyon to its sphere of influence. If the amendment is approved, most or all of the land would someday be annexed and developed.
LAFCO, made up of city and county representatives, gave Santa Paula officials six months to gather and present additional information. Agency members had raised concerns over water availability, canyon flooding and drainage hazards, as well as fire hazards and traffic flow.
Santa Paula Mayor Jim Garfield said the city was unaware it needed to provide such information at this early stage in the expansion process. He added that the city plans to keep the canyon floor undeveloped.
“I’m delighted that LAFCO will reconsider it,” said Garfield. “We think we can answer their questions and get them back the information before the six-month deadline.”
He added that the city will hold a public meeting, most likely after the holidays, to discuss the expansion plans.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
