LAKE FOREST

Economic development, housing regulations and infrastructure projects in Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills won’t be greatly affected by annexation, city officials said Wednesday at a community meeting of the Sphere of Influence Task Force. The group will advise the city on the creation of a final annexation plan.

Many residents have complained about duplication of businesses and unfair competition in Foothill Ranch commercial centers. But City Manager Robert C. Dunek said the city didn’t have the power to prevent new businesses from coming in to the area and competing with existing businesses. Officials also said annexation would not change homeowners’ regulations in Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills. The city can’t supersede existing homeowners association rules, they said.