City Expansion within the Sphere of Influence
In California land use planning, a sphere of influence (SOI) is a designated area beyond a city's official boundaries that represents where the city is expected to grow and provide services in the future. The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) determines these boundaries to guide development, ensure efficient service delivery, and prevent urban sprawl.
The SOI helps cities and counties plan for infrastructure, such as roads, water, and public safety, in areas that may eventually be annexed into the city. However, being within a city's SOI does not mean immediate annexation—it simply means that the city has a long-term interest in that area.
These designations help coordinate growth, avoid conflicts between jurisdictions, and promote orderly development. They play a crucial role in shaping the future of communities while balancing environmental and economic considerations.
This Municipal Services Review (MSR) was prepared by the City of Lodi for the San Joaquin LAFCO in compliance with the 2000 Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act, which requires each LAFCo to prepare service reviews prior to establishing or updating SOIs. According to LAFCO policies, the purpose of an MSR is to evaluate the provision of services from a comprehensive perspective and recommend actions, when necessary, to promote the efficient provision of those services. This MSR must define the probable 30-year boundary of its service area and the agency’s sphere horizons at the end of the 10 and 30-year time period coordinated with this MSR.
