City of Simi Valley SOI Review

Agenda Item 19 VENTURA LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: July 19, 2023 TO: LAFCo Commissioners FROM: Andrea Ozdy, Deputy Executive Officer SUBJECT: Sphere of Influence Review: LAFCo 23-21S City of Simi Valley Recommendation: Adopt Resolution LAFCo 23-21S (Attachment 2) making determinations and reviewing the sphere of influence for the City of Simi Valley (City) pursuant to Government Code Section 56425(g), including that a sphere of influence update is not necessary. City Information: The City of Simi Valley was incorporated on October 10, 1969, and is governed by a five- member city council. The City provides a variety of municipal services, including animal services, building and safety services, community development/planning services, library services, police services, solid waste collection and disposal services, storm drain maintenance services, street maintenance services, transit services, and wastewater services. Depending on the service category, services are provided directly or by contract with other public or private providers. The City’s sphere of influence covers approximately 31,055 acres (about 48.5 square miles), and its jurisdictional area covers approximately 27,052 acres (Attachment 1). Background: Pursuant to the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (Government Code Section 56000 et seq.), the Commission was required to determine and adopt a sphere of influence (or “sphere”) for each city and special district on or before January 1, 2008. A sphere of influence is defined in Government Code Section 56076 as the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency, as determined by the Commission. Every five years thereafter, the Commission must, as necessary, review and update each sphere of influence (Government Code Section 56425(g)). COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF COUNTY CITY DISTRICT PUBLIC Jeff Gorell Jenny Crosswhite, Vice-Chair Raul Avila Pat Richards, Chair Janice S. Parvin John C. Zaragoza Mary Anne Rooney Alternate Alternate Alternate Alternate Matt LaVere Susan Santangelo Mohammed A. Hasan David J. Ross Executive Officer Deputy Executive Officer Office Manager/Clerk Legal Counsel Kai Luoma Andrea Ozdy Richelle Beltran Jeffrey Barnes 160 In compliance with Government Code Section 56425(g), the Commission accepted municipal service review (MSR) reports for the City in 2007, 2012, and 2018. The City’s most recent MSR report, titled City of Simi Valley Municipal Service Review, was accepted by the Commission on February 21, 2018. All of the MSRs conducted by LAFCo for the City are available on the LAFCo website. LAFCo’s past sphere of influence reviews for the City are summarized as follows: 1. On June 13, 2007 (based on LAFCo’s March 21, 2007, MSR prepared for the City), the Commission updated the City’s sphere to: (1) expand the sphere to include the territory occupied by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and several adjoining properties, as the City was providing wastewater service to this area and water service through Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 (which is a dependent district of the City), and (2) correct minor mapping errors. 2. On March 20, 2013 (based on LAFCo’s November 14, 2012, MSR prepared for the City), LAFCo reviewed (but made not changes to) the City’s sphere of influence. 3. On February 21, 2018 (in conjunction with LAFCo’s February 21, 2018, MSR prepared for the City), LAFCo reviewed (but made no changes to) the City’s sphere of influence. Discussion: Sphere of Influence Evaluation Based on the work plan established by the Commission, an evaluation of the City’s sphere of influence is to be initiated in 2023. LAFCo staff consulted with City staff to discuss the City’s sphere of influence, and to determine: (1) if the City has experienced any changes to its service needs or areas since LAFCo’s most recent evaluation of its sphere of influence, and (2) if City staff anticipates any service changes that would warrant adjustment of the sphere boundaries. As explained in the analysis below, it appears that the existing sphere of influence boundary continues to reflect the City’s current and probable service area, consistent with the land use map contained within the City’s General Plan and the MSR report accepted by the Commission in 2018 (which demonstrates that the City has the ability to provide services at acceptable levels). Therefore, no changes to the sphere of influence for the City are recommended. The sphere of influence review involving no changes is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it “will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment” (CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2)). Staff Report – Sphere of Influence Review LAFCo 23-21S – City of Simi Valley July 19, 2023 Page 2 of 4 161 Written Determinations Government Code Section 56425(e) requires that, in determining the sphere of influence of an agency, the Commission consider and prepare a written statement of its determinations with respect to each of the following: (1) The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open-space lands. (Section 56425(e)(1)) The City’s sphere of influence includes residential, commercial, industrial, public, and open space uses, as reflected on the land use map of the City’s General Plan. The City’s current sphere supports the present and planned land uses established by the City’s General Plan. The City’s sphere includes nine unincorporated islands,1 seven of which are developed with residential uses. No new development or municipal services from the City are currently proposed for the islands. Additionally, the City’s sphere of influence contains several areas that are designated by the County for open space use. These areas include land occupied by the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center and the Calleguas Municipal Water District headquarters and Lake Bard reservoir, as well as land north of the Simi Valley Town Center that is currently being evaluated by the City for new residential development (which would involve annexation to the City). (2) The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area. (Section 56425(e)(2)) The City provides a variety of public facilities and services within its service area, and there are no anticipated changes in the type of public facilities and services that it provides. Based on the land use designations and characteristics of the land contained within the City’s sphere, no changes to existing and planned land uses are expected. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the City’s population in 2021 to be 125,975. According to the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), adopted by the Southern California Association of Governments in 2020, the City is anticipated to experience growth resulting in a population of 137,000 by 2045. Demand for public facilities and services is anticipated to increase as the City’s population grows. The City’s current sphere supports the present and probable need for public facilities and services. 1 For LAFCo purposes, an unincorporated island is: “Surrounded or substantially surrounded by the city to which the annexation is proposed or by that city and a county boundary or the Pacific Ocean if the territory to be annexed is substantially developed or developing, is not prime agricultural land as defined in Section 56064, is designated for urban growth by the general plan of the annexing city, and is not within the sphere of influence of another city” (Government Code Section 56375(a)(4)(A)). Staff Report – Sphere of Influence Review LAFCo 23-21S – City of Simi Valley July 19, 2023 Page 3 of 4 162 (3) The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency provides or is authorized to provide. (Section 56425(e)(3)) The City provides a range of public facilities and services, both directly and by contract, in support of its population. Based on a review of City documents and consultation with City staff, it appears that, consistent with the evaluation provided in the MSR accepted by the Commission on February 21, 2018: (1) the City has the ability to continue to provide public facilities and services at existing levels within its service area and sphere of influence, and (2) additional demands on the City are not expected to adversely impact the present capacity of public services and adequacy of public services provided by the City. (4) The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the commission determines that they are relevant to the agency. (Section 56425(e)(4)) The City’s sphere of influence does not include territory that is known to be a community of interest. No disadvantaged unincorporated communities (defined in Government Code Section 56033.5 as communities having an annual median household income that is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income) are located within or contiguous to the City’s sphere of influence. (5) For an update of a sphere of influence of a city or special district that provides public facilities or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection. . . the present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere of influence. (Section 56425(e)(5)) The review of the City’s sphere of influence is not considered an update (i.e., a modification) to the sphere. Additionally, no disadvantaged unincorporated communities are located within the City’s sphere of influence. Notice of Public Hearing This matter has been noticed as a public hearing pursuant to Government Code Section 56427. Additionally, all affected agencies have been notified of the public hearing. Attachments: 1. Existing Sphere of Influence Map for the City of Simi Valley 2. LAFCo 23-21S Resolution 3. Comment Letter from Teresa Jordan, dated July 10, 2023 4. Comment Letter from Teresa Jordan, dated July 12, 2023 LAFCo makes every effort to offer legible map files with the online and printed versions of our reports; however, occasionally the need to reduce oversize original maps and/or other technological/software factors can compromise readability. Original maps are available for viewing at the LAFCo office by request. Staff Report – Sphere of Influence Review LAFCo 23-21S – City of Simi Valley July 19, 2023 Page 4 of 4 163 LOST C ANYONS DR COTTONWOODDR CAMPUSPAR A K RR D O R YO DR W LOS AN }þ 1 G 18 ELES G N E R I E R R R AVENIDA SIMI Y O N R D S T K W A A D L O N TA U S T T ST A V D ALAMO C A N ST S T Y O }þ REJADA RD E D R E C O L C O H S R A A N N G S E T LES T A P O AV T A P O S T E A R N S S E T I M E 118 N E R D R D TIERRA ORE A H S R ROYAL C A M V U E P A S AV S Y K USANA }þ 23 MADERA R D A R D S T FITZGERALD RD SANTA S W O READ RD O L O A T R D D S I N 1 S R E OLSEN A N C H R D VV SS aa ii ll mm llee ii yy U R A W Y P A R C ANY O N V E N T K G LON D R ROSCOE BL L E AVENIDA DELOS ARBOLES B R I C S E LEY B L R A E V / City of Simi Valley Legend Current as of February 21, 2018 Simi Valley Sphere of Influence 31,055.33 acres Prepared by County of Ventura - IT Services Department - GIS Division 0 3,750 7,500 15,000 Simi Valley City Boundary State Plane Coordinate System California Zone V - NAD 27 Feet 27,052.40 acres This map was compiled from records and computations WARNING: The information contained hereon was created by the Ventura County Geographic Information System (GIS), 164 which is designed and operated solely for the convenience of the County and related contract entities. The County does Copyright 2018 County of Ventura. Design, maps, index and text of this map are copyrighted. not warrant the accuracy of this information, and no decision involving a risk of economic loss or physical injury should It is unlawful to copy or reproduce, either in digital or paper form, any part thereof for personal use or resale. be made in reliance thereon. LAFCO 23-21S RESOLUTION OF THE VENTURA LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION MAKING DETERMINATIONS AND REVIEWING THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE FOR THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY WHEREAS, Government Code § 56425 et seq. requires the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo or Commission) to develop and determine the sphere of influence of each local governmental agency within the County; and WHEREAS, Government Code § 56425(g) requires that on or before January 1, 2008, and every five years thereafter, the Commission shall, as necessary, review and update the sphere of influence of each city and special district; and WHEREAS, the Commission updated the sphere of influence for the City of Simi Valley (City) in 2007, and reviewed the sphere in 2013 and 2018; and WHEREAS, the Commission most recently accepted a Municipal Service Review report for the City on February 21, 2018; and WHEREAS, the Commission desires to review the sphere of influence for the City; and WHEREAS, no change in regulation, land use, or development will occur as a result of reviewing the sphere of influence for the City; and WHEREAS, at the times and in the manner required by law, the LAFCo Executive Officer gave notice of the consideration of this item by the Commission; and WHEREAS, the sphere of influence review item was duly considered at a public hearing on July 19, 2023, as specified in the notice of hearing; and WHEREAS, the Commission heard, discussed, and considered all oral and written testimony for and against the sphere of influence review including, but not limited to, the LAFCo Staff Report dated July 19, 2023, and recommendations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, DETERMINED, AND ORDERED by the Commission as follows: (1) The LAFCo Staff Report dated July 19, 2023, and recommended review of the sphere of influence for the City are adopted; and 165 (2) The subject sphere of influence review is assigned the following distinctive short form designation: LAFCO 23-21S CITY OF SIMI VALLEY SPHERE OF INFLUENCE REVIEW; and (3) An update (modification) to the sphere of influence for the City is not necessary; and (4) The Commission has considered the criteria set forth in Government Code § 56425(e) and determines as follows: a. The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open- space lands. (§ 56425(e)(1)) The City’s sphere of influence includes residential, commercial, industrial, public, and open space uses, as reflected on the land use map of the City’s General Plan. The City’s current sphere supports the present and planned land uses established by the City’s General Plan. The City’s sphere includes nine unincorporated islands,1 seven of which are developed with residential uses. No new development or municipal services from the City are currently proposed for the islands. Additionally, the City’s sphere of influence contains several areas that are designated by the County for open space use. These areas include land occupied by the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center and the Calleguas Municipal Water District headquarters and Lake Bard reservoir, as well as land north of the Simi Valley Town Center that is currently being evaluated by the City for new residential development (which would involve annexation to the City). b. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area. (§ 56425(e)(2)) The City provides a variety of public facilities and services within its service area, and there are no anticipated changes in the type of public facilities and services that it provides. Based on the land use designations and characteristics of the land contained within the City’s sphere, no changes to existing and planned land uses 1 For LAFCo purposes, an unincorporated island is: “Surrounded or substantially surrounded by the city to which the annexation is proposed or by that city and a county boundary or the Pacific Ocean if the territory to be annexed is substantially developed or developing, is not prime agricultural land as defined in Section 56064, is designated for urban growth by the general plan of the annexing city, and is not within the sphere of influence of another city” (Government Code Section 56375(a)(4)(A)). LAFCo 23-21S City of Simi Valley Sphere of Influence Review Resolution of Sphere of Influence Review July 19, 2023 Page 2 of 5 166 are expected. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the City’s population in 2021 to be 125,975. According to the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), adopted by the Southern California Association of Governments in 2020, the City is anticipated to experience growth resulting in a population of 137,000 by 2045. Demand for public facilities and services is anticipated to increase as the City’s population grows. The City’s current sphere supports the present and probable need for public facilities and services. c. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency provides or is authorized to provide. (§ 56425(e)(3)) The City provides a range of public facilities and services, both directly and by contract, in support of its population. Based on a review of City documents and consultation with City staff, it appears that, consistent with the evaluation provided in the MSR accepted by the Commission on February 21, 2018: (1) the City has the ability to continue to provide public facilities and services at existing levels within its service area and sphere of influence, and (2) additional demands on the City are not expected to adversely impact the present capacity of public services and adequacy of public services provided by the City. d. The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the commission determines that they are relevant to the agency. (§ 56425(e)(4)) The City’s sphere of influence does not include territory that is known to be a community of interest. No disadvantaged unincorporated communities (defined in Government Code Section 56033.5 as communities having an annual median household income that is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income) are located within or contiguous to the City’s sphere of influence. e. For an update of a sphere of influence of a city or special district that provides public facilities or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection. . . the present and probable need for those public LAFCo 23-21S City of Simi Valley Sphere of Influence Review Resolution of Sphere of Influence Review July 19, 2023 Page 3 of 5 167 facilities and services of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere of influence. (§ 56425(e)(5)) The review of the City’s sphere of influence is not considered an update (i.e., a modification) to the sphere. Additionally, no disadvantaged unincorporated communities are located within the City’s sphere of influence. (5) The sphere of influence for the City is hereby reviewed and is generally depicted in Exhibit A, “City of Simi Valley,” attached hereto; and (6) LAFCo staff is directed to have the official Geographic Information System (GIS) sphere of influence data maintained for the Ventura LAFCo by the Ventura County Information Technology Services Department as the official sphere of influence record for the City updated consistent with this action. LAFCo 23-21S City of Simi Valley Sphere of Influence Review Resolution of Sphere of Influence Review July 19, 2023 Page 4 of 5 168 LOST C ANYONS DR COTTONWOODDR CAMPUSPAR A K RR D O R YO DR W LOS AN }þ 1 G 18 ELES G N E R I E R R R AVENIDA SIMI Y O N R D S T K W A A D L O N TA U S T T ST A V D ALAMO C A N ST S T Y O }þ REJADA RD E D R E C O L C O H S R A A N N G S E T LES T A P O AV T A P O S T E A R N S S E T I M E 118 N E R D R D TIERRA ORE A H S R ROYAL C A M V U E P A S AV S Y K USANA }þ 23 MADERA R D A R D S T FITZGERALD RD SANTA S W O READ RD O L O A T R D D S I N 1 S R E OLSEN A N C H R D VV SS aa ii ll mm llee ii yy U R A W Y P A R C ANY O N V E N T K G LON D R ROSCOE BL L E AVENIDA DELOS ARBOLES B R I C S E LEY B L R A E V / City of Simi Valley Legend Current as of February 21, 2018 Simi Valley Sphere of Influence 31,055.33 acres Prepared by County of Ventura - IT Services Department - GIS Division 0 3,750 7,500 15,000 Simi Valley City Boundary State Plane Coordinate System California Zone V - NAD 27 Feet 27,052.40 acres This map was compiled from records and computations WARNING: The information contained hereon was created by the Ventura County Geographic Information System (GIS), 170 which is designed and operated solely for the convenience of the County and related contract entities. The County does Copyright 2018 County of Ventura. Design, maps, index and text of this map are copyrighted. not warrant the accuracy of this information, and no decision involving a risk of economic loss or physical injury should It is unlawful to copy or reproduce, either in digital or paper form, any part thereof for personal use or resale. be made in reliance thereon.