LAFCO
City of Thousand Oaks SOI Review
Read the report at Local Agency Formation Commissions ↗
Agenda Item 20
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 23-22S City of Thousand Oaks
Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution LAFCo 23-22S (Attachment 2) making determinations and reviewing the
sphere of influence for the City of Thousand Oaks (City) pursuant to Government Code
Section 56425(g), including that a sphere of influence update is not necessary.
City Information:
The City of Thousand Oaks was incorporated on October 7, 1964, 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, wastewater services, and water 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 37,356 acres
(about 58.4 square miles), and its jurisdictional area covers approximately 35,485 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
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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 Thousand Oaks 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 April 18, 2007 (based on LAFCo’s March 21, 2007, MSR prepared for the City), the
Commission updated the City’s sphere to correct minor mapping errors.
2. On November 14, 2012 (in conjunction with LAFCo’s November 14, 2012, MSR prepared
for the City), LAFCo reviewed (but made no 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) CEQA because it “will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable
indirect physical change in the environment” (CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2)).
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:
Staff Report – Sphere of Influence Review
LAFCo 23-22S – City of Thousand Oaks
July 19, 2023
Page 2 of 4
199
(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 several unincorporated islands.1 These include three larger
communities (i.e., Casa Conejo, Lynn Ranch, and Rolling Oaks) and four smaller islands in
the Kelley Estates area that consist of existing developed areas. Additionally, the
unincorporated community of Ventu Park is substantially surrounded by the City. This area
is provided municipal services by the City, and LAFCo routinely authorizes additional
wastewater and/or water service by the City to parcels within this area by means of
extraterritorial service agreements (i.e., out-of-agency service agreements, otherwise
known as OASAs). Additionally, the City’s sphere of influence contains area south of the
City that is designated by the City for parks, golf course, open space, and residential uses,
and includes land designated as undevelopable. Land within this area primarily includes
developed residential parcels in the Ventu Park area closest to the existing City boundary,
sparsely-populated areas along White Stallion Road (accessed from the Hidden Valley
community along Potrero Road), and open space.
(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 125,754. 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 144,700 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 23-22S – City of Thousand Oaks
July 19, 2023
Page 3 of 4
200
(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 Thousand Oaks
2. LAFCo 23-22S Resolution
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 23-22S – City of Thousand Oaks
July 19, 2023
Page 4 of 4
201
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City of Thousand Oaks /
Current as of September 13, 2021
Legend
Thousand Oaks Sphere of Influence Prepared by County of Ventura - IT Services Department - GIS Division
37,356.19 acres
State Plane Coordinate System California Zone V - NAD 83
Thousand Oaks City Boundary 0 3,750 7,500 15,000
This map was compiled from records and computations Feet
35,485.43 acres
WARNING: The information contained hereon was created by the Ventura County Geographic Information System (GIS),
202 which is designed and operated solely for the convenience of the County and related contract entities. The County does
Copyright 2021 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 23-22S
RESOLUTION OF THE VENTURA LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION
COMMISSION MAKING DETERMINATIONS AND REVIEWING
THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE FOR THE CITY OF THOUSAND OAKS
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 Thousand
Oaks (City) in 2007, and reviewed the sphere in 2012 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
203
(2) The subject sphere of influence review is assigned the following distinctive short form
designation:
LAFCO 23-22S CITY OF THOUSAND OAKS 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 several unincorporated
islands.1 These include three larger communities (i.e., Casa Conejo, Lynn Ranch,
and Rolling Oaks) and four smaller islands in the Kelley Estates area that consist of
existing developed areas. Additionally, the unincorporated community of Ventu
Park is substantially surrounded by the City. This area is provided municipal
services by the City, and LAFCo routinely authorizes additional wastewater and/or
water service by the City to parcels within this area by means of extraterritorial
service agreements (i.e., out-of-agency service agreements, otherwise known as
OASAs). Additionally, the City’s sphere of influence contains area south of the City
that is designated by the City for parks, golf course, open space, and residential
uses, and includes land designated as undevelopable. Land within this area
primarily includes developed residential parcels in the Ventu Park area closest to
the existing City boundary, sparsely-populated areas along White Stallion Road
(accessed from the Hidden Valley community along Potrero Road), and open
space.
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 23-22S City of Thousand Oaks Sphere of Influence Review
Resolution of Sphere of Influence Review
July 19, 2023
Page 2 of 5
204
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
are expected. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the City’s population in 2021 to
be 125,754. 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 144,700 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
LAFCo 23-22S City of Thousand Oaks Sphere of Influence Review
Resolution of Sphere of Influence Review
July 19, 2023
Page 3 of 5
205
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
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 Thousand Oaks,” 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 23-22S City of Thousand Oaks Sphere of Influence Review
Resolution of Sphere of Influence Review
July 19, 2023
Page 4 of 5
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City of Thousand Oaks /
Current as of September 13, 2021
Legend
Thousand Oaks Sphere of Influence Prepared by County of Ventura - IT Services Department - GIS Division
37,356.19 acres
State Plane Coordinate System California Zone V - NAD 83
Thousand Oaks City Boundary 0 3,750 7,500 15,000
This map was compiled from records and computations Feet
35,485.43 acres
WARNING: The information contained hereon was created by the Ventura County Geographic Information System (GIS),
208 which is designed and operated solely for the convenience of the County and related contract entities. The County does
Copyright 2021 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.