Frequently Asked Questions - General
QUESTION: What is annexation?
Annexation is the process by which a community joins a city. With annexation, the residents of that community become official residents of the city. If we, the residents and businesses of the Live Oak, Hasley Hills, North Bluffs, and the
QUESTION: How many annexations has Santa Clarita completed?
Santa Clarita has completed 28 annexations, 16 of which involved residential communities. Santa Clarita has successfully completed 100% of the annexations that it has initiated.
QUESTION: When does the City decide to annex a community?
The City does not seek annexations. The City's policy is to consider annexation of a community only when 60% or more of the residents and property owners have requested annexation. This is typically done in the form of a petition. Because pursuing an annexation costs the City tens of thousands of dollars, the City wants to be certain that there is a high level of support to ensure a successful annexation.
Once the city has initiated the annexation process, it will do everything within its power to ensure that the annexation is successful. The City has never been unsuccessful with an annexation.
Over 65% of our community has signed up in favor of annexation.
QUESTION: Why just these neighborhoods and not all of Castaic?
One reason that these four areas are the first in Castaic to move towards annexation into the city is that the borders of these areas currently abut the city of
Critics of this effort can be heard complaining that the city is 'cherry picking' only certain areas of Castaic for annexation. In actuality, the City does not pick any areas to annex. They respond to residents requests once they receive documentation that 60% or more of the residents in the area are in favor of such an effort. The first requirement that must be met is that the area to be annexed has adjacent or contiguous borders with the city. Our four areas do meet that requirement. Once our effort is successful, other Castaic neighborhoods that are adjacent to our newly annexed area can begin annexation efforts of their own.
QUESTION: If we annex, will our address be Santa Clarita or will it stay Castaic?
We could use either. If we annex, we will be part of the City of
It takes about 1 year. It is a two-step process
The first step involves the City and takes about 6 months. Once the City has decided to initiate an annexation, it will do several things such as; preparing the official annexation map, conducting environmental review, and prezoning the area so upon annexation the zoning is consistent with existing land uses. The City also typically does extensive community outreach in the form of mailings and community meetings. The City Council will then adopt a Resolution of Application to direct City staff to submit the official application for annexation to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), the state-empowered commission which approved annexations.
The second step involves LAFCO. Once the City submits its application, LAFCO will begin its process. LAFCO will ensure that the annexation complies with the numerous state laws regarding annexation. This process will culminate in a "protest hearing". At this protest hearing, residents of the proposed annexation have the opportunity to oppose the annexation. LAFCO will consider you in support of the annexation, unless you submit a protest. Therefore, it you support annexation you don't have to do anything: Your silence is your vote in favor of annexation.
If under 15% of residents protest, the annexation is automatically approved.
If 15% but less than 50% of the residents and property owners of the proposed annexation submit protests, then the annexation goes to a special election. This is paid for by the taxpayers and can delay the annexation by many months.
If more than 50% of the registered voters and property owners submit protests, then the annexation is terminated.
bravenet.com