In accordance with State law, Santa Cruz LAFCO has adopted the following policies and rules to guide its operations and decisions:
CERTIFICATE OF FILING (updated 9/2/20)
This policy terminates an application if it has not received a certificate of filing within one year of the date it was submitted to LAFCO.
CITY INCORPORATION POLICIES (updated 10/7/20)
These guidelines provide guidance for those who are considering and proposing the incorporation of a new city.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (updated 5/6/20)
State laws require local elected officials, appointed officials, and certain employees to file annual reports concerning their personal financial interests, and to refrain from participating in public decisions that could affect their significant financial interests. Santa Cruz LAFCO has adopted a Conflict of Interest Code.
DISCLOSURE LAWS (updated 5/6/20)
State laws and local rules require public disclosure of certain:
- campaign contributions to people who are sitting on LAFCO
- expenditures for political purposes related to any proposal that will be submitted to LAFCO
- money and other contributions and expenditures made supporting or opposing proposals to LAFCO
EMPLOYMENT POLICY (updated 6/3/20)
The Commission’s Employment Policy covers conditions of employment for the staff members.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCEDURES (updated 8/5/20)
These procedures address how Santa Cruz LAFCO will perform environmental reviews in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
EXTRATERRITORIAL SERVICE (updated 6/3/20)
In certain circumstances, State law allows LAFCO to authorize a city or district to provide a service outside an agency’s boundaries. Santa Cruz LAFCO has adopted procedures and policies for its consideration of these types of applications.
FEES AND DEPOSITS (adopted 8/5/20)
LAFCO charges fees for various services and collects deposits at the time applications are filed.
FINANCIAL POLICIES (updated 2/5/20)
These policies concern LAFCO’s purchasing and claims procedures.
INDEMNIFICATION (updated 9/2/20)
This policy requires an applicant to be responsible for any litigation costs that arise from LAFCO’s action on an application. The indemnification form must be executed before an application is deemed complete.
MEETING RULES (updated 3/4/20)
These rules govern the conduct of LAFCO meetings.
PERSONNEL POLICY (updated 2/5/20)
These rules govern the review of the Executive Officer’s performance and the staff compensation levels.
PROTEST PROCEEDINGS (updated 9/2/20)
For many annexations and other changes of organization, State law provides for another opportunity for voters and landowners to protest a change of organization after LAFCO has authorized the change. This policy delegates the authority to conduct the protest proceedings to the Executive Officer.
PUBLIC MEMBER AND ALTERNATE APPOINTMENT (updated 5/6/20)
The public member and public alternate are appointed to LAFCO in accordance with State law and this local policy.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT (updated 3/4/20)
This policy concerns destruction of recordings of LAFCO meetings.
SPECIAL DISTRICTS GOVERNANCE POLICY (updated 10/7/20)
These policies set rules and regulations that govern the functions and services of independent special districts.
SPECIAL DISTRICT SELECTION COMMITTEE (updated 3/1/23)
The two special district members and one special district alternate on LAFCO are elected in accordance with State law and these local rules.
SPHERES OF INFLUENCE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES (updated 11/4/20)
These policies guide LAFCO’s adoption of spheres of influence for each city and special district.
STANDARDS FOR EVALUATING PROPOSALS (adopted 8/5/20)
These are the standards by which LAFCO reviews annexation applications and other proposals.
WATER POLICIES (updated 11/4/20)
In 2011, LAFCO amended three sets of policies to contain more specific water policies. These water policies are highlighted in yellow starting on page 5.