Sphere of Influence Amendment and Annexation
The City is proposing to amend its Sphere of Influence and annex several properties into the City. More information about these projects is provided below. If you have questions about either project, please call the City Planning Department at 274.2412 x104 or emailing ctyplan@ione-ca.com.
See the new information below regarding the proposed MOU with Amador County!
What is a Sphere of Influence?
A Sphere of Influence (SOI) defines the probable physical boundaries and service area of a city. This means that the area within a SOI is eligible to become a part of the city or receive city services. A SOI does not change the city's boundaries or annex lands into the city, which is a separate process requiring the approval of an annexation.
What is LAFCO and How are They Involved?
The Amador Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is the agency that has the approval authority over the City’s Sphere of Influence amendment request. LAFCO is an independent agency, with jurisdiction over cities and special districts within the County, but remains independent from County government. LAFCO’s purpose is to promote orderly growth, discourage urban sprawl, preserve open space and prime farmlands, and promote the efficient extension of government services. LAFCO accomplishes these goals by defining a city’s SOI, approving or denying annexations, and approving or denying extensions of municipal infrastructure and services to other areas.
More information about LAFCO can be found on their website by clicking here.
What is the City Proposing?
The City is proposing to amend its SOI to:
1. Include the full parcels that are currently split by the SOI line on the southern end near
2. Reflect recent changes in property ownership along
A map of the proposed SOI amendment can be viewed by clicking here.
SOI Amendment Application Submitted to LAFCO
On August 17, 2010, the City Council authorized the submission of application to LAFCO for the SOI amendment. The application was submitted on August 19, 2010.
What is the Proposed Memorandum of Understanding?
State law requires that the City and County meet and discuss the proposed boundaries and “explore methods to reach agreement on development standards and planning and zoning requirements within the sphere to ensure that development within the sphere occurs in a manner that reflects the concerns of the affected city and is accomplished in a manner that promotes the logical and orderly development of areas within the sphere. (GC §65425(b))”
Over the past several months, representatives from the City and County have been meeting and discussing the proposed SOI boundary. They have also been discussing a possible agreement for how development within the SOI would occur prior to annexation by the City in the future. An agreement (referred to as a Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU), is being considered by both parties.
Based upon comments by the Board and Council at a special workshop on August 31, 2010, and comments made by LAFCO, a revised draft MOU has been prepared and is available for review at the link below. This revised draft MOU will be the subject of a second joint workshop on October 28 at 6:00 PM at City Hall. Meeting materials are also available below.
On October 28, 2010, the City Council and Board of Supervisors will hold a joint workshop to discuss, accept public comments, and provide direction on the revised draft MOU. The meeting will begin at 6:00 PM and will be held at Ione City Hall (1 E Main Street).
What is the City Proposing and Why?
The City is proposing to annex the lands covered by the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), the Castle Oak Water Reclamation Plant (COWRP), and two single family homes located along Five Mile Drive (north of Sutter Creek) and adjacent to the Castle Oaks golf course. Annexation of these lands is essential to completing the upcoming improvements to the wastewater treatment facilities.
A map of the proposed annexation can be viewed by clicking here.
Prezoning
Prior to annexing lands, the City must go through a process called “prezoning.” This is the process of modifying the City’s Zoning map to include the subject properties and apply Zoning designations to them. This process will be completed concurrently with the annexation. The map provided above illustrating the annexation includes the proposed prezoning designations for the properties.
At a meeting on November 2, 2010, the City Council will consider adoption of the prezoning. The meeting will begin at 6:00 PM and will be held at Ione City Hall (1 E Main Street).
Upcoming Meetings
A LAFCO hearing date for the annexation has not been set.