Special Districts and LAFCO

The Senate Local Government Committee has published Community Needs, Community Services which includes the text of the new Community Service District Law and commentary on every section. 

As of January 1, 2006 the new Community Services District (CSD) law took effect. The rewrite of the old 1955 law was done in a collaborative effort by the Senate Local Government Committee. It now provides a viable local government option for communities in unincorporated areas of the state. 

In 2007 legislation was signed into law which removed the sunset on the authority for LAFCo to consolidate districts formed under different laws, and added the ability for LAFCo to initiate a proposal to form a successor district.

As of January 1, 2009 the new County Service Area (CSA) law took effect. The rewrite of the old 1953 law was done in a collaborative effort by the Senate Local Government Committee. The new law carefully spells out the CSAs’ policies, powers, procedures, and oversight duties, and clarifies LAFCo's role in providing oversite. 

Published by the California Special Districts Association, this is an excellent reference guide to the myriad of statutes that affect local governments and special district governance.

Summary of hearings conducted by the Senate Local Government Committee (24 Nov 2003).

Introduction to the roles and responsibilities of Local Agency Formation Commissions, the interactions between special districts and LAFCo, and the benefits for districts to be seated on their LAFCo. Updated 2017.

This white paper provides an overview of the typical methods for extinguishing special districts: consolidations, dissolutions, mergers and the establishment of subsidiary districts. Originally published August, 2008. The paper was updated February 2015.

This fourth edition of the Citizen's Guide to Special Districts explains what special districts are, their history, authority, legal powers, and different ways to understand them. It also tells you where to get more information about special districts and how to form a new district in your community. 4th edition - October, 2010.

Describes the relationships between Special Districts and LAFCo and when districts should come to LAFCo for authorizations. Includes keys to building effective working relationships. Updated September, 2009.