DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Detachment of Sobaje Parcels from Waterworks District No. 42
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the submittal of a Change of Organization application to the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) for the detachment of approximately 40 acres, known as the Sobaje Parcels, from Waterworks District No. 42 (WWD 42), and authorizing the Director of Public Works and Planning or their designee to act on the County's behalf, including the execution and submission of all necessary documents to effectuate the proposed detachment.
REPORT
The Department of Public Works and Planning (Department) is proposing the detachment of 8 parcels (approximately 40 acres of land) from WWD 42. The detachment is being proposed per the request of the property owner, Sobaje Property Group, Inc., due to capacity, water quality, and infrastructure deficiencies from the WWD 42 water system for the subject parcels.
The recommended action will direct the Department to initiate proceedings with the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) for the Change of Organization and will authorize the Director of the Department or their designee to act on the County's behalf to execute and submit the application(s) and all other documentation required to effectuate the proposed detachment.
This item pertains to a location in District 5.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board or LAFCo reject the proposed detachment, the Sobaje Parcels will remain within WWD 42 and could perpetuate water supply deficits, compromise fire protection, and increase operational challenges due to aging infrastructure and water quality compliance issues.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The applicant, Sobaje Property Group, Inc., will bear all costs associated with the LAFCo detachment process, i...
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