The Local Agency Formation Commission approved the annexation of three new communities, which as of Tuesday, Sept. 11, are part of the City of Santa Clarita. The areas include Fair Oaks Ranch, Jakes Way, and the future Vista Canyon.

This is the single largest annexation the City has undertaken to date at nearly four square miles, 2,437 acres and almost 15,000 new residents. In addition, this annexation brings the City-owned East Walker Ranch Open Space into the City.

“The City of Santa Clarita is excited to welcome new annexed areas and provide residents with a role in shaping their quality of life. With accessible and accountable local government services, a strong business community, safe neighborhoods, well cared for communities and great schools, the City is proud to provide high quality municipal services,” commented Mayor Frank Ferry.

In the last 25 years, the City of Santa Clarita has welcomed 32 different areas into the City, inclusive of over 61,200 residents and 17.1 square miles through a state-regulated process called annexation. The decision to annex is always one that is driven by residents or developers.

Annexation has many benefits including: replacing County zoning with City zoning; eliminating utility user tax; providing easily accessible local government services and increasing the availability of City sports and recreation programs. Additionally, it enables residents to vote in local elections, run for City public office and serve on City commissions.

By December 2012, the City of Santa Clarita will also include the following soon-to be-annexed areas: North Copperhill in Saugus, which includes 2,470 acres (the City’s largest annexation to date) and 9,500 residents, including 810 acres of City-owned open space; Norland Road in Canyon Country, which includes 205 acres of which 57 acres are City-owned open space; and South Sand Canyon in Canyon Country, which includes 690 acres, of which 540 acres are filming ranches, and 40 residents.

These areas were reviewed by the Local Agency Formation Commission in April 2012 and it was determined the City of Santa Clarita is financially sound and capable of providing services to these areas. These annexations will bring the City of Santa Clarita’s population to just over 200,000 residents, making the City the third largest based on population in Los Angeles County.

For more information about annexations, contact the Planning Division at 661-255-4330 or visit Santa-Clarita.com.