Island Annexation

Unincorporated islands (or "pockets") that are surrounded by cities were created due to the land use policies that existed in Napa County and throughout California during the 1950s and 1960s. Napa LAFCO's authority includes approving or disapproving boundary changes, such as the annexation of unincorporated islands into surrounding cities.

Napa LAFCO has adopted a Policy on Unincorporated Islands that clarifies which areas are eligible for the streamlined island annexation under California Government Code §56375.3. 

Eligibility Criteria for Streamlined Island Annexation:

  • Size: The island must not exceed 150 acres.
  • Surrounding Boundaries: The territory must be entirely or substantially surrounded by the annexing city, or by the city and adjacent cities.
  • Development Status: The area must be substantially developed or developing based on available public utilities or physical improvements.
  • Land Use: The island cannot be "prime agricultural land" as defined by Government Code §56064.
  • Creation Date: The island must not have been created after January 1, 2000.

Below is a map and a corresponding table with more information about the islands in Napa County.

The image is a map showing unincorporated areas within the City of Napa, highlighting surrounded regions and their designations.
Island Number Surrounded By City (%) Total Acres Total Parcels Developed Parcels Estimated Population
1 100 87.4 543 538 1399
2 100 10.1 19 18 47
3 100 14.8 11 10 26
4 100 6.7 13 13 34
5 100 1.9 1 1 3
6 100 1.6 6 6 16
7 100 2.2 3 3 8
9 70 2.5 3 2 5
10 100 0.6 2 2 5
11 82 23.6 10 10 26
13 93 32.0 212 207 538
14 71 5.3 16 16 42
22/23 50 0.2 1 1  3
  Totals 188.1 843 830 2,158
Streamlined Island Annexation Process (Government Code §56375.3) 

The law provides that an "island annexation" initiated by a City must be approved by LAFCO and protest proceedings are waived if the following requirements are met:

  1. Annexation is proposed by resolution of the annexing city.
  2. The island is 150 acres or less in size.
  3. The island is surrounded or substantially surrounded by the annexing city or by the annexing city and adjacent cities.
  4. The island is not a gated community where services are currently provided by a community services district.
  5. The island is substantially developed or developing based on the availability of public utilities, presence of public improvements or the presence of physical improvements on the parcels within the area.
  6. The island is not prime agricultural land as defined in Government Code Section 56064.
  7. The island is receiving benefits from the annexing city or will benefit from the city.
  8. The island was not created after January 1, 2000.
LAFCO Streamlined Island Annexation Process.pdf

Want to know more?  Use our contact page to reach out to Napa LAFCO staff.

Join our mailing list