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Norco council approves Annexation 27 after heated public hearing over sewer costs and taxes
Summary
The Norco City Council voted 3–2 to adopt resolutions and a pre-zone ordinance initiating Annexation 27, a city-initiated proposal to annex about 56.82 acres along Bluff Street. Bluff Street residents mounted strong opposition, citing potential sewer hookup costs, higher assessments and loss of land‑use flexibility.
The Norco City Council on July 3 approved a package of actions to initiate Annexation 27, a city-initiated effort to annex roughly 56.82 acres north of Bluff Street and west of River Road.
Community Development Director Alma presented staff recommendations to submit an application to Riverside LAFCO, adopt a general plan amendment (GP 2023-01) and approve a pre-zone ordinance (Zone Change 2023-01). Alma told the council the properties are already within the city’s sphere of influence, that many receive city water and some are connected to the city sewer, and that LAFCO’s streamlined annexation rules can process parcels under 150 acres within four to six months.
Dozens of Bluff Street residents spoke in opposition during the public hearing, arguing annexation would provide few benefits while adding burdens. Lynette Paisley, who said she and her husband own property at 5036 Bluff Street for more than 30 years, told the council, “This annexation is a view by many of us as a hostile takeover and a form of elderly abuse targeting a group of seniors, citizens who do not support or approve this action.” Residents submitted signed petitions from 20 affected owners opposing the annexation.
Speakers repeatedly raised sewer connection costs and impacts from rezoning. Block 77 Water Company members described a recent multi‑year expense to meet state drinking‑water requirements and said many residents did not want to be rezoned or face tens of thousands of dollars in sewer hookup work. Council members acknowledged those concerns but said the legal findings for annexation focus on adjacency, serviceability and public convenience; one council member described sewer laterals and connection timing as the core technical issue.
After council deliberation, Mayor Pro Tem moved the recommended action and it was seconded. The roll call produced a 3–2 outcome; the motion passed with Council Members Bowen and Sullivan recorded as voting no. The council instructed staff to forward the adopted resolutions and ordinance to Riverside LAFCO for processing.
The action included three distinct approvals to be forwarded to LAFCO: a resolution authorizing initiation of an annexation application (Resolution No. 2025-51), a resolution approving the general plan amendment (Resolution No. 2025-52), and an ordinance pre‑zoning the annexation area (Ordinance No. 1132). The council record notes that, under city policy, existing septic systems are generally grandfathered and property owners are not forced to connect until sale or septic failure, but city code requires connection if a public sewer main is within 200 feet of any point on the parcel.
Next steps: staff will submit the package to Riverside LAFCO and monitor the LAFCO review period, which staff estimated typically takes four to six months depending on the workload and any protests or requests for additional information.
