Patterson experienced significant growth in the late 1980's. Prompted by these growth pressures and concern over the community's future direction, the city began a comprehensive revision of its general plan in January, 1988. The general plan proposed changes to the existing pattern of land uses including the provision of urban development of lands surrounding the city presently vacant or devoted to agricultural uses. For development to occur in these areas, the city had to expand its sphere of influence (SOI). The general plan, therefore, and accompanying environmental impact report (EIR) were necessary to make these areas eligible to be annexed to the city. Since the general plan and EIR were necessary for the SOI expansion and annexation, the associated costs should be recovered from projects requesting annexation into the city.
(Ord. 536 § 5 (part), 1995)