The San Bernardino LAFCO has taken a community-by-community approach as its policy directive in establishing and updating spheres of influence. This practice of looking at a total area also considers the existence of inter-related economic, environmental, geographic, and social interests, and attempts to harmonize the conflicting plans and services of the various service entities within a defined community.
The Service Review and Sphere Updates for the North Desert region are defined by the following communities:
- Adelanto Community including El Mirage
- Apple Valley Community
- Barstow Community including Barstow Heights, Hinkley, Grandview, Hodge, and Lenwood
- Daggett, Yermo, Newberry Springs, and Harvard Communities
- Helendale Community
- Hesperia Community including Oak Hills and Summit Valley
- Lucerne Valley Community
- Phelan/Piñon Hills and Wrightwood Communities
- Red Mountain, Trona, and Searles Valley Communities
- Victorville Community including Baldy Mesa, Oro Grande, and Spring Valley Lake
- Regional Agencies for the North Desert Region