LAKE FOREST

The Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission could approve the city’s applications to annex Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills at a March 8 public hearing, officials said. The commission originally planned to consider the city’s request at its February meeting.

But spokesman Dan Schwarz said the commission is waiting for the county surveyor’s office to finalize maps of the proposed annexation areas, which include the two eastside communities, a large part of Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and the Foothill Ranch Marketplace. The commission is expected to approve the city’s applications.

Annexation should be complete before June so eastside residents can participate in the November city elections, said City Councilman Peter Herzog, who is also a commissioner.