The geographical limits defining the extent of the region under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles municipal government are established through a series of legal and cartographical delineations. These limits are typically represented visually on maps and are subject to change through annexation or other legal processes. The resulting demarcations precisely specify the area over which the city exercises its governing authority.
Precise knowledge of these territorial limits is critical for a variety of reasons. City services, such as law enforcement, fire protection, and sanitation, are allocated based on residency within these defined areas. Furthermore, property taxes, zoning regulations, and voting districts all rely on the accurate determination of location relative to the official civic parameter. Historically, the expansion of the aforementioned area has been a strategic element in the city’s growth and development.