ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: January 22, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Resolutions TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: February 5, 2025
SUBJECT: Annexation 722 Ashe No. 13
Resolution approving an application to the Kern County Local Agency Formation Commission to annex territory into the City located along the east side of Ashe Road, generally between Romero Road and Engle Road. Use of a Notice of Exemption will also be considered. (Ward 7)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution
BACKGROUND:
Annexation Project Summary. The resolution proposes an application to LAFCo for the annexation of territory into the City of Bakersfield known as Annexation No. 722 (Ashe No. 13). The territory is adjacent to the City limits and is within the City’s Sphere of Influence boundary.
Annexation Project Description. Annexation No. 722 encompasses approximately 82.1 acres located along the east side of Ashe Road, generally between Romero Road and Engle Road. The parcels have a General Plan designations of R-IA (Resource - Intensive Agriculture), HMR (High Medium Residential), LR (Low Density Residential), and GC (General Commercial) and are City pre-zoned A (Agricultural), R-2 (Small Lot Single-Unit Dwelling), R-1 (Single-Unit Dwelling), and C-2 (Regional Commercial). This annexation was initiated by Swanson Engineering Inc. on behalf of the majority property owner, Raymond Roselle.
Public comment. One of the property owners sent an email opposing the annexation as she believed the applicant misrepresented her. Staff explained that the applicant applied for his parcels and, by request from the City, included her property as that is required by LAFCo as to not create a County island. Staff also mentioned to the property owner by phone and through email that she will have the opportunity to oppose the annexation when LAFCo holds a public hearing to determine if all parcels shall be annexed or not. A copy of the email is attached.
Land Uses. The project sites contain a few ranches, with no current plans to develop the property.
Surrounding land uses are predominantly agricultural (east, south, and west) with undeveloped land to the north.
Ward Inclusion. If the annexation is approved, the territory will be located in Ward 7.
Environmental Review and Determination. Staff has determined that the proposed annexation is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15319(a), because the proposal is for annexation of the territory and this action will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Exchange of Property Tax. The exchange of property tax revenues for this annexation is covered under the Master Tax Split Agreement (Memorandum of Understanding 15-277) between the City of Bakersfield and the County of Kern.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposal includes a request to adopt a resolution to submit an application to LAFCo to annex property into the City. The requested annexation will allow the applicant to obtain sewer and water services from the City. The cost for the annexation application and process is within the Departments Fiscal Year 2024- 25 budget.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Economic Opportunity for All
Reliable Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution of Application with Exhibits
2. Public comment