ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 10, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Resolutions TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: August 26, 2025
SUBJECT: Resolution of Application – Annexation No. 723 Belle Terrace No. 1
Resolution approving an application to the Kern County Local Agency Formation Commission to annex an uninhabited territory into the City of Bakersfield identified as Annexation No. 723 (Belle Terrace No. 1), generally located on the northwest corner of Washington Street and East Belle Terrace. Use of a Notice of Exemption will also be considered. (Ward 2)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.
BACKGROUND:
The resolution proposes an application to the Kern County Local Agency Formation Commission (“LAFCo”) for the annexation of an uninhabited territory into the City of Bakersfield known as Annexation No. 723 (Belle Terrace No. 1). The territory is adjacent to the City limits and is within the City’s Sphere of Influence boundary. Additionally, this territory is considered an unincorporated county island, as it is substantially surrounded by the City.
Annexation Project Description. The annexation encompasses approximately 26.32 acres, generally located on the northwest corner of Washington Street and East Belle Terrace. The parcel has a General Plan designation of LI (Light Industrial) and SI (Service Industrial) and is City pre -zoned M -1 (Light Manufacturing) and M-2 (General Manufacturing). This annexation was initiated by the City of Bakersfield.
There are plans to extend East Belle Terrace east through the property to South Washington Street.
The California Legislature enacted special legislation in 2001 (Government Code Section 56375.3) that made it easier for cities to annex certain unincorporated islands. The legislation allows cities to annex islands through a streamlined LAFCo proce ss that does not require protest proceedings or elections, provided an island satisfy special criteria and is 150 acres or less in size. As noted above, this territory is approximately 26.32 acres, meets the special criteria, and therefore, is eligible for the streamlined process.
Surrounding Land Uses. The surrounding land uses consist primarily of undeveloped and developed industrial uses. If the annexation is approved, the territory would be located in Ward 2.
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 where the City has the capacity to serve the territory and this action wil l not have a significant effect on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
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.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution of Application with Exhibits