Recruitment Packet for Planning Commission
Agendas and Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
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The final agenda is available three (3) days before the meeting from the Planning Department or you can print it from the City’s website. All background documents related to each agenda item, including those submitted at the meeting are available for public review at the Planning Department. All meetings are televised on KGOV-TV and may be accessed through the City’s website.
Planning Commission Overview
The Planning Commission is an advisory body to the City Council. It is composed of seven (7) members appointed by the Mayor and City Council. Each Councilmember nominates a resident of the City, and nominations are confirmed by the full Council.
Legal Authority
Municipal Code Chapter 2.28.030.
Term
Four (4) years. Appointments are made in April.
Qualifications
Members must be residents of the City throughout their terms.
Duties
Maintain and interpret the City's General Plan and recommend methods of implementation. Maintain the City's zoning ordinance and make recommendations for improvement. Review the City's Capital Improvement Plan for consistency with the General Plan. Review and approve subdivisions and parcel maps. Conduct hearings on all of the above items and on appeals of site plan reviews.
Meetings
The Commission regularly meets the first and third Thursdays (5:30 p.m.) of each month, Council Chambers, 1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA, 93301.
Remuneration
Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per regular meeting attended.
Staff
Planning Division
1715 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 326-3733
Positions
Vacant, Commissioner 1, Ward 1 Councilmember
Cater, Daniel T, Commissioner 2, Ward 2 Councilmember
Bittle, Cassie, Commissioner 3, Ward 3 Councilmember
Strickland, Nicholas Adam, Commissioner 4, Ward 4 Councilmember Oliver, Allison, Commissioner 5, Ward 5 Councilmember
Martin, Matthew, Commissioner 6, Ward 6 Councilmember
Kaur, Gurtarpreet, Commissioner 7, Ward 7 Councilmember Applicants Information
Brar, Navdeep S
Cater, Daniel T
Strickland, Nicholas
1/6
Planning Commission Application for Appointment
Prefix
First Name
Navdeep
Middle Name
Singh
Last Name
Brar
Residence Address
1105 Marlborough Way
Address Line 2
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93312
Position(s) Sought (List in order of preference)
1. Planning Commission Ward 1
2. 3.
4. Employment
Business Title or Occupation
Director
Company
Five Rivers Investment Group
Address
3510 Allen Road
Address Line 2
Suite 101
City
Bakersfield
County
CA
State
CA
Zip
93314
Phone
(661) 345-9810
Other Special Training or Experience
Licensed Real Estate Agent, Licensed General Contractor.
E-Filed
03/14/2026
12:40:57
Filing ID:
12931
2/6
Previous and present governmental and civic experience. Indicate when, position and duties NA
Please explain why you wish to serve on a Board/Commission for the City of Bakersfield I wish to serve on the Planning Commission because I am deeply invested in the strategic, responsible growth of Bakersfield. I want to actively participate in maintaining and interpreting our General Plan so that our city's long-term vision aligns with the everyday needs of our residents. By reviewing zoning ordinances, capital improvements, and subdivisions, I hope to ensure that our infrastructure and development projects are practical, cohesive, and beneficial to the community.
Through my professional experience in real estate development and working with land use, entitlements, and municipal processes, I have gained firsthand insight into how planning decisions affect both the long-term vision of the City and the everyday lives of its residents. This experience has given me a strong appreciation for the importance of maintaining clear zoning regulations, ensuring subdivisions and parcel maps align with planning objectives, and carefully reviewing projects for consistency with the General Plan and Capital Improvement planning.
Serving on a Board or Commission would allow me to contribute my experience while helping ensure that planning decisions are balanced, transparent, and beneficial to the broader community. I believe responsible development should support economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance quality of life for Bakersfield residents.
I am committed to approaching decisions thoughtfully, listening to community input, and helping the City implement policies that promote orderly development and long-term sustainability. Finally, I am committed to facilitating a fair, transparent process during public hearings, ensuring that every resident and stakeholder has a voice in how our city evolves - including disclosing any event or scenario where a conflict may arise which I must recuse myself.
Do you have any interests or associations which might present a conflict of interest? If yes, please explain Five Rivers Investment Group, aware of the obligation and necessity to recuse myself with any conflicts that present during a meeting and/or project.
Information for City Roster and Internet
Name
Navdeep Singh Brar
3/6
Address
1105 Marlborough Way
Address Line 2
NA
City
Bakersfiedl
State
CA
Zip
93312
Home Phone Number
(661) 345-9810
Work Phone Number
6613459810
E-Mail Address
[email protected]
Planning Commission Supplemental Questionnaire
Describe what you believe would be your role as a member of the Planning Commission.
Response
I wish to serve on the Planning Commission because I am deeply invested in the strategic, responsible growth of Bakersfield. I want to actively participate in maintaining and interpreting our General Plan so that our city's long-term vision aligns with the everyday needs of our residents. By reviewing zoning ordinances, capital improvements, and subdivisions, I hope to ensure that our infrastructure and development projects are practical, cohesive, and beneficial to the community.
Serving on a Board or Commission would allow me to contribute my experience while helping ensure that planning decisions are balanced, transparent, and beneficial to the broader community. I believe responsible development should support economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance quality of life for Bakersfield residents.
What professional or personal experiences have prepared you to serve as a Planning Commissioner? Response
Through my professional experience in real estate development and working with land use, entitlements, and municipal processes, I have gained firsthand insight into how planning decisions affect both the long-term vision of the City and the everyday lives of its residents. This experience has given me a strong appreciation for the importance of maintaining clear zoning regulations, ensuring subdivisions and parcel maps align with planning objectives, and carefully reviewing projects for consistency with the General Plan and Capital Improvement planning.
4/6
What major issue(s) do you see facing the Planning Commission in the upcoming year? Response
One of the primary issues facing the Bakersfield Planning Commission in the coming year will be managing continued growth in the City of Bakersfield while ensuring development remains consistent with the vision outlined in the Bakersfield General Plan.
As residential, commercial, and industrial investment continues, the Commission will play an important role in guiding orderly development that benefits the community.
Another key challenge will be ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth. Projects should be carefully reviewed for alignment with the City of Bakersfield Capital Improvement Plan so that transportation, utilities, and public services support new development and maintain quality of life for residents.
Housing supply and development feasibility will also remain important issues. Clear, practical zoning policies can help the City accommodate housing needs while maintaining strong planning standards.
Overall, the Commission’s responsibility is to balance thoughtful long-term planning with policies that support responsible investment, job creation, and continued economic strength in Bakersfield. My goal would be to approach these issues with a practical understanding of development, while always keeping the City’s long-term interests and community priorities in mind.
5/6
As a member of the Planning Commission, what issues would you advocate addressing? Response
First, I believe it is important to ensure that development remains consistent with the City’s Bakersfield General Plan while remaining flexible enough to accommodate changing economic conditions and community needs. Thoughtful land-use planning helps maintain balance between residential growth, commercial development, and employment centers.
Second, I would support efforts to improve the efficiency and clarity of the City’s zoning and entitlement processes. Clear and predictable regulations help encourage investment and development while ensuring projects meet community standards. Streamlining processes where possible can benefit both the public and those working to bring quality projects to the City.
Another key issue is infrastructure coordination. As the City grows, it is critical that development aligns with the City’s long-term infrastructure planning and the City of Bakersfield Capital Improvement Plan. Roads, utilities, and public services must keep pace with development to maintain quality of life for residents.
Finally, community engagement is essential. Planning decisions often have lasting impacts, and it is important that residents have opportunities to participate in the process and feel that their concerns are heard and considered.
Overall, my goal would be to help guide development in a way that strengthens Bakersfield’s economy, preserves community character, and ensures the City continues to grow in a balanced and sustainable way.
1/4
Planning Commission Application for Appointment
Prefix
Mr.
First Name
Daniel
Middle Name
Timothy
Last Name
Cater
Residence Address
3015 21st Street
Address Line 2
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93301
Position(s) Sought (List in order of preference)
1. Ward 2 Planning Commissioner
2. 3.
4. Employment
Business Title or Occupation
Architect
Company
Cater Design Group Inc
Address
1508 18th Street Suite 208
Address Line 2
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93301
Phone
(661) 282-7280
Other Special Training or Experience
LEED Associated Professional, BD+C
E-Filed
03/29/2026
17:50:52
Filing ID:
12966
2/4
Previous and present governmental and civic experience. Indicate when, position and duties I currently serve as a board member for the BMOA. I also currently serve as the Planning Commissioner for Ward 2.
Please explain why you wish to serve on a Board/Commission for the City of Bakersfield City planning and policy have always been passions of mine. I see a tremendous opportunity to work with the other commissioners, council, and city staff to address latent barriers to infill development and promote the community benefit of a revitalized city center.
Do you have any interests or associations which might present a conflict of interest? If yes, please explain As an architect, many of my clients are developers and property owners. I am not currently invested in any developments that might constitute a conflict of interest.
Information for City Roster and Internet
Name
Daniel Timothy Cater
Address
3015 21st
Address Line 2
Street
City
Bakersfield
State
CA
Zip
93301
Home Phone Number
(661) 282-7280
Work Phone Number
E-Mail Address
[email protected]
m
Planning Commission Supplemental Questionnaire
Describe what you believe would be your role as a member of the Planning Commission.
Response
I believe the role of a planning commissioner is to facilitate dialogue between the community, developers, and the city with regards to the growth of our community. I also see an opportunity to advocate for planning practices that enhance quality of life and ensure future growth advances the implementation of stated visions for our community. 3/4
What professional or personal experiences have prepared you to serve as a Planning Commissioner? Response
I graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Architecture and a minor in City and Regional Planning. I worked for eight years at an Architecture firm, in San Francisco, working on housing and hospitality projects. Working in the Bay area gave me an appreciation for working with cities to adapt, grow, and plan for their future needs, and the opportunities and challenges that places on private enterprise. Currently, I have opened my own architecture firm, centered in downtown Bakersfield. Most of my clients are entrepreneurs looking to grow our economy and add life to our central core.
Downtown Bakersfield has been a passion of mine since my early college days, participating in early charettes and watching it's organic growth. Since my return to Bakersfield, I have enjoyed the ability to become more involved in the diverse communities of Ward 2.
What major issue(s) do you see facing the Planning Commission in the upcoming year? Response
A primary issue facing the planning commission is the implementation of the housing element and completion of the general plan update.
As a member of the Planning Commission, what issues would you advocate addressing? Response
As a representative of Ward 2, I plan to continue to advocate for policies and revisions to our planning process to promote infill development. Infill development involves unique challenges that need to be addressed in our policies.
I would also advocate for the central role planning plays in the life of our city. Well executed planning practices provide tangible benefits to the daily life of our community.
Describe how you would arrive at a decision when confronted with different points of view derived from the same set of facts.
Response
I believe it is important to hear a diversity of viewpoints and consider the varied needs of a community. With regards to decisions made on the commission, it is important that the goals stated in the city's general plan and visioning documents be considered to avoid decision making based on who has the loudest voice.
Authorization and Release
4/4
Signature or Applicant
Daniel Cater
Signature Date
03/29/2026
1/4
Planning Commission Application for Appointment
Prefix
First Name
Nicholas
Middle Name
Adam
Last Name
Strickland
Residence Address
10013 Marilee Ave
Address Line 2
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93312
Position(s) Sought (List in order of preference)
1. Planning Commission, Ward 4
2. 3.
4. Employment
Business Title or Occupation
Automation Portfolio Discipline Lead
Company
Brown and Caldwell
Address
18500 Von Karman Ave
Address Line 2
Suite 800
City
Irvine
County
Orange
State
CA
Zip
92612
Phone
(714) 730-7600
Other Special Training or Experience
E-Filed
03/10/2026
14:53:57
Filing ID:
12907
2/4
I have significant professional experience in reviewing drawings, plans, and specifications for construction and development projects.
Previous and present governmental and civic experience. Indicate when, position and duties Bakersfield Planning Commission, Ward 4, 2024 - Present Please explain why you wish to serve on a Board/Commission for the City of Bakersfield I enjoy leveraging my professional career and experiences with automation and construction projects in providing civic review of projects and plans for the City of Bakersfield. I enjoy the process in reviewing documentation and drawings and my career is focused around ensuring that the plan sets submitted to municipalities match agreed contracts and design packages. I believe that this provides a unique perspective for the Planning Commission as it provides an outside perspective with familiarity for the review processes.
Do you have any interests or associations which might present a conflict of interest? If yes, please explain I have no conflicts with my personal or professional life which would create a conflict of interest for this position.
Information for City Roster and Internet
Name
Nicholas Adam Strickland
Address
10013 Marilee Ave
Address Line 2
N/A
City
Bakersfield
State
CA
Zip
93312
Home Phone Number
(803) 526-6129
Work Phone Number
E-Mail Address
commissionerstrickland@gma
il.com
Planning Commission Supplemental Questionnaire
3/4
Describe what you believe would be your role as a member of the Planning Commission.
Response
My role with the Planning Commission would be to review proposed development and zoning items as submitted to the agenda, review documentation as it relates to the codes and standards of Bakersfield, and ensure compliance with documentation and processes. My objective would be to engage members of the public that attend Commission meetings and ensure an appropriate venue is provided for public participation.
What professional or personal experiences have prepared you to serve as a Planning Commissioner? Response
My personal experience is with my current appointment as Planning Commissioner for Ward 4. My professional career has been in a leadership role within a design firm that's primary focus is development of electrical and automation designs for municipalities. I have multiple published abstracts and presentations at national conferences and interact with various municipalities throughout the US on a daily basis.
What major issue(s) do you see facing the Planning Commission in the upcoming year? Response
The largest issues the Planning Commission face this year will be similar to what we've seen the last two years, with the State streamlining approval processes for the Planning and Development Services. This has created new standards of housing provisions with our most recent RHNA allocations and continues to be our most discussed public items as the public is generally unaware of the required allocations for housing, which leads to designs and developments that may be "tighter" or "smaller" than the public is used to seeing. I foresee this continuing to be a large issue for the public as more developments are planned and constructed to meet our RHNA objectives.
As a member of the Planning Commission, what issues would you advocate addressing? Response
I have been consistent in my time with the Planning Commission that we should continue to advocate for development in Bakersfield but that we should maintain the feeling of community that makes Bakersfield a great city to live in. We should understand/acknowledge that development must continue in Bakersfield and we should prioritize making the development process as simple as possible but continue to receive and address feedback from the public as serious commentary. Bakersfield Planning Commissioners should look for a soft tone to address the public on topics and the Commission should push to ensure that our community understand the process as their interaction with the Commission is generally the first time any of them have attended a public meeting.
4/4
Describe how you would arrive at a decision when confronted with different points of view derived from the same set of facts.
Response
It is the responsibility of the Planning Commission as a whole and the Commissioners individually that individual opinions and emotions are secondary to the topic in front of the Commission. While we frequently hear feedback both in support and opposition of projects, the final decision of the Commission has to be based on the merits of the agenda item. If it is consistent with the general plan or comprehensive plan, if it is consistent with development standards, and it is compatible with the land uses, we should not allow emotion to influence decisions. However, we should also consider the implications of those impacted to ensure the voice of the public is heard. As a specific example, a few years back, we decided on an event center in Bakersfield that the surrounding neighbors had concerns about. While the event center itself was consistent with development standards, it did not violate planning requirements, and it was consistent with the area, we still accepted the public feedback and added conditions of approval related to operating times of the facility to ensure that both the business and the public were on the same page for concerns.
Authorization and Release
Signature or Applicant
Nicholas Adam Strickland
Signature Date
03/10/2026