ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 27, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent – Public Hearings TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: May 22, 2026
SUBJECT: Public hearing to consider Planning Commission’s approval of General Plan Amendment/Zone Change No. 22-0372)
and its proposed mitigated negative declaration. (Ward 7)
Cornerstone Engineering, Inc. (applicant), on behalf of David Gill (property owner), is proposing a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change on approximately 2.5 acres generally located on the northwest corner of Stine Road and Ryzona Drive. The request includes:
1. Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
2. Resolution adopting General Plan Amendment to change land use designation from ER (Estate Residential) and SR (Suburban Residential) to HMR (High Medium Density Residential).
3. First Reading of an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code by changing the official zoning classification from R-S 2.5A (Residential Suburban
2.5-acre minimum) to R-2 (Small Lot Single-Unit Dwelling) Zone.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the Planning Commission recommend adoption of the resolution that the project has been found to be consistent with General Plan policies and City Zoning Ordinance requirements, provide for the first reading of the ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
The project is a request submitted by Cornerstone Engineering Inc. (applicant), on behalf of David Gill (property owner), proposing (1) a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to change the Land Use Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan land use designation from ER (Estate Residential) and SR (Suburban Residential) to HMR (High Medium Density Residential) or a more restrictive designation; and (2) changing the official zoning classification from R-S 2.5A (Residential Suburban 2.5-acre minimum) to R-2 (Small Lot Single-Unit Dwelling) zone on approximately 3.71 acres.
Project Summary:
The General Plan Amendment (GPA) and Zone Change (ZC) request submitted by Cornerstone Engineering Inc. (applicant), on behalf of David Gill (property owner) is (1) proposing a GPA to change the Land Use Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan land use designation from ER (Estate Residential) and SR (Suburban Residential) to HMR (High Medium Density Residential) or a more restricti ve designation; and (2) proposing a change in zone classification from R -S 2.5A (Residential Suburban 2.5 acre minimum) to R-2 (Small Lot Single-Unit Dwelling) or a more restrictive zone on approximately 3.71
acres. The project parcel is located on the northwest corner of Stine Road and Ryzona Drive, in southwest Bakersfield [Assessor’s Parcel numbers (APNs) 532-020-17 and -20].
The project intends to develop a multi-family dwelling complex with a mix of 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units for a total of 34 units. The residential density range for this zone is 6.1 to thirteen dwelling units per net acre, which is consistent with the proposed HMR designation of the project site.
Environmental Review and Determination:
Staff prepared an initial study to review the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. The Initial Study determined that compliance with recommended mitigation measures, local ordinances, state laws, and construction to the standards of the Uniform Building Codes will reduce impacts to a less-than- significant level. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (“MND”) was prepared for this project in accordance with CEQA. The MND was circulated for a 30 -day public and agency review pe riod from February 9, 2026, through March 11, 2026 (SCH No. 2026020609).
The State CEQA Guidelines and the City of Bakersfield’s CEQA Implementation Procedures have been followed in the evaluation of the environmental effects of this project. Significant environmental impacts beyond those identified in the EIR were not identified within staff analysis. To date and as of this writing, no letters have been received.
Public Notification:
Public notice for the proposed project and environmental determination was advertised in The Bakersfield Californian and posted on the bulletin board in the City Hall North, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California. All property owners within 300 feet of the project site were notified by United States Postal Service mail regarding this public hearing in accordance with city ordinance and state law.
Compatibility with Land Use Element. Staff has reviewed the proposal for compatibility with the applicable goals and policies contained within the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan Land Use Element and finds the following:
Goal 2: Accommodate new development which provides a full mix of uses to support its population.
The project is consistent with this goal because the property owner determined the market is driving a need for multi-family residential within the project area. Additionally, the State encourages the increase in density of residential uses within cities throughout California.
Goal 3: Accommodate new development which is compatible with and complements existing land uses.
The project is consistent with this goal by providing multi-family residential housing density intensification to support the local population.
Goal 4: Accommodate new development which channels land uses in a phased, orderly manner and is coordinated with the provision of infrastructure and public improvements.
The necessary infrastructure and public improvements are available to accommodate multi -family residential developments or, if the project is approved, will be developed through the fair-share payment of impact fees by the property owner. Therefore, the project is consistent with this goal.
Policy 2: Allow for the development of a variety of residential types and densities.
The project provides multi -family land use within an are a that predominantly consists of single -family residential use. Allowing multi-family residential at the site would allow for the increased development of
a variety of residential types and densities beyond the current condition. Therefore, the project is consistent with this policy.
Policy 3: Ensure that residential uses are located in proximity to commercial services, employment centers, public services, transportation routes, and recreational and cultural resources.
The proposed project site is one (1) mile from commercial services. There are nearby employment centers as well as others throughout the city that can be easily accessed via the existing circulation system.
Planning Commission Action:
The project was considered by the Planning Commission on April 16, 2026. No individuals or agencies were present at the hearing that opposed the request. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the project to the City Council. Two Commissioners were absent. The Planning Commission’s findings are contained in Resolution Nos. 36-26, 37-26, and 38-26.
FISCAL IMPACT:
As this site develops to its full land use economic potential it will have a positive impact on generating revenue for the City General Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
Reliable Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration.
2. Resolution adopting a General Plan Amendment No. 22-0372
3. Resolution adopting Zone Change No. 22-0372
4. Map Set
5. Mitigated Negative Declaration with Attachments
6. Air Quality Assessment
7. Archaeological Assessment
8. Biological Assessment
9. Revised Trip Study
10. Planning Commission Resolutions
11. Planning Commission Staff Report