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. 25-0008 and its proposed mitigated negative declaration. (Ward 4)
Cornerstone Engineering, Inc. (applicant), on behalf of Calloway North Investors LLC (property owner), is proposing a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change on approximately 10.44 acres generally located on the east side of Calloway Drive between Tortuga Del Mar Drive and Snow Road. 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 R-IA (Resource – Intensive Agriculture) to LR (Low Density Residential).
3. First Reading of an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code by changing the official zoning classification from County A (Exclusive Agriculture) to City R-1 (Single-Unit Dwelling).
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the Planning Commission recommend adoption of the resolutions and first reading of the ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
The project is a request submitted by Cornerstone Engineering Inc. (applicant), on behalf of Calloway North Investors LLC (property owner), proposing (1) a GPA to change the Land Use Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan land use designation from R-IA (Resource – Intensive Agriculture) to LR (Low Density Residential) or a more restrictive designation; and (2) proposing a pre -zoning change in from County A (Exclusive Agriculture) to City R -1 (Single-Unit Dwelling) or a more restrictive zone on approximately 10.44 acres.
The project also proposes an annexation (PP-ANX-25-0014) to the City of Bakersfield and Vesting Tentative Tract Map (VTTM 7522) to develop 39 single-family residential parcels to construct single-family dwellings which is consistent with the proposed LR designation and R-1 zone for the project site.
Project Summary:
A city must pre -zone unincorporated territory that the city expects to annex in the future, or present evidence satisfactory to LAFCo that the existing development entitlements on the territory are vested or are already at buildout and are consistent with the city’s general plan. The proposed zoning must be consistent with the City’s general plan and a public hearing must be held. LAFCo may not, however, dictate the specific zoning to be applied by the City. There are two advantages to pre -zoning. First, the City will have zoning in effect immediately upon annexation. Residents will thereby have prior knowledge
of the land use regulations that would affect them should annexation occur. Second, pre -zoning serves as notice to the LAFCo of the City’s intentions regarding its adjacent areas.
As such, upon annexation of the territory, the City is restricted for a pe riod of two years after the annexation’s effective date from amending the general plan designation and zoning for the territory that is a departure from the pre-zoning. This restriction may be waived if the City makes a finding at a public hearing that a substantial change has occurred in circumstances that necessitate a departure from the pre-zoning. To be effective, the pre-zoning must be consistent with the City’s general plan. It should be noted that none of the identified parcels are within a physical constraint or hazard area that would impede sustainable development.
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 period from January 21, 2026, through February 19, 2026 (SCH No. 2026010517).
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.
Comments Received. As of this writing, one comment letter ha s been received in response to the Initial Study by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) concurring with the mitigation measures stated in the Mitigated Negative Declaration.
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 Avenu e, 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 single-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 single -family residential housing d ensity 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 infrastructur e and public improvements are available to accommodate single -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 single -family land use within an area that predominantly consists of single -family residential use. Allowing single-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 ag encies were present at the hearing that opposed the request. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the project and be sent to the City Council. Two Commissioners were absent.
The Planning Commission’s findings are contained in Resolution Nos. 39-26, 40-26, and 41-26.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If 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
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution adopting the MND
2. Resolution approving the GPA
3. Ordinance for ZC
4. Map Set
5. Mitigated Negative Declaration with Attachments
6. Planning Commission Staff Report
7. Planning Commission Resolution MND with Attachments
8. Planning Commission Resolution GPA with Attachments
9. Planning Commission Resolution ZC with Attachments