ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 26, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Hearings TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: August 21, 2026
SUBJECT: Public hearing to consider the Planning Commission’s approval of General Plan Amendment and Zone Change No. 23 -0560 and its proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration.
McIntosh and Associates (applicant), on behalf of ATG Investments LLC (property owner), is proposing a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change on approximately 24.86 acres generally located on the southwest corner of Taft Highway and Ashe Road. The request includes:
1. Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
2. Resolution adopting a General Plan Amendment to change land use designation from HMR (High Medium Residential) to HR (High Density Residential) and GC (General Commercial).
3. First Reading of an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code by changing the official zoning classification from R-2 (Single Lot Single-Unit Dwelling) to C-2 (Regional Commercial) and R-3 (Medium Density Multi-Unit Dwelling) zones.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the Planning Commission recommend adoption of the resolutions and first reading of the ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
McIntosh and Associates, Inc. (applicant), on behalf of ATG Investments, LLC (property owner), is proposing a General Plan Amendment (GPA) and Zone Change (ZC) on approximately 24.86 acres located at 9737 Ashe Road (southwest corner of Taft Highway and Ashe Road); Assessor Parcel Number 184-260-
09. The request includes: (1) an amendment of the Land Use Element of the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan land use designation from HMR (High Medium Residential) to HR (High Density Residential) and GC (General Commercial) or more restrictive designation; and (2) a change in zone classification from R-2 (Single Lot Single -Unit Dwelling) to C -2 (Regional Commercial) and R -3 (Medium Density Multi -Unit dwelling) zone or more restrictive zone to facilitate the development of multi -family residential and commercial retail.
The project intends to develop 6.36 acres of commercial land on the northern portion of the parcel.
The project also intends to develop 18.50 acres as multi-family residential on the southern portion of the parcel; there are currently no renderings for this proposed R-3 (Medium Density Multi-Unit Dwelling). 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 period from March 30, 2026, through April 28, 2026 (SCH No. 2026031051).
Comments Received. As of this writing, no comments 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 City Hall North, 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California. All property owners within 300 feet of t he project site were notified by United States Postal Service mail regarding this public hearing in accordance with city ordinance and state law.
Comments Received. As of this writing, no comments have been received.
Tribal Consultation. In accordance with Senate Bill (SB) 18, a letter was sent by staff on March 10, 2025, to inform the American Tribes about the proposed project and its site location. This notification marks the initiation of the 90 -day consultation period mandated by SB 18. At present, no request for tribal consultation has been received.
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 it proposes a mix of commercial and multi -family residential uses that will provide housing opportunities while expanding access to retail, service, and employment opportunities within the project area. The inclusion of commercial uses supports the daily needs of future residents and surrounding neighborhoods, while the multi-family residential component advances State objectives to increase housing supply and residential density within incorporated cities.
Goal 3: Accommodate new development which is compatible with and complements existing land uses.
The project is consistent with this goal because the proposed commercial and multi-family residential uses are compatible with the surrounding urban development pattern. The project provides an integrated mix of residential and commercial uses that complements nearby development while s upporting the continued growth of the surrounding area.
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 the proposed commercial and multi-family residential development or, if the project is approved, will be provided through the developer's fair -share payment of applicable de velopment impact fees and any required infrastructure improvements. Therefore, the project is consistent with this goal.
Policy 2: Allow for the development of a variety of residential types and densities.
The project includes a multi-family residential component that expands the variety of housing types and densities available within the area. The addition of higher -density residential development, integrated with complementary commercial uses, promotes a balanced land use pattern and provides additi onal housing opportunities. 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 project is consistent with this policy because it incorporates commercial services on -site while providing multi -family residential development in proximity to existing employment centers, public services, transportation routes, and r ecreational amenities. The mixed -use design reduces the distance between housing and commercial services and enhances access to daily needs through the existing circulation network.
Policy 75: Provide adequate land area for the expansion of existing uses and development of new uses consistent with the policies of the general plan.
The project site is located within an urbanized area where commercial and residential development is anticipated. The proposed mixed-use development provides adequate land area for new commercial and multi-family residential uses that are consistent with the General Plan's land use objectives. Therefore, the project is consistent with this policy.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
The project was considered by the Planning Commission on July 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. 62-26, 63-26, and 64-26.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The action to approve the zone change and general plan amendment does not have any impact to the General Fund. However, 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
Reliable Infrastructure
CONCLUSIONS:
Consistency with General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Consistency with Surrounding Development. The project would provide increased residential density and commercial services.
Consistency with General Plan/Zoning Ordinance. The proposal is consistent with land use goals an d policies as contained in the General Plan related to residential and commercial development, as noted above. Should the applicant submit site development plans, they will be reviewed for compliance with
requirements and regulations as set forth in th e Bakersfield Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) and City Development Standards.
Overall Recommendation. The project has been found to be consistent with General Plan policies and City Zoning Ordinance requirements. For these reasons, City staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval of General Plan Amendment and Zone Change No. 23-0560.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Attachment A: Resolutions
• Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration. • Resolution adopting a General Plan Amendment No. 23-0560 • Resolution adopting Zone Change No. 23-0560
2. Attachment B: Map Set
• GPA/ZC Aerial
• GPA/ZC Zone Classification
• GPA/ZC General Plan Designation
3. Attachment C: Mitigated Negative Declaration with Attachments
4. Attachment D: Planning Commission Resolutions
• MND with Attachments
• GPA with Attachments
• ZC with Attachments
5. Attachment E: Planning Commission Staff Report