ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: October 21, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent-Ordinances TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: October 16, 2026
SUBJECT: Zone Change 24-004 Austin Creek Park
Provost and Pritchard, representing North of the River Recreation and Park District (NOR) (property owner) is proposing a Zone Change on approximately 9.3 acres generally located on the northeast corner of Jenkins Road and Austin Creek Avenue. This request includes:
1. Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
2. First reading of an ordinance by amending Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 17.06.020 by changing the official prezone classification from OS (Open Space) and A (Agriculture) to RE (Recreation) zone. (Ward 4)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the Planning Commission recommend adoption of the Resolution and first reading of the Ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
The proposed prezone change from OS (Open Space) and A (Agriculture) to RE (Recreation), or a more restrictive zoning district on 9.3 acres is intended to facilitate the future development of a community park by North of the River Recreation and Park District (NOR). The project site is currently located outside the incorporated limits of the City of Bakersfield and is proposed to be annexed into the City in the future.
No formal site development plans have been submitted for City review. A conceptual site plan has been provided for informational purposes only, which includes two multipurpose athletic fields, two adult softball fields, two basketball courts, children play structures, and a restroom facility. Approval of the proposed prezone would not constitute approval of the conceptual site plan or authorize construction of the proposed park improvements. Following annexation, any future development would be subject to the City's applicable development review process and all required permits and approvals.
SITE HISTORY:
January 28, 1998 – City Council approved an amendment to the city zoning map by prezoning property located in the metropolitan Bakersfield area within the City’s sphere of influence boundary, which includes a portion of the project area (Ordinance No. 3819) September 13, 2000 – City Council approved Zone Change No. 99-0872 to change the zoning to OS (Open Space) for various City and North of the River Recreation and Parks District (NOR) parks on portion of the project area (Ordinance No 3979).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND DETERMINATION:
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), Staff prepared an Initial Study to review the potential environmental impacts of the 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 would 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 starting on July 10, 2026 through August 10, 2026 (SCH No. 2026070151).
CEQA Comments Received. No comments have been received in response to the Initial Study.
Public Notification. Public notice of the Planning Commission’s consideration of 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. Signs are required as part of the public notification process and must be posted between 20 to 60 days before the public hearing date. Photographs of the posted signage and the Declaration of Posting Public Hearing Notice signed by the applicant are on file at the Planning Division.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
The project was considered by the Planning Commission at a public hearing held on September 17, 2026.
No individuals or agencies were present at the hearing that opposed the request. The Planning Commission unanimously, with two Commissioners absent, recommended approval of the project to the City Council. The Planning Commission’s findings are contained in Resolution Nos. 68-26 and 69-26.
Consistency with General Plan/Zoning Ordinance. The proposal is consistent with land use goals and policies as contained in the General Plan related to establishing a community park, providing recreational opportunities and complements the existing residential development. Should the applicant submit site development plans, they will be reviewed for compliance with requirements and regulations as set forth in the Bakersfield Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) and City Development Standards. The project has been found to be consistent with General Plan policies and City Zoning Ordinance requirements. Therefore, City staff and the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council approve Zone Change No. 24-0004 and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If this site develops, it will be funded by North of the River Recreation and Park District.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Attachment A: Map Set
a. Aerial
b. Zone Classification
c. General Plan Designation
2. Attachment B: Mitigated Negative Declaration with Attachments
3. Attachment C: Planning Commission Resolutions
4. Attachment D: Planning Commission Staff Report
5. Attachment F:
6. Resolution (Mitigated Negative Declaration)
7. Ordinance (Zone Change)