REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, AICP, Director
Planning and Development Department
SCOTT MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: ASHLEY ATKINSON, AICP, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
ISRAEL TREJO, Planning Manager
Planning and Development Department
BY: CODY LAIRD, Planner II
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to Annexation Application No. P26-00103, relating to approximately 2.40 acres of the North Lanes Road right-of-way, west of North Rice Road (Council District 6)
1. ADOPT Environmental Assessment No. P26-00103 dated May 7, 2026, finding that the proposed Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3)
2. RESOLUTION - Authorizing the City Manager or his/her designee to initiate the Annexation of the “Copper-Friant No. 3 Reorganization” with the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission (“LAFCO”)
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that City Council adopt Environmental Assessment No. P26-00103 dated May 7, 2026, finding that the proposed Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3); and adopt the Resolution approving Annexation Application No. P26-00103 to initiate annexation proceedings for the Copper-Friant No. 3 Reorganization proposing incorporation of right-of-way within the City of Fresno; and detachment from the Kings River Conservation District and Fresno County Fire Protection District.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno has filed Annexation Application No. P26-00103 pertaining to approximately 2.40 acres of the North Lanes Road right-of-way, west of North Rice Road (Exhibit C).
Annexation Application No. P26-00103 proposes to initiate annexation proceedings for the Copper-Friant No. 3 Reorganization proposing incorporation of right-of-way within the City of Fresno, and detachment from the Kings River Conservation District and Fresno County Fire Protection District.
BACKGROUND
The subject area is located in the County of Fresno, but within the City of Fresno’s Sphere of Influence (SOI). The SOI is a boundary for land that is expected to be annexed by the City as development is proposed, but until then remains under the jurisdiction of the County of Fresno. The proposed annexation will take in effect once the annexation is approved and recorded by the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo).
The subject area proposed for annexation only includes public street right-of-way. The land surrounding the subject area is primarily rural residential to the north, east, and south; and the San Joaquin River lies to the west. The proposed annexation will facilitate the vacation of approximately 1.06 acres of the right-of-way to allow for the construction of a privately-maintained gate that will address the security concerns in the area due to trespassing, illegal dumping, and homelessness.
Pre-zone
LAFCo policy mandates that all properties within an annexation area be pre-zoned, unless satisfactory evidence is presented demonstrating that the current use aligns with the City of Fresno General Plan and the relevant community plan prior to annexation. In accordance with Fresno Municipal Code Sections 15-108.A and 15-203, because the proposed annexation pertains solely to the annexation of public street right-of-way, the Director has determined that the annexation area is not subject to pre-zoning requirements. Planning staff has confirmed with Fresno LAFCo that LAFCo does not require a pre-zone in the case of public rights-of-way.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) permits a public agency to determine whether a particular project is exempt from environmental review. A determination of a Categorical Exemption was made pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) (the Common Sense Exemption) and Environmental Assessment No. P26-00103 was completed for this project (Exhibit E).
FRESNO MUNICIPAL CODE FINDINGS
Based upon analysis of the application, staff concludes that the required findings contained within FMC Section 15-6104 can be made. These findings are attached as Exhibit D.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because this project does not include a bid or award of a construction or service contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Aerial Map
Exhibit B - Vicinity Map
Exhibit C - Proposed Annexation Boundary Exhibit
Exhibit D - Fresno Municipal Code Findings
Exhibit E - Environmental Assessment No. P26-00103
Exhibit F - City Council Resolution for Annexation Application No. P26-00103