THE PLANNING COMMISSION WELCOMES YOU TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS,

LOCATED AT CITY HALL, 2600 FRESNO STREET, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93721.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – Any interested person may appear at the public hearing

and present written testimony or speak in favor or against the matters scheduled on

the agenda. Public participation during Fresno City Planning Commission meetings is

always encouraged and can occur by attending a meeting in the Council Chambers,

City Hall, 2nd Floor, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721. When called to speak

during a meeting, you may approach the speaker podium upon the Chair’s call for

public comment.

All public speakers will have up to 3 minutes to address the Commission pursuant to

Rule No. 13 of the Planning Commission Bylaws of the City of Fresno (available in the

City Clerk’s Office).

SUBMIT DOCUMENTS / WRITTEN COMMENTS –

1. E-mail – Agenda related documents and comments can be e-mailed to the Planning

& Development Department. Unless otherwise required by law to be accepted by the

City at or prior to a Commission meeting or hearing, no documents shall be accepted

for Commission review unless they are submitted to the Planning and Development

Department at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the Commission meeting

at which the associated agenda item is to be heard. All comments received at least

24 hours prior will be distributed to the Planning Commission prior and during the

meeting and will be a part of the official record, pursuant to Article 4 (3).

a. Email comments to PublicCommentsPlanning@fresno.gov.

b. Emails should include the agenda date and item number you wish to speak on

in the subject line of your email. Include your name and address for the record, at

the top of the body of your email.

VIEWING PLANNING MEETINGS (non-participatory) – For your convenience, there

are ways to view Planning Commission meetings live:

1. Community Media Access Collaborative website: https://cmac.tv/

2. Cable Television: Comcast Channel 96 and AT&T Channel 99

3. Participate Remotely via Zoom:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I18M0bh8TbSGAo27i5ze1Q

a. The above link will allow you to register in advance for remote participation

in the meeting via the Zoom platform. After registering, you will receive a

confirmation email containing additional details about joining the meeting.

Should any of these viewing methods listed above experience technical difficulties,

the Commission meeting will continue uninterrupted. Commission meetings will only

be paused to address verifiable technical difficulties for all users participating via

Zoom or in the Chambers.

The City of Fresno’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

I. ROLL CALL

Chair Vang called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.

Also present were Jennifer Clark, Ashley Atkinson, Phillip Siegrist, Israel

Trejo, Ralph Kachadourian, Sophia Pagoulatos, Adrienne

Asadoorian-Gilbert, Robert Holt, John George, Kari Camino, Heather

Thomas (CAO), Dejan Pavic (DPU), Denise Soria (DPU), and Jill Gormley

(DPW).

Camino made an announcement about translation services that were

available online.

Present 7 -

Chairperson Peter Vang, Commissioner David Criner ,

Commissioner Kathy Bray, Commissioner Monica Diaz,

Commissioner Jacqueline G. Lyday, Commissioner Linda

Calandra, and Commissioner Gurdeep Singh Shergill

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:04 p.m.

III. PROCEDURES

6:05 p.m.

Chair Vang read the procedures aloud.

IV. AGENDA APPROVAL

6:05 p.m.

Trejo reported no changes to the agenda and advised the public that

speaker cards were available to sign up for public comment.

On motion of Vice Chair Bray, seconded by Commissioner Criner, the

AGENDA was APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 -

Chairperson Vang, Commissioner Criner , Commissioner

Bray, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Lyday,

Commissioner Calandra, and Commissioner Shergill

V. CONSENT CALENDAR

6:06 p.m.

On motion of Commissioner Calandra, seconded by Commissioner

Diaz, the CONSENT CALENDAR was APPROVED. The motion carried

by the following vote:

Aye: 7 -

Chairperson Vang, Commissioner Criner , Commissioner

Bray, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Lyday,

Commissioner Calandra, and Commissioner Shergill

February 5, 2025 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes

February 19, 2025 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes

V-A

V-B

ID 25-238

ID 25-309

VI. REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS

6:06 p.m.

Commissioner Lyday expressed her opinion about following decorum and

that prior to any motions being made that they deliberate and give their

insights especially when it comes to recommendations or motions that may

potentially change the lives of citizens or business owners.

Commissioner Shergill attended a community meeting in West Fresno.

Stated he spoke to many residents and they all expressed they would like

an update on the West Area Neighborhood Specific Plan.

VII. CONTINUED MATTERS

CONTINUED FROM FEBRUARY 19, 2025

VII-A

ID 25-250

Consideration of Text Amendment Application No. P23-03472 and related

environmental determination, amending Section 15-6703 and Article 68 of

the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) relating to Hospitals and Sub-Acute

Care Facilities and Terms and Definitions.

1. RECOMMEND ADOPTION (to the City Council), of the environmental

determination that Text Amendment Application No. P23-03472 is exempt

from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section

15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines.

2. RECOMMEND APPROVAL (to the City Council), of Text Amendment

Application No. P23-03472, to amend Section 15-6703 and Article 68 of

the FMC to define a Sub-Acute Care Facility and to include Sub-Acute

Care Facilities in the description for Hospitals.

6:09 p.m.

Kachadourain made a presentation explaining that under the current Code,

a Sub-Acute Care Facility is not defined, described, or included in a

particular use classification. The proposed Text Amendment would add

Sub-Acute Care Facilities as a term and definition to the Fresno Municipal

Code to provide patient care when a patient does not require hospital acute

care, but does require, more intensive, licensed skilled care. He went on to

give the background of the proposed Text Amendment, recommendations

from the District Project Review Committees, public outreach and Staff's

recommendations.

Dirk Poeschel, on behalf of the Applicant(s), explained that recommending

adoption to the City Council will move his clients closer to being able to

perform surgery services and then provide sub-acute care in the same

office. He was available for any questions.

No public comment was given.

On motion of Commissioner Calandra, seconded by Vice Chair Bray,

that the above Action Item be RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL. The

motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 -

Chairperson Vang, Commissioner Criner , Commissioner

Bray, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Lyday,

Commissioner Calandra, and Commissioner Shergill

CONTINUED FROM FEBRUARY 19, 2025

VII-B

ID 25-245

Consideration of Text Amendment Application No. P24-00794 and related

Environmental Finding for Environmental Assessment No. P24-00794,

amending Sections 15-1302, 15-4907, 15-5102, 15-6702, 15-6802 of the

Fresno Municipal Code, repealing Section 15-1106 of the Fresno

Municipal Code, and establishing Section 15-2742.5 of the Fresno

Municipal Code, to permit ministerial approval of housing projects.

1. RECOMMEND ADOPTION (to the City Council), of Mitigated

Negative Declaration Sch No. 2024110662 for Text Amendment

Application No. P24-00794.

2. RECOMMEND ADOPTION (to the City Council), of Text

Amendment Application No. P24-00794, to amend Sections 15-

1302, 15-4907, 15-5102, 15-6702, 15-6802 of the Fresno

Municipal Code, repeal Section 15-1106 of the Fresno

Municipal Code, and establish Section 15-2742.5 of the Fresno

Municipal Code, to permit ministerial approval of housing

projects in the following instances as noted below:

a. Ministerial approval of office to dwelling conversions in

the Office zone district; and

b. Ministerial approval of multi-unit residential development

in the RM-1, RM-2, and RM-3 zone districts on parcels

within one-half mile of an existing bus stop; and

c. Ministerial approval of multi-unit residential uses in the

NMX, CMX, RMX, CMS and CR zone districts on parcels

within the City’s Infill Priority Area; and

d. Ministerial

approval

new

multi-unit

residential

development in the Office zone district.

6:19 p.m.

Asadoorian-Gilbert gave a presentation on a Text Amendment that proposes

to amend Sections 15-1302, 15-4907, 15-5102, 15-6702, 15-6802 of the

Fresno Municipal Code, repeal Section 15-1106, and establish Section

15-2742.5 of the Fresno Municipal Code to permit ministerial approval of

housing projects. She explained that in April of 2022, the Mayor prepared

and presented the One Fresno Housing Strategy, which called for provisions

of the Fresno Municipal code, along with a designation from the California

Department of Housing and Community Development to commit to amend

the Development Code to permit housing in non-residential districts, which

would make the City eligible to receive grant funding for a variety of housing

projects and initiatives. She further described the background,

environmental analysis, the ministerial approval process, public comments

and concerns, recommended modifications to address traffic and safety, and

Staff's recommendations.

Commissioners had questions and concerns regarding Zone Clearances,

the appeal process, how this will benefit Fresno, and the bypass of the

Planning Commission on certain projects. Asadoorian-Gilbert clarified that

there will be a clear set of standards that would be added to the

Development Code, and Staff would have to review those standards to

ensure the project does comply.

Public Comment:

1 member of the public spoke in favor of the Text Amendment, citing the

current housing crisis necessitates a more streamlined ministerial approval

process.

19 members of the public spoke in opposition of the Text Amendment, citing

concerns of traffic, noise, public safety, air pollution, lack of green space,

and a strain on public services. They also voiced concerns of streamlining

the ministerial approval process and not providing notice to the public

regarding projects in the vicinity of their homes.

Asadoorian-Gilbert further explained that this is a City-wide Text

Amendment and does not propose development of a housing project, but

rather establishes the framework for future development projects, as

instructed by City Council to address citywide housing shortages.

Commissioners had additional questions and Director Clark clarified that

every project needs to meet the standards and the findings in the

Development Code.

Roll Call vote was taken.

On motion of Vice Chair Bray, seconded by Commissioner Calandra,

that the above Action Item be RECOMMENDED FOR DENIAL. The

motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 -

Chairperson Vang, Commissioner Criner , Commissioner

Bray, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Lyday,

Commissioner Calandra, and Commissioner Shergill

Consideration of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 6475; Planned

Development Permit Application No. P24-02520; and related

VIII-A

ID 25-236

Environmental Assessment No. T-6475/P24-02520 for approximately 5.42

acres of property located on the north side of the East McKinley Avenue

alignment between North Armstrong and North Laverne Avenues (Council

District 7) - Planning and Development Department.

1. ADOPTION of the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for

Environmental Assessment No. T-6475/P24-02520 dated February

10, 2025, for the proposed project pursuant to California

Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.

2. APPROVAL of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 6475 proposing to

subdivide approximately 5.42 acres of property into

53-lot

single-family residential development, subject to compliance with

the Conditions of Approval dated March 5, 2025.

3. APPROVAL of Planned Development Permit Application No. P24-

02520 proposing to modify the RS-5 zone district development

standards to allow for a reduction in the minimum rear yard

setbacks and lot size, subject to compliance with the Conditions of

Approval dated March 5, 2025.

From 7:58 p.m. to 8:06 p.m. the Planning Commission was on a brief break.

8:07 p.m.

Holt made an announcement that revisions were made to two exhibits. He

continued with a presentation on the project including the location, land use,

zoning, proposed tract map, open space requirements, development

standards, and Staff recommendations.

Walter Diamond on behalf of the Applicant (Lennar Homes) stated he was

excited to move forward with this project that started 6 years ago. In

response to Commissioners questions about pricing, he stated it was still

early in the design process, but hoping to be affordable options for first-time

home buyers.

No public comment was given.

On motion of Commissioner Shergill, seconded by Commissioner

Calandra, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion

carried by the following vote:

Consideration of an appeal regarding the denial of Variance Application

No. P24-01598 requesting a variance from the maximum allowable height

for a flagpole located at 3028 South Cherry Avenue on the southeast

corner of East North and South Cherry Avenues. (Council District 3) -

Planning and Development Department.

VIII-B

ID 25-285

1. DENY the Appellant’s appeal and UPHOLD the action of the Planning

and

Development

Department

Director

deny

Variance

Application No. P24-01598 requesting the granting of a variance

from the maximum allowable flagpole height.

8:19 p.m.

George made a presentation on the project including location, definition and

examples of a variance, required findings, public outreach, and Staff's

recommendations.

Commissioners had questions regarding other flag poles within the City

limits, cause for the relocation of the existing flagpole, and how tall the new

Sikh Temple was. Commissioner Shergill explained the significance of the

Nishan Sahib, and that the height needs to be prominent signifying the

presence of a Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) in the neighborhood, and research

he completed related to findings. Director Clark stated that Federal Laws

forbid the Planning and Development Department from treating Religious

Institutions differently than any other businesses, and Staff was unable to

make the required findings.

Applicant spoke of the importance of the Nishan Sahib, stating it is

traditionally higher than the roof-line of the Gurdwara to signal to the public

that there is a place of refuge, shelter, and meals regardless of religion

choice. Commissioners asked if there was any way to attach the Nishan

Sahib to the structure, so it would not be a stand-alone fixture.

Public Comment:

7 members of the public, spoke in favor of the appeal citing the Nishan

Sahib is a symbol of unity, shelter, food, counseling, and anything smaller

would not suit the building.

After much deliberation, the Commissioners felt as though the appeal could

be granted based on the findings such as the property is to large, an

elevated roadway restricts the visibility of the sign in a heavy industrial

area; flat topography; and access issues to the property.

Roll Call Vote was taken.

On motion of Commissioner Lyday, seconded by Commissioner

Shergill, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion

carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 -

Chairperson Vang, Commissioner Criner , Commissioner

Bray, Commissioner Diaz, Commissioner Lyday,

Commissioner Calandra, and Commissioner Shergill

IX. REPORT BY SECRETARY

9:34 p.m.

Director Clark gave an update on the West Area Neighborhood Specific

Plan, stating it is anticipated to be published in March. It would then have a

comment period, response to comments and then the Final Environmental

Impact Report (EIR) and Plan can go before the Planning Commission and

City Council. She also informed the Commissioners that there will be a lot

of items coming up in the next couple of meetings, including a Workshop on

the Citizen Participation Plan, and the Southeast Development Area

Specific Plan EIR and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) report.

X. SCHEDULED ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

N/A

XI. UNSCHEDULED ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

9:37 p.m.

None

XII. ADJOURNMENT

Chair Vang adjourned the meeting at 9:38 p.m.