Annexation Project Summary. The resolution proposes an application to Kern County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) for the annexation of an inhabited territory into the City of Bakersfield known as Annexation No. 711 (Taft Hwy No. 4). The territory is adjacent to the City limits and is within the City’s Sphere of Influence boundary. This annexation was initiated by McIntosh & Associates on behalf of several property owners.
Annexation Land Use Designation and Zoning. This annexation encompasses approximately 1,054 acres generally located north and south of Taft Highway, west of Ashe Road and east of Old River Road. The parcels have General Plan designations of R-IA (Resource-Intensive Agriculture), RR (Rural Residential), LR (Low Density Residential), ER (Estate Residential), GC (General Commercial), and HC (Heavy Commercial). The parcels are City pre-zoned A (Agricultural), R-S 2.5A (Residential Suburban - 2.5 acre minimum), R-S 20A (Residential Suburban - 20 acre minimum), R-S-5A (Residential Suburban - 5 acre minimum), and C-2 (Commercial).
Land Uses. The annexation area is predominantly agriculture with some residential, commercial, and undeveloped land. Surrounding lands are agricultural, park land, and a few commercial businesses.
Ward Inclusion. If the annexation is approved, the territory will be located in Wards 5 and 7.
Environmental Review and Determination. Staff has determined that the proposed annexation is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15319(a), because the proposal is for annexation of the territory and this action will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Exchange of Property Tax. The exchange of property tax revenues for this annexation is covered under the Master Tax Split Agreement (Memorandum of Understanding 15-277) between the City of Bakersfield and the County of Kern.
OVERALL RECOMMENDATION:
The purpose of the annexation is to provide additional lands to accommodate the City’s 6th cycle vacant sites inventory as part of the California state-mandated Housing Element Update. Staff is recommending adoption of the resolution to submit an application to LAFCo to annex property into the City.