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Home My WebLink AboutSPA 24-0227 Nt/PJ:je/ S:\03_Advance Planning\01_GPAs\01_Active\2024\24-0227_17425 Stockdale Hwy (Western Rosedale SPA)\01_Hearing Documents & Noticing Documents\Draft\SPA 24-0227_Staff Report.docx CITY OF BAKERSFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: June 20, 2024 AGENDA: 5.b TO: Chair Cater and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Paul Johnson, Planning Director J.Eng for PJ DATE: June 14, 2024 FILE: Western Rosedale Specific Trail Plan Amendment No. 24-0227 WARD: 5 STAFF PLANNER: Noeli Topete, Assistant Planner REQUEST: An amendment to the Western Rosedale Specific Trail Plan to eliminate the equestrian trail element from the multi-use combination trail alignment along South Wegis Avenue, Stockdale Ranch Drive, and South Nord Avenue within the Stockdale River Ranch Project area. APPLICANT: OWNER: Porter & Associates, Inc. Bolthouse Land Company, LLC 1707 Eye Street 11601 Bolthouse Drive Bakersfield, CA 93301 Bakersfield, CA 93311 PROJECT LOCATION: South of South Wegis Avenue and Stockdale Highway in west Bakersfield APN: Portions of 534-011-39, -41 and -44 PROJECT SIZE: Approximately 1 mile of the equestrian trail alignment CEQA: Section 15061(b)(3) EXISTING GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION: LR (Low-Density Residential), LMR (Low-Medium Residential), GC (General Commercial), and OC (Office Commercial) EXISTING ZONE CLASSIFICATION: R-1 (One Family Dwelling), R-2 (Limited Multiple Family Dwelling Zone), C-O P.C.D (Professional and Administrative Office Planned Commercial Development Combining Zone), and C-1( Limited Commercial) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution and suggested findings APPROVING Western Rosedale Specific Trails Plan Amendment No. 24-0227 with conditions. SITE CHARACTERISTICS: The project site is vacant. Surrounding properties are primarily developed as: north - vacant; east - single family residential under construction; south - vacant; and west - vacant. BAKERSFIELD THE SOUND OF f;~WJ '[3e#_et Western Rosedale Specific Trail Plan Amendment No. 24-0227 Page 2 BACKGROUND AND TIMELINE: • September 12, 1994 – Kern County Board of Supervisors adopted the Western Rosedale Specific Plan that included the Trails Plan (County Resolution 94-456). • August 30, 1995 – Bakersfield City Council adopted the trails portion of the Western Rosedale Specific Plan to apply to areas of annexed areas originally within the boundaries of the County’s Western Rosedale Specific Plan (Resolution 140-95) • March 25, 2011 - The project area was annexed into the City as part of the Stockdale No.15 annexation (Annexation No. 548). • August 11, 2010 – City Council approved General Plan Amendment/Zone Change (“GPA/ZC”) 09- 0263 for the Stockdale Ranch Project (Resolution No. 79-10 and Ordinance 4623). An Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) was certified for the approved project which analyzed approximately 3,583 residential dwelling units and approximately 941,700 total square feet of general/commercial business use on approximately 440 acres in addition to approximately 20 acres of open space for a future park (Resolution No. 78-10). Western Rosedale Specific Trail Plan Amendment No. 24-0227 is within the boundaries of the Stockdale Ranch Project. PROJECT ANALYSIS: Specific Plan Amendment. The Stockdale River Ranch Project is designed to integrate two separate trail designs governed by the Western Rosedale Specific Trail Plan: (1) Multi-Use Trail consisting of a 12’ concrete sidewalk; and (2) Equestrian Trail consisting of 12’ of compacted native material. A portion of Stockdale Highway and Wegis Avenue is required to integrate a combination trail which includes both the Multi-Use and Equestrian Trail on one side of the road. The combination trail design would consist of 2’ shoulders abutting an 8’multi-use trail, and a 12’ equestrian trail abutted by a fence that is a minimum height of 3’6’’. The purpose of the 3’6” fence is to separate the equestrian trail from the multi-use trail. The Western Rosedale Specific Trail Plan within the Stockdale River Ranch Project area is planned to commence at Stockdale Highway. The combination trail (Multi-Use and Equestrian Trail) runs south along the east side of South Wegis Avenue until it reaches Stockdale Ranch Drive. On the south side of Stockdale Ranch Drive, the Trail then heads west to [future] Nord Avenue. On Nord Avenue, the combination trail ends, and only the Equestrian Trail continues to the south where it ends at the [future] Westside Parkway Interchange area. It is relevant to note that portions of the trail alignments were not constructed in accordance with the Western Specific Trail Plan. Therefore, the applicant is requesting the elimination of the equestrian trail and 3’6” fence from the combination trail alignment within the Stockdale River Ranch Project for the following reasons: • The 0.5-mile distance along Wegis Avenue from the Goose Lake Slough southbound to Stockdale Highway is currently developed with large-lot single-family homes in the County jurisdiction (Tract Map No. 5353 and 5858) and there is no public land available to construct the trail. • The planned Equestrian Trail alignment extends south down [future] Nord Avenue towards the Kern River; however, this alignment is blocked by the future Westside Parkway interchange right-of-way, and there is no trail access to the Cross Valley Canal, which is currently controlled by the Kern County Water Agency. • Elimination of the Equestrian Trail will significantly decrease the right-of-way area requiring long- term maintenance by the City of Bakersfield maintaining the trail. Western Rosedale Specific Trail Plan Amendment No. 24-0227 Page 3 Compatibility with Western Rosedale Specific Plan. Staff has reviewed the proposal for compatibility with the goals and policies contained within the Western Rosedale Specific Plan Circulation Element and finds the proposal would provide open space and a multi-use trail which is consistent with the following applicable goals: • Goal 3: Provide opportunities for jogging and walking trails. • Goal 4: Provide opportunities for bicycle paths that allow bicycle travel to be separated from motorized vehicles. • Goal 5: Provide opportunities for localized recreation that will help to minimize the need for motorized transportation to reach other recreation areas. • Goal 6: Enhance property value within the Plan area by providing an attractive and localized multi- use trail, equestrian, and bike path system. The integrity of the proposed trail system for the Western Rosedale Specific Plan will be maintained if the equestrian trail alignment is removed. The implementation of a multi-use trail would continue to be required within the project area. Therefore, the proposal would support the goals of the Western Rosedale Specific Plan. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND DETERMINATION: The request is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) because the project [specific plan amendment] does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION: Public notice for the proposed project and environmental determination was advertised in The Bakersfield Californian and posted on the bulletin board in the City of Bakersfield Development Services Building, 1715 Chester 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. Comments Received. As of this writing, no written public comments have been received. CONCLUSIONS: Consistency with Surrounding Development and the Western Rosedale Specific Plan. The project is compatible with the surrounding residential uses. In addition, the project would provide recreational opportunities and support connectivity to local trails. The proposal is consistent with the Circulation Element goals as contained in the Western Rosedale Specific Plan related to the trail system, as noted above. Recommendation. Staff finds that the applicable provisions of CEQA have been complied with, and the proposal is consistent with the General Plan and the Western Rosedale Specific Plan. Therefore, staff recommends your Commission adopt Resolution approving the specific plan amendment to the Western Rosedale Specific Trail Plan to eliminate the equestrian trail alignment within the Stockdale River Ranch Project area and recommend the same to City Council. Western Rosedale Specific Trail Plan Amendment No. 24-0227 Page 4 ATTACHMENTS: Map Set • Aerial • Zone Classification • General Plan Designation • Aerial WRSP Circulation Map WRSP Circulation Map Planning Commission Draft Resolution MAP SET STOCKDALE RANCH DRJOHNSON RDDRIVER RDJOHNSON RD WEGIS AVEJOHNSON RD SHEATHRDS WEGIS AVEHEATH RDNORD AVESTOCKDALE HWY STOCKDALE HWY GOOSELAKE SLOUGH CROSS VALLEY CANAL CROSS V ALLEY C AN AL CROSSVAL L E Y C A N A L Copyright nearmap 2015 6/3/2024 0 640 1,280 Feet _ AERIAL SPA 24-0227 Removal of Equestrian Trail CITY OF BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNTY COUNTY CITY COUNTY CITY COUNTYCITYSPA 24-0227 !:I ~ BAKERSFIELD R-1 R-2 R-1 R-1 R-1 R-2-CH RE R-1 C-1 R-1 R-1 C-2 C-2 R-1 R-1 R-1 R-1 R-1 C-O/P.C.D.R-3 R-1 FP-S FP-S STOCKDALE RANCH DRJOHNSON RDDRIVER RDJOHNSON RD WEGIS AVEJOHNSON RD SHEATHRDS WEGIS AVEHEATH RDNORD AVESTOCKDALE HWY STOCKDALE HWY GOOSELAKE SLOUGH CROSS VALLEY CANAL CROSS V ALLEY C AN AL CROSSVAL L E Y C A N A L 6/3/2024 0 640 1,280 Feet _ Zoning Commercial Zone Designations C-O/P.C.D. Combining C-1 Neighborhood Commercial C-2 Regional Commercial Residential Zone Designations R-1 One Family Dwelling R-2 Limited MultipleFamily Dwelling Zone - 1 unit/2,500 sq. ft. R-2-CH Limited Multiple Family Dwelling Zone - 1 unit/2,500 sq. ft. - Church Overlay Zone R-3 Limited Multiple Family Dwelling Zone - 1 unit/1,250 sq. ft. Other/Public Zone Designations FP-S Flood PlainSecondary RE Recreation Specific Plan Ammend. 24-0227 Equestrain Trail To Be Removed SPA 24-0227 Removal of Equestrian Trail CITY OF BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNTY COUNTY CITY COUNTY CITY COUNTYCITYSPA 24-0227 I I IT tm : ;-r--r---1.--·· -_. CJ CJ ~ 1111 - !:I ~ BAKERSFIELD STOCKDALE RANCH DRJOHNSON RDDRIVER RDJOHNSON RD WEGIS AVEJOHNSON RD SHEATHRDS WEGIS AVEHEATH RDNORD AVESTOCKDALE HWY STOCKDALE HWY SR SR OS OS OS OS ER ER ER RR RR RR RR UER R-IA R-IA RR R-IA R-IA R-IA R-IA R-IA R-IA R-IA R-IA R-IA R-IA R-IA R-IA ER ER UER UER ER ER RR RR RR RR RR R-IA R-IA R-IA R-IA UER GC OC LMR GC LR LR OS-P HR LR RR RR RR RR RR RR GC R-MP LR LR LR GC LMR LR LR LR LR LR LR LR GOOSELAKE SLOUGH CROSS VALLEY CANAL CROSS V ALLEY C AN AL CROSSVAL L E Y C A N A L 6/3/2024 0 640 1,280 Feet _ Land Use RESIDENTIAL SR -Suburban Residential: ≤ 4 dwelling units/net acre ER -Estate Residential: 1 dwelling unit/net acre LMR - Low Medium DensityResidential: > 4 units but ≤10 dwelling units/net acre UER - Urban EstateResidential: .5 acres perDwelling Unit HR - High DensityResidential: > 17.42 unitsbut ≤ 72.6 dwelling units/net acre LR - Low Density Residential:≤ 7.26 dwelling units/netacre RR - Rural Residential: 2.5gross acres/dwelling unit COMMERCIAL GC - General Commercial OC - Office Commercial OPEN SPACE OS-P - Parks and Recreation OS - Open Space RESOURCE R-IA - Resource - Intensive Agriculture: 20 acre minimum parcel size R-MP - Resource - Minerals & Petroleum: 5 acre minimum parcel size Specific Plan Ammend. 24-0227 Equestrain Trail To Be Removed SPA 24-0227 Removal of Equestrian Trail CITY OF BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNTY COUNTY CITY COUNTY CITY COUNTYCITYSPA 24-0227 1=~~=~~===~ ---- ---- --- CJ 1111 1111 1111 1111 CJ 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 -!:I ~ BAKERSFIELD !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!CITY OF BAKERSFIELD STOCKDALERANCHDRJOHNSON RDDRIVER RDJOHNSON RD WEGIS AVEJOHNSON RD SHEATHRDS WEGIS AVEHEATH RDNORD AVESTOCKDALE HWY STOCKDALE HWY GOOSE L AKESLOUGH CROSS VALLEY CANAL C O U N T Y O F K E R N Copyright nearmap 2015 SPA_2024 0 650 1,300 Feet _ Specific Plan Amendment 24-0227 CITY OF BAKERSFIELD SPA 24-0227 AE AuE WESTERN ROSEDALE SPECIFIC PLAN TRAILS EQUESTRIAN TRAIL TO BE REMOVED EQUESTRIAN TRAIL BIKE/PEDESTRIAN TRAIL XYXYEQUESTRIAN/HIKING TRAIL MULTI-USE TRAIL WALKING ONLY City Limits ~ BAKERSFIELD !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!CITY OF BAKERSFIELD STOCKDALERANCHDRJOHNSON RDDRIVER RDJOHNSON RD WEGIS AVEJOHNSON RD SHEATHRDS WEGIS AVEHEATH RDNORD AVESTOCKDALE HWY STOCKDALE HWY GOOSE L AKESLOUGH CROSS VALLEY CANAL C O U N T Y O F K E R N SPA_2024 0 650 1,300 Feet _ Specific Plan Amendment 24-0227 CITY OF BAKERSFIELD SPA 24-0227 AE AuE WESTERN ROSEDALE SPECIFIC PLAN TRAILS EQUESTRIAN TRAIL TO BE REMOVED EQUESTRIAN TRAIL BIKE/PEDESTRIAN TRAIL XYXYEQUESTRIAN/HIKING TRAIL MULTI-USE TRAIL WALKING ONLY City Limits .E. M ■MM i·-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-· ■ .....,-----! i -.. -··-··-··-··-··-·· ·-··-··-··-··-! i i i ··-··-··-··-··-·· .. - ........ ■ ■ '-••- ~ BAKERSFIELD Page 1 of 2 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE BAKERSFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE WESTERN ROSEDALE SPECIFIC TRAIL PLAN LOCATED SOUTH OF SOUTH WEGIS AVENUE AND STOCKDALE HIGHWAY IN WEST BAKERSFIELD (SPA NO. 24-0227). WHEREAS, Porter & Associates, Inc. representing Bolthouse Land Company, LLC filed an application with the City of Bakersfield Development Services Department for an amendment to the Western Rosedale Specific Trails Plan, as shown in Exhibit B, located south of South Wegis Avenue and Stockdale Highway in west Bakersfield (the "Project"); and WHEREAS, the project proposes to amend the Western Rosedale Specific Trails Plan to eliminate the equestrian trail element and 3’6’’ fence from the multi-use combination trail along South Wegis Avenue, south of Stockdale Highway, Stockdale Ranch Drive, and South Nord Avenue in the area known as the “Stockdale Ranch” development; and WHEREAS, the Project is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant State CEQA Guidelines Section15061(b)(3), Common Sense Exemption; and WHEREAS, the Secretary of the Planning Commission set Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California, as the time and place for a public hearing before the Planning Commission to consider the application, and notice of the public hearing was given in the manner provided in Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, at the public hearing no testimony was received either in support and opposition of the Project; and WHEREAS, the facts presented in the staff report and evidence received both in writing and by verbal testimony at the above referenced public hearing support the following findings: 1. All required public notices have been given. Hearing notices regarding the proposed Project were mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the Project area and published in the Bakersfield Californian, a local newspaper of general circulation, 30 days prior to the hearing. 2. The provisions of CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City of Bakersfield CEQA Implementation Procedures have been followed. Staff determined that the proposal is a project under CEQA and an initial study was completed. 3. The public necessity, general welfare, and good planning practices justify the Project. Page 2 of 2 4. The Project is compatible with the development of surrounding properties and is internally consistent with the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Bakersfield Planning Commission as follows: 1. The above recitals, incorporated herein, are true and correct. 2. The Project is hereby recommended for approval by the City Council subject to the conditions of approval in Exhibit A and located on the map as shown in Exhibit B, both of which are incorporated herein. I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on______, 2024, on a motion by Commissioner _____ and seconded by Commissioner ______, by the following vote. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: APPROVED _______________________________________ DANIEL CATER, CHAIR City of Bakersfield Planning Commission Exhibits (attached): Exhibit A: Conditions of Approval Exhibit B: Location Map EXHIBIT “A” CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL WESTERN ROSEDALE SPECIFIC TRAIL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 24-0227 CITY ATTORNEY 1. In consideration by the City of Bakersfield for land use entitlements, including but not limited to related environmental approvals related to or arising from this project, the applicant, and/or property owner and/or subdivider ("Applicant" herein) agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of Bakersfield, its officers, agents, employees, departments, commissioners and boards ("City" herein) against any and all liability, claims, actions, causes of action or demands whatsoever against them, or any of them, before administrative or judicial tribunals of any kind whatsoever, in any way arising from, the terms and provisions of this application, including without limitation any CEQA approval or any related development approvals or conditions whether imposed by the City, or not, except for CITY’s sole active negligence or willful misconduct. This indemnification condition does not prevent the Applicant from challenging any decision by the City related to this project and the obligations of this condition apply regardless of whether any other permits or entitlements are issued. The City will promptly notify Applicant of any such claim, action or proceeding, falling under this condition within thirty (30) days of actually receiving such claim. The City, in its sole discretion, shall be allowed to choose the attorney or outside law firm to defend the City at the sole cost and expense of the Applicant and the City is not obligated to use any law firm or attorney chosen by another entity or party. R-1 R-2 R-1 R-1 R-1 R-2-CH RE R-1 C-1 R-1 R-1 C-2 C-2 R-1 R-1 R-1 R-1 R-1 C-O/P.C.D.R-3 R-1 FP-S FP-S STOCKDALE RANCH DRJOHNSON RDDRIVER RDJOHNSON RD WEGIS AVEJOHNSON RD SHEATHRDS WEGIS AVEHEATH RDNORD AVESTOCKDALE HWY STOCKDALE HWY GOOSELAKE SLOUGH CROSS VALLEY CANAL CROSS V A L L EY C AN AL CROSSVALLEY C A N A L 6/3/2024 0 640 1,280 Feet _ R-1 One Family Dwelling 6,000 sq.ft. min lot sizeR-1-4.5 One Family Dwelling 4,500 sq.ft. min lot size E Estate 10,000 sq.ft. min lot size R-S Residential Suburban 24,000 sq.ft./dwelling unit R-S-( ) Residential Suburban 1, 2.5, 5 or 10 min lot size R-2 Limited Multiple Family Dwelling 4,500 sq.ft. min lot size (single family) 6,000 sq.ft. min lot size (multifamily) 2,500 sq.ft. lot area/dwelling unit R-3 Multiple Family Dwelling 6,000 sq.ft. min lot size 1,250 sq.ft. lot area/dwelling unit R-4 High Density Multiple Family Dwelling 6,000 sq.ft. min lot size 600 sq.ft. lot area/dwelling unit R-H Residential Holding 20 acre min lot size A Agriculture 6,000 sq.ft. min lot size A-20A Agriculture 20 acre min lot size PUD Planned Unit Development TT Travel Trailer Park MH Mobilehome C-O Professional and Administrative Office C-1 Neighborhood Commercial C-2 Regional Commercial C-C Commercial Center C-B Central Business PCD Planned Commercial Development M-1 Light Manufacturing M-2 General Manufacturing M-3 Heavy Industrial P Automobile Parking RE Recreation Ch Church Overlay OS Open Space HOSP Hospital Overlay AD Architectural Design Overlay FP-P Floodplain Primary FP-S Floodplain Secondary AA Airport Approach DI Drilling Island PE Petroleum Extraction Combining SC Senior Citizen Overlay HD Hillside Development Combining WM- West Ming Specific Plan LEGEND (ZONE DISTRICTS)SPA 24-0227 Removal of Equestrian Trail CITY OF BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNTY COUNTY CITY COUNTY CITY COUNTYCITYSPA 24-0227 Exhibit B !:I ~ BAKERSFIELD