Fresno City Council approves 20-acre annexation for residential development

The Fresno City Council meeting on February 27, 2025, focused on several key issues, including the approval of an annexation application and the consent calendar.

The meeting began with a motion that passed unanimously, allowing for the continuation of discussions to a later date. The council then moved to a hearing regarding annexation application number P22-03846, which involves approximately 20 acres of property along West Ashen Avenue. Israel Veil from the Planning and Development Department presented the application, which seeks to annex the land into the City of Fresno and rezone it from Fresno County designations to city designations.

Two conditions were attached to the zoning approval: the applicant must enter into Community Facilities District (CFD) 18 to cover police and fire costs associated with the annexation, and they must pay all fire transition fees. The council expressed support for the project, emphasizing the need for additional residential units within city limits. The motion to approve the annexation and zoning changes passed with a 5-0 vote.

Following the annexation discussion, the council addressed the consent calendar, which included routine items requiring approval. No council members registered any objections, and the consent calendar was also approved unanimously.

Public comments were invited, but few attendees participated, leading to a swift closure of that segment. The meeting concluded with a brief mention of upcoming closed session discussions regarding litigation involving the city.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to expanding residential development and maintaining efficient governance through the approval of routine matters. The next council meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2025, where further discussions will continue.