Fresno City Council Project Review Committee Meeting - April 29, 2026

The City Council Project Review Committee held a meeting on April 29, 2026, from 5:32 PM to 7:00 PM. The meeting covered three agenda items, including a state-mandated housing text amendment, a variance for a fence, and a conditional use permit for a gas station with annexation. No formal votes were taken, but recommendations and discussions occurred.

Discussion Items

• Text Amendment (P2601326) – Housing Element Compliance: Adrian Azadorian from the Planning and Development Department presented a text amendment required by state law. The amendment would permit housing developments with at least 20% affordable units to be processed ministerially (without discretionary action) on certain sites identified in housing elements. The amendment would not be subject to CEQA and would not be appealable (pending confirmation). Committee members raised concerns about impacts on historic districts and demolition risks. The applicant sought feedback but no action was required.
• Variance (P26094) – Fence at 1540 B Street: The applicant, Mr. Bati of GT JF Investments LLC, requested a variance to allow a 6-foot wrought iron fence at a 2-inch setback from the sidewalk (standard is 12 inches). The committee discussed safety concerns at the corner intersection with a school crossing. The applicant agreed to modify the fence by creating a 12-foot visibility triangle on both sides of the corner and removing a palm tree. The committee expressed support for the proposal contingent on those modifications.
• Conditional Use Permit & Annexation (P2503983, P260801, P250971) – Maverick Gas Station: Kevin Dice and Farman Shear presented a proposal for a 4-acre gas station and convenience store at the northwest corner of White Bridge and Marks Avenue, within an 118-acre annexation area. The site is pre-zoned Corridor Center Mixed Use (CMX). The committee discussed alcohol sales (expected 7-14% of sales), the requirement to retire a liquor license under the Responsible Neighborhood Market Ordinance, and the need to maintain CMX zoning for future development. No vote was taken, but the committee emphasized that future uses should remain consistent with CMX.

Administrative Matters

• Concerns raised about an increase in unhoused populations along Highway 180 near the Van Ness interchange, including trash, fires, and blocked streets. The committee requested information on cleanup schedules from Gabriela.
• Questions about High Speed Rail street closures on G Street and the timeline for reopening (expected June 2027 but doubted).
• Businesses complained about parking meter prices rising to $30 on event days, even far from the event venue. The committee suggested exploring a monthly parking pass for business owners and weekly passes for visitors.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or decisions were made on any agenda items. The committee provided feedback and recommendations, including:
  • For the text amendment: Address historic district protections and demolition risks.
  • For the variance: Approve with conditions for a 12-foot visibility triangle and tree removal.
  • For the annexation/CUP: Maintain CMX zoning for future development; address liquor license retirement.
• Administrative matters will be forwarded to staff for follow-up.