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Record of Proceedings

Fresno Planning Commission Meeting - October 8, 2026

City Council & Commissions — Thursday, October 8, 2026
BodyFresno, California
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateThursday, October 8, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:23:56

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:07

Would the secretary please take roll?

Speaker 2

0:14

Commissioner Holt.

0:18

Present.

0:19

Commissioner Giles.

Speaker 3

0:22

Here.

Speaker 2

0:23

Commissioner Kalandra.

0:25

Present.

0:26

Commissioner Shergill.

0:28

Commissioner Diaz.

0:31

Vice Chair Ly Day.

Speaker 1

0:33

Present.

Speaker 2

0:33

Chair Bray.

Speaker 1

0:38

We will now begin the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:04

This meeting is being conducted in person and electronically.

1:07

For each matter considered by the Commission, there will be first be a staff presentation, followed by a presentation from the project applicant.

1:15

Testimony from supporters of the project will then be taken, followed by testimony from those in opposition.

1:21

The applicant will have the right to a final rebuttal presentation prior to closing the public hearing.

1:27

In accordance with section 13 of Article 2 of the planning commission rules and regulations governing length of public debate.

1:34

All public testimony from those in support and in opposition of the project will be limited to three minutes per person.

1:41

The three lights on the podium next to the microphone will indicate the amount of time remaining for the speaker.

Unassigned speaker

1:47

The

Speaker 1

1:47

green light will be turned on when the speaker begins.

1:50

The yellow light will come on with a soft bell ring when one minute is remaining.

1:54

The speaker should be completing the testimony by the time the red light comes on with a final bell indicating time has expired.

2:02

All in-person public testimony must be presented to the commission at the podium.

2:07

Any testimony that references race, religion, ethnicity, economic status, national origin, or any other classification protected under state or federal law in a derogatory manner shall be deemed irrelevant and will not be considered by the commission in making its land use determinations.

2:25

If you challenge these land use matters in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised in oral or written testimony or before the close of the hearing.

Unassigned speaker

2:36

We

Speaker 1

2:37

will start today's meeting with the approval of the agenda.

2:40

Are there any changes to the agenda?

Unassigned speaker

2:44

Good

Speaker 4

2:44

evening, Vice Chair Lyday, members of the Planning Commission.

2:47

I'm I'm

Unassigned speaker

2:48

uh

Speaker 4

2:48

Israel Trail with the planning and development department.

2:50

There are no changes to the agenda.

2:51

Thank you.

Speaker 1

2:52

Thank you.

2:53

Do any commissioners have any changes to the agenda?

Unassigned speaker

2:56

I

Speaker 5

2:56

do, Miss Lide.

Unassigned speaker

2:58

Yes.

Speaker 6

2:59

I would like to accuse myself or item eight, ID 261265.

3:05

I own property without proximity.

Speaker 1

3:08

Okay, thank you.

3:09

Uh is there a motion to approve the agenda as amended?

3:13

So moved.

Unassigned speaker

3:14

Second.

Speaker 1

3:14

Okay.

3:15

Motion by Commissioner Holt and a second by Commissioner Diaz.

3:19

Will the Secretary please take the vote?

3:21

If you are in favor, please signify by saying aye.

3:23

If opposed, signifies five by saying nay.

Speaker 2

3:29

Commissioner Holt.

Speaker 7

3:30

Aye.

Speaker 2

3:31

Commissioner Giles.

Speaker 7

3:33

Aye.

Speaker 2

3:34

Commissioner Kalandra.

3:35

Aye.

3:36

Commissioner Diaz.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing███████████████████19%
Zoning Regulations██████████████████18%
Community Engagement█████████████████17%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████13%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Procedural█████5%
Public Safety█████5%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Fresno Planning Commission Meeting - October 8, 2026

The Fresno Planning Commission met on October 8, 2026, to consider four land use items: two continued items (a 53-lot subdivision in Copper River Ranch and a car wash) and two new items (an 87-lot subdivision by KB Home and a 187-lot subdivision by Lennar Homes). All items were approved after public hearings, with Commissioner Diaz recusing herself from the Lennar item due to property proximity.

Approval of Agenda

  • Commissioner Ly Day requested to recuse herself from Item 8B (ID 26-1265) due to property ownership in proximity. The agenda was approved as amended with a motion by Commissioner Holt and second by Commissioner Diaz. The vote was unanimous.

Commissioner Reports

  • Commissioner Shergill reported on landscaping issues west of Highway 99, thanking Councilmember Mike Karbassi for cleanup efforts after the community raised concerns about maintenance. The landscaping is now cleaned.

Continued Item 7A: Vesting Tentative Tract Map 6419 (Copper River Ranch)

  • Staff Presentation: John George from Planning and Development presented the proposed 53-lot subdivision on 8.47 acres at the northeast corner of North Portofino Drive and East Copper Avenue. The project includes a plan amendment, rezone, and planned development permit. The density is 6.26 dwelling units per acre with an average lot size of 5,330 square feet. A neighborhood meeting in April 2024 and a Project Review Committee meeting in November 2024 resulted in no concerns. Staff recommended approval.
  • Applicant: Gary McDonald, developer of Copper River Ranch, spoke in support. He described the project as smaller homes with potential ADUs to address affordability. He noted the project is the last in the Copper River Ranch master plan.
  • Public Testimony: No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition.
  • Outcome: Commissioner Shergill made a motion to approve staff's recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Holt. The motion passed unanimously (6-0).

Continued Item 7B: Car Wash (Red Carpet Car Wash)

  • Staff Presentation: Eric Young presented a general plan amendment, rezone from CC to CG, and conditional use permit for a car wash on 0.84 acres at the north side of East Copper Avenue between Maple and Cedar Avenues. The site was previously approved for a gas station and convenience store. A mitigated negative declaration was prepared. Four comments in support and four in opposition were received. Staff found all impacts below thresholds. Staff recommended approval.
  • Applicant: Dirk Pushel, representing Red Carpet Car Wash, spoke in support. He noted the Bowie family's 60-year history, outreach to the community, and that the car wash will generate 977 fewer trips than the previously approved convenience store. He detailed noise studies and water conservation (70% water reclamation, six times less water than home washing).
  • Public Testimony: One speaker spoke in favor, citing a need for a regulated car wash in the area and environmental benefits. No opposition speakers.
  • Outcome: Commissioner Giles made a motion to approve the staff recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Diaz. Motion passed unanimously (6-0).

New Item 8A: KB Home Subdivision (Tract 6534)

  • Staff Presentation: Valeria Ramirez presented the proposed 87-lot subdivision on 14.84 acres east of Clovis Avenue between the railroad and Church Avenue. The project is consistent with the Roosevelt Community Plan (adopted 1992) and the Housing Element. No traffic impact study was required due to trips below 100 peak-hour threshold. Two access points onto Clovis Avenue are required for emergency access. Staff noted an errata to condition 44 from the flood control district. Staff recommended approval.
  • Applicant: Drew Phelps (on behalf of KB Home) and Joey Gendron (KB Home) spoke in support. They described four floor plans (two single-story, two two-story). They addressed concerns about traffic, noting right-in/right-out only accesses and compliance with safety standards. They stated no neighborhood meeting was held because it was not required by code (no plan amendment).
  • Public Testimony: Several residents spoke in opposition, representing the Sunnyside Property Owners Association and Sunnyside Homeowners Association. Sue Williams, Greg Muson, Karen Messon, and another speaker expressed concerns about:
    • Noticing: insufficient time, many residents not receiving notices until the day before or on Saturday.
    • Traffic safety: Clovis Avenue is already congested; additional access points near the railroad tracks are dangerous.
    • Lack of a traffic study.
    • Lack of community outreach.
    • Block wall echo and security issues near the railroad.
  • Applicant Rebuttal: Drew Phelps noted there are four existing subdivision access points on Clovis Avenue between California and Jensen, and the design provides safe distances from the signalized intersection at California Avenue.
  • Staff Rebuttal: Israel Trail clarified noticing complied with the development code (noticed to property owners/tenants within 1,000 feet). He reiterated that traffic thresholds did not require a study and that fees would be paid. He noted other subdivisions have similar proximity to tracks.
  • Outcome: Commissioner Shergill made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Giles. Motion passed unanimously (6-0).

New Item 8B: Lennar Homes Subdivision (Tract 6294)

  • Recusal: Commissioner Diaz recused herself from this item due to property proximity.
  • Staff Presentation: Chris Lang presented the proposed 187-lot subdivision on 27.34 acres at the southeast corner of West Barstow and North Grantland Avenues. The project has a planned development permit modifying RS5 standards (reduced lot sizes, increased lot coverage to 65%, minimum lot size 3,750 sq ft, reduced front/rear setbacks). Public improvements include a class one trail and a 17,000 sq ft open space/park. A 6-foot block wall will be built along the Herndon Canal. No public comments were received. Staff recommended approval.
  • Applicant: Walter Diamond (Lennar Homes) spoke in support. He noted the project's history (delayed due to VMT issues and the West Area Neighborhood Specific Plan). He described the park amenities, a mix of single and two-story homes targeting first-time and move-up buyers, and that the project will contribute to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).
  • Public Testimony: No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition.
  • Outcome: Commissioner Shergill made a motion to approve, seconded by Vice Chair Ly Day. Motion passed unanimously (5-0, with Commissioner Diaz recused).

Key Outcomes

  • All four items on the agenda were approved by the Planning Commission.
  • The Secretary announced a full agenda year-end and possible special meeting to handle the workload.
  • Meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

Would the secretary please take roll? Commissioner Holt. Present. Commissioner Giles. Here. Commissioner Kalandra. Present. Commissioner Shergill. Commissioner Diaz. Vice Chair Ly Day. Present. Chair Bray. We will now begin the Pledge of Allegiance. This meeting is being conducted in person and electronically. For each matter considered by the Commission, there will be first be a staff presentation, followed by a presentation from the project applicant. Testimony from supporters of the project will then be taken, followed by testimony from those in opposition. The applicant will have the right to a final rebuttal presentation prior to closing the public hearing. In accordance with section 13 of Article 2 of the planning commission rules and regulations governing length of public debate. All public testimony from those in support and in opposition of the project will be limited to three minutes per person. The three lights on the podium next to the microphone will indicate the amount of time remaining for the speaker. The green light will be turned on when the speaker begins. The yellow light will come on with a soft bell ring when one minute is remaining. The speaker should be completing the testimony by the time the red light comes on with a final bell indicating time has expired. All in-person public testimony must be presented to the commission at the podium. Any testimony that references race, religion, ethnicity, economic status, national origin, or any other classification protected under state or federal law in a derogatory manner shall be deemed irrelevant and will not be considered by the commission in making its land use determinations. If you challenge these land use matters in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised in oral or written testimony or before the close of the hearing. We will start today's meeting with the approval of the agenda. Are there any changes to the agenda? Good evening, Vice Chair Lyday, members of the Planning Commission. I'm I'm uh Israel Trail with the planning and development department. There are no changes to the agenda. Thank you. Thank you. Do any commissioners have any changes to the agenda? I do, Miss Lide. Yes. I would like to accuse myself or item eight, ID 261265. I own property without proximity. Okay, thank you. Uh is there a motion to approve the agenda as amended? So moved. Second. Okay. Motion by Commissioner Holt and a second by Commissioner Diaz.

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