Fresno Planning Commission Meeting – October 22, 2026

The Fresno Planning Commission met on October 22, 2026, to consider two agenda items: a vesting tentative tract map and planned development permit for a 17-lot residential subdivision, and a text amendment to allow additional housing types in the Office Zone District. Both items were approved unanimously. The meeting also included commissioner reports, a special meeting announcement, and the debut presentation of Planner Saul Perez.

Consent Calendar

• The meeting began with approval of the meeting agenda by unanimous vote (Commissioners Holt, Giles, Shergill, Diaz, and Vice Chair Lyday voting yes).

Commissioner Reports

• Chair Bray announced upcoming Sikh Heritage Month proclamations: November 3 at 9:00 a.m. at the County of Fresno, and November 5 at 9:00 a.m. at the City of Fresno.
• Chair Bray praised the “Pave Now Pay Later” program for road improvements on Shaw Avenue and Shields Avenue, noting positive progress on infrastructure.

Discussion Item ID 26-1378: Vesting Tentative Tract Map 6561 & Planned Development Permit P26-00807

• Staff Presentation: Planner Saul Perez (first commission presentation) introduced the project: a 17-lot subdivision on 4.9 acres located north of East Nees Avenue between North Chestnut and North Willow Avenues. The site is zoned RS3 with a planned land use designation of single-unit residential low density. The proposed density is 3.43 dwelling units per acre, consistent with the allowable range of 1 to 3.5 units per acre. The project includes a private gated entrance, modified RS3 standards (lot size, width, coverage, setbacks), and a 6,800-square-foot centrally located private park. Staff recommended approval.
• Applicant Presentation: Lauren Smith (Harbor and Associates Engineering) noted the project is consistent with the General Plan and already zoned for the proposed use.
• Public Testimony: Kieran McDonnell (project applicant) spoke in favor, distributing exhibits about his experience with infill development. He emphasized his history building in downtown Fresno, noted the success of a recent 12-unit rental project at Arthur and Clinton Avenues (fully rented in two weeks), and presented examples of similar infill projects. The vice chair redirected Mr. McDonnell to focus only on the pending application, clarifying he was speaking as the applicant.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Shergill expressed support, noting Fresno’s rapid growth and housing shortage, and encouraged staff to welcome developers. No other questions.
• Vote: Motion to approve by Commissioner Shergill, second by Commissioner Diaz. Unanimous approval (Commissioners Holt, Giles, Shergill, Diaz, Vice Chair Lyday – 5-0).

Discussion Item ID 26-1346: Text Amendment P26-02730 – Additional Housing Types in the Office Zone District

• Staff Presentation: Planner Saul Perez presented the amendment to implement Program 2 of the City’s 2023–2031 Housing Element (adopted 2024, certified by the State in 2025). The amendment would permit detached single-family homes, duplexes, and other housing types (currently RM1/RM2/RM3 allowances) on vacant or underutilized office-zoned parcels, in addition to the multifamily uses already allowed under ordinance 2025-23. Eligible sites are at least 500 feet from a school, as mapped. The project is exempt from CEQA under Revenue and Taxation Code Section 21080.19. Staff recommended approval.
• Public Testimony: James Sponsler spoke in opposition. He argued the amendment was done in a “check the box” manner, without smart planning, and specifically criticized two large sites in southwest Fresno: one near Roding Drive and Whitesbridge in Airport Zone 4 (noise from Chandler Field), and another on land currently occupied by the Darling and Rendering industrial plants. He asked for exclusions for airport takeoff zones and active industrial sites.
• Staff Rebuttal & Questions: Staff confirmed that the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan’s density limitations would override the city code in airport zones, and that any future subdivision would require discretionary review by the Planning Commission. Commissioner Diaz asked about public input; staff noted the public hearing notice was posted. Commissioner Giles asked whether the amendment would help address the housing shortage; staff and colleagues answered yes, noting the Housing Element’s data on income tiers and demand for both single-family and multifamily housing. Commissioner Calandra sought clarification about mixed-use (office and residential) on the same parcel; staff confirmed both uses may coexist. Commissioner Giles made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Shergill.
• Vote: Unanimous approval (Commissioners Holt, Giles, Shergill, Diaz, Vice Chair Lyday – 5-0).

Key Outcomes

• All items approved unanimously: The 17-lot subdivision (Tract Map 6561 and PDP P26-00807) and the text amendment (P26-02730) both passed with 5 votes in favor.
• Deferred details: No additional conditions or staff reports were stipulated beyond staff recommendations.
• Next meeting: The secretary reminded commissioners of a special meeting on November 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (Monday), with agenda to follow.