Lancaster City Council advances annexation and industrial development plans for North Lancaster

The Planning Commission Meeting held on February 26, 2024, in Lancaster, California, focused on the proposed annexation of an 18.60-acre area and the development of a specific plan for the region. The meeting outlined the necessary steps for the annexation, which requires approval from both the City of Lancaster and the Los Angeles County Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO).

The proposed project includes a general plan amendment, pre-zoning, and the adoption of a final Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The current general plan designates the area north of the city as non-urban, with some heavy industrial zones. The city plans to implement six different zoning classifications within the annexation area, including rural residential, mixed-use employment, light industrial, mobile home parks, and public zones.

While no specific developments are proposed at this stage, the zoning could allow for significant industrial and commercial uses, totaling up to 15,594,480 square feet. The North Lancaster Industrial Specific Plan, a subset of the annexation area, aims to facilitate job-producing developments with easy freeway access. It establishes eight planning areas designated for various industrial uses, with a potential for up to 38,500,000 square feet of development.

The timeline for the project is aggressive, with the city council having authorized the annexation application in August 2024. The anticipated completion date for the annexation process is set for November 30, 2025. A draft EIR and specific plan are expected to be released for public review on April 4, 2025, with public hearings scheduled for July 2025.

Residents and property owners have expressed concerns regarding the annexation process, particularly about property rights and development opportunities. The city plans to keep these stakeholders informed throughout the process, ensuring their questions and comments are addressed in future meetings.

If the annexation is approved, the area would officially become part of the City of Lancaster on January 1, 2026. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to advancing this significant development project while engaging with the community.