Kingsburg council approves annexation and 97‑lot planned unit development, adopts environmental review

Kingsburg — The City Council on Jan. 15 adopted three resolutions to advance a proposed Westar (Westark) Construction subdivision: approving the environmental review, initiating annexation of 42.54 acres from Fresno County to the City of Kingsburg, and affirming Planning Commission approval of a planned unit development for 33.27 acres that would allow single‑family homes and associated open space.

The action follows a staff presentation by Holly Owen, Community Development Director, who told the council the materials before them included an initial study and a mitigation monitoring program and that “the recommended action by city council is to adopt resolution 2025002, approving the initial study mitigated declaration and the mitigating monitoring program for the annexation, pre zone, and the planned unit development.”

Why it matters: The annexation would bring new homes within the city limits, add development‑impact fee revenue for utilities and public services and place the territory into the city’s Community Facilities District (CFD), a funding vehicle for services such as police, fire, parks and lighting.

Staff said the site — on the southwest corner of Mendocino and Caruthers Avenues — is within the city’s sphere of influence and can be served by city water, sewer and storm drainage. The development would be consistent with the Kingsburg General Plan and the North Kingsburg Specific Plan and was previously allocated 105 single‑family unit growth allocations under the city’s growth management system; the PUD before the council is for 97 lots configured on about 33.27 acres.

Public comments included concerns about the pace of growth, traffic and school capacity. Resident Cameron Hayes said neighbors were not adequately informed and pleaded with the council to slow growth: “People in town do not know this. I'm here for the people in this town. I love this town. That's why I'm here. And I don't wanna see… this town growing too big, too fast.” Developer David Krencla of Westark Construction defended the project and emphasized parks and housing demand: “I love Kingsburg just as much as everybody else… Our homeowners out there and to see the vacation on their faces when they get to move into their new home.”

Council members and staff addressed circulation and timing questions. Holly Owen said the larger 42.54‑acre annexation area is required by Fresno LAFCO to create an orderly, squared boundary even though only 33.27 acres are part of the current tentative map and PUD. City Manager Alex Henderson noted that property owners control whether parcels actually develop and that annexation does not guarantee immediate construction.

Votes and formal actions: The council voted to adopt resolution 2025‑002 (initial study/MND and mitigation monitoring program), resolution 2025‑003 (initiate annexation and prezone to R‑1‑7 and forward to Fresno LAFCO) and resolution 2025‑004 (affirm the Planning Commission approval of PUD 2024‑01). Each motion passed on voice vote with the council recording unanimous approval at the meeting (ayes recorded; no recorded no votes or abstentions).

Background: The Planning Commission had reviewed and recommended the applications on Dec. 12, 2024. The annexation must be approved by Fresno LAFCO to take effect. If annexed, the property will be added to the City of Kingsburg Community Facilities District to help fund public services for the new subdivision.

Next steps: The council’s decisions send the annexation to Fresno LAFCO for final approval; any future subdivision map or building plan submittals will return to city staff for plan‑check and building permits under the North Kingsburg Specific Plan design standards.