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Fresno Planning Commission approves 26‑lot subdivision on North Cornelia Avenue (Tract 6397)
Summary
The Planning Commission voted to approve Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 6397, a 4.72‑acre subdivision on North Cornelia Avenue that will create 26 single‑family lots under RS‑4 standards with a minor deviation for lot widths and sizes.
The Fresno City Planning Commission on Feb. 5 approved Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 6397, allowing a roughly 4.72‑acre property on the east side of North Cornelia Avenue (between West McKinley and West Hedges avenues) to be subdivided into 26 single‑family lots.
Staff recommended adoption of the environmental assessment and approval of the tentative map. Rob Holt, supervising planner with the Planning and Development Department, told commissioners the site is planned for medium‑low density residential uses and that the proposed density — about 5.51 dwelling units per acre — falls within the RS‑4 zone district’s allowable range. “We recommend adoption of the environmental assessment, approval of the tract map,” Holt said during the presentation.
The project calls for demolition of a rural residence at the southwest corner of the property and construction of public‑standard streets, sidewalks, curb and gutter within the subdivision. The plan includes a minimum 15‑foot landscape setback along North Cornelia Avenue as required by the West Area Community Plan and a landscape buffer inside which a six‑foot decorative masonry wall will be required.
Staff said the developer requested a minor deviation — a limited reduction of development standards of up to 10 percent — that applies to lot widths and lot sizes for the southern portion of the subdivision. The transcript records two slightly different descriptions of the affected lots: an early staff remark referred to lots 14 through 26, while a later comment described the reduction applying to lots 14 through 19. The staff presentation specified reduced lot sizes from 5,000 square feet to 4,600 square feet and a minimum lot width reduced from 50 feet to 46 feet for the affected lots.
Public works conditions will require off‑site and on‑site improvements, including extension of sewer and water lines from McKinley Avenue down Cornelia Avenue, a work item that Holt and the project engineer said will require paving and other corrections to Cornelia. Rob Holt said vehicle‑miles‑traveled analysis for the new lots estimates about 245 average daily trips. The project engineer, Dale Veil of Dale Mel and Associates, said some of the off‑site work would be funded by the developer and in part supported by prior city commitments.
No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition during the public hearing. Commissioner Schirkel moved to approve the tentative map; Commissioner Diaz seconded the motion. The motion passed; the transcript records at least one affirmative roll‑call response (Commissioner Lyday). The staff report and the commission’s decision forwarded the item for any required subsequent ministerial processing per the development code and conditions of approval.
Plans presented at the hearing showed internal street connectivity to the existing subdivision to the east and provision for future connectivity to potential development to the north. Staff noted all other RS‑4 development standards — including setbacks and landscaping beyond the noted minor deviation — will remain as required by the zone and by project conditions.
