Council adopts pre-zoning ordinance for multiple island annexations after LAFCO deadline warning

The Hanford City Council voted to adopt the second-reading ordinance that pre-zones several substantially surrounded “islands” and authorizes staff to submit those annexation proposals to the county’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).

City staff explained the action is part of a memorandum of understanding with Kings County and LAFCO that requires the city to address island annexations. City Attorney commentary to council described legal risks if the city failed to move forward: LAFCO could withhold approval for other future annexations and the city could be hindered in pursuing large residential annexations needed to meet state housing obligations. “If LAFCO does reject the Heroes Park annexation … the city would be on hold for a year,” the city attorney said, noting state law aims to prevent net loss of residential capacity when land is repurposed.

The council held a second reading of the pre-zoning ordinance (item E on the agenda) and then voted. The roll-call vote was: Councilmember Mark Kairis — yes; Councilmember Howes — yes; Councilmember Regan — yes; Vice Mayor Travis Paden — yes; Mayor Robert Martinez — no. The motion passed 4–1. Staff said final annexation approvals remain with LAFCO and noted that if LAFCO were to refuse these island annexations it could also decline other city-requested annexations until the islands were resolved.

City staff said existing uses on affected properties that were legal under county rules would continue and be grandfathered if they conform to county regulations; however, rezoning related to certain projects could require the city to provide replacement residential capacity elsewhere as part of state law compliance. Staff also noted the parcels involved include lands tied to future park expansion, and that the Hidden Valley Park expansion depends on achieving conforming parcel zoning for public-facility use.

The council’s action authorizes staff to pursue the annexation process with LAFCO; LAFCO will make the final determinations and may attach conditions. The ordinance does not itself annex land — it establishes the city’s intended zoning upon annexation and advances the process to LAFCO for review and decision.

Councilmember comments and public input focused on protecting existing livelihoods in semi-rural island areas and ensuring residents understand the rules and grandfathering provisions; staff said the city had mailed detailed notices to affected property owners, conducted one-on-one meetings and held a public meeting to explain potential changes and protections.