Hanford planning commission approves amendment to Tentative Tract Map No. 947, adding three lots

The Hanford Planning Commission voted unanimously Jan. 27 to adopt Resolution 2026-01 approving Amendment 1 to Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 947, which increases a previously approved 14-lot single-family subdivision to 17 lots on a 3.62-acre parcel south of Grangeville Boulevard at Harrison Avenue.

City staff told commissioners the change removes a formerly designated open-space lot and uses Hanford Municipal Code small-lot provisions (section 17.10) to allow three lots under 5,000 square feet. Staff said the amended plan yields a density of about 4.7 units per gross acre and that required findings under the subdivision ordinance (section 16.04.010) and the Subdivision Map Act have been made. Staff also reported the project was determined categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act’s infill development guideline (cited in the staff report as CEQA Guideline section 15332).

During its presentation, staff described design rules tied to the small-lot provisions: minimum lot sizes ranging from 4,415 square feet to a maximum of 9,367 square feet, an average lot size of roughly 5,524 square feet, requirements for primary frontage, porches/courtyards, and limits on garage frontage. Staff noted the city is preparing a municipal-code amendment to increase the allowable garage-percentage allowance; until any code change is adopted, the project includes a condition that if building permits are submitted before that code change, the applicant would need to apply for a planned unit development to deviate from the current garage rule.

Applicant Steven Macias, who identified himself as the project applicant, spoke in favor and thanked staff for assistance. "They've been really great to work with and really help us through this process," Macias said, adding the developer asked for the additional lots to make the project workable and that he views the proposal as consistent with the existing neighborhood.

A nearby resident opposed the amendment during public comment, saying the additional lots would crowd the area and push a roadway close to back and side fences. The resident, who said they have lived adjacent to the site for more than 40 years, argued the change would increase traffic and create a "danger zone" for children.

City staff responded to neighborhood concerns by noting that Bass Street dedication was included in previous approvals and that the right-of-way had been intended to extend through the subdivision; staff characterized the Bass Street alignment and dedication as part of earlier actions rather than a new change associated with the lot-count amendment.

A commissioner raised a typographical error in the staff report that listed a "300 feet" usable open-space requirement; staff agreed to correct the language to "300 square feet" in the resolution.

Chair Ham moved to adopt Resolution 2026-01 approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 947, Amendment 1; a commissioner seconded the motion. On a roll-call vote, Vice Chair Douglas, Commissioner Norris, Commissioner Nelson, Commissioner Curtis and Chair Ham all voted "Yes." The commission ordered the resolution adopted and closed the public hearing.

After the vote, the director provided a brief update on the recruitment process for vacant commissioner seats: staff said 12 applications were received, interviews were held by a subcommittee, finalists will go before the City Council and council action to fill the vacancies is expected at its first February meeting. The commission adjourned.