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Council approves 30‑lot Ramirez subdivision; annexation to LAFCO requested
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Summary
The council approved a tentative map and a mitigated negative declaration for the Ramirez Residential Subdivision — a proposed 30‑lot, 11.47‑acre development adjacent to Porterville city limits — and directed staff to proceed with LAFCO annexation steps. Final map recording will require LAFCO approval.
The Porterville City Council on March 17 approved staff recommendations for the Ramirez Residential Subdivision project, which proposes to divide approximately 11.47 acres adjacent to the city into 30 single‑family lots.
Planning staff told council the property lies outside city limits in unincorporated Tulare County but is within the city’s sphere of influence; the applicant requested a tentative subdivision map, environmental review and authorization to initiate annexation proceedings. Staff said the proposed average lot size is roughly 12,630 square feet and that proposed density (about 2.61 units per gross acre) is well below the site's zoning maximum.
Staff reported the environmental document was circulated through the State Clearinghouse (Jan. 20–Feb. 20, 2026) and noted two comment letters from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife had been incorporated into the record. One written public comment opposing the project was included in the record. Staff emphasized that while the council can approve a tentative map, the final map cannot be recorded until annexation by the Tulare County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is complete.
During the public hearing Gary Lott (neighbor) said the proposal now mirrors adjacent Chelsea Glen development and had no objection after clarifications about wells and lot sizes. Dana of AW Engineering confirmed custom homes of about 2,500 square feet were planned and that existing wells on the property would be abandoned when connected to city services.
Councilmembers expressed support for the project’s consistency with the city’s 2030 General Plan and for adding housing stock that staff said would contribute to the city’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation. The council voted 5-0 to adopt a mitigated negative declaration, approve the tentative map and request that LAFCO initiate annexation proceedings and detachment from County Service Area No. 1.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with the applicant and LAFCO on annexation; final map approval and recordation will be contingent on LAFCO action.
