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Board approves resolution to exempt Henshaw & Gwen school site from city zoning for joint‑use project
Summary
Chico Unified approved Resolution 1711-25 to exempt the Henshaw & Gwen future elementary site and related district improvements from City of Chico zoning ordinances to allow phased construction of athletic fields and parking in partnership with CARD; staff said CARD has held neighborhood meetings.
The board approved Resolution 1711-25 on Dec. 17 to exempt the Henshaw & Gwen parcel — the future site for a district elementary school — from certain City of Chico zoning requirements. Julie Kislow explained the exemption is routine practice for district projects to avoid committing to full street and curb improvements while the site serves as an outdoor classroom and until final school construction occurs.
Kislow said the property covers roughly six acres and the conceptual overlay presented is the environmental‑report‑era plan; CARD (Chico Area Recreation District) will construct portions of the play fields and a parking lot as part of a joint‑use park project. Board members asked whether CARD had engaged nearby residents; staff reported CARD had held public meetings at the Masonic Lodge with strong participation and community feedback.
The board moved, seconded and adopted the resolution by voice vote.
Why this matters: The exemption enables the district and CARD to make site improvements that support joint community use without the full frontage improvements typical of commercial development, which can reduce early costs and preserve the site for intended educational uses.
Next steps: Staff will continue coordination with CARD and the City of Chico on plan approvals and utility work as the partners advance development.
