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Commission backs pre‑zoning for Hess Lehi property as annexation first step
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended that the city council pre‑zone a 281‑acre Hess Lehi special study territory ahead of a likely annexation, noting the site’s airport compatibility zone, required LAFCO process and that an addendum to the general plan EIR covers pre‑zoning; staff will correct a mapping omission before council.
The American Canyon Planning Commission voted July 30 to recommend the city council approve special‑study pre‑zoning for the Hess Lehi Territory, a roughly 281‑acre area identified in the general plan as a future annexation candidate.
Community Development Director Brent Cooper described pre‑zoning as a signal to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) about the city’s intended land uses if annexation proceeds. "This property is intended to be considered for future annexation. It's 281 acres and it's surrounded by industrial, agricultural, and open space uses," Cooper said, and explained that the proposed special‑study zoning would allow low‑intensity uses such as agriculture, grazing and open space while further analysis and public workshops occur.
Cooper told commissioners staff discovered corners of the property were omitted from the map included in the general plan and addendum; he said staff will correct the map before the item goes to council. He also explained the project qualifies for an addendum to the general plan EIR rather than a new EIR because the general plan anticipated pre‑zoning for the area. Commissioners pressed on environmental review timing; Vice Chair Goss (a biologist by profession) noted the site has occurrences of federally listed species and sought confirmation that any change to higher‑intensity uses would trigger further environmental study. Cooper and staff confirmed that detailed biological analysis would follow only if and when a specific development proposal and annexation were filed and that LAFCO approval is a separate step.
The commission moved and unanimously approved a recommendation that the city council pre‑zone the Hess Lehi territory consistent with the general plan; staff indicated the council schedule includes tentative readings in September.
