Planning commission finds two downtown parcels consistent with general plan for possible police station

The Hanford Planning Commission voted unanimously to find that the planned acquisition of two parcels on the north side of East 6th Street conforms to the city's general plan.

City planning staff told the commission that the two assessor parcel numbers (APNs 012-045-006 and 012-045-007) total roughly 12,000 square feet and are designated downtown mixed-use (MXD). Staff said the parcels are being considered for a local government office use, specifically a police station supported by Measure H, and pointed to general-plan policies including P126 as the most directly relevant guidance.

"The planning commission's role tonight is only to determine whether the proposed use is consistent with the general plan," staff said, noting that the finding does not approve purchase of the property nor any future development. Staff also told the commission that any site development would undergo California Environmental Quality Act review when the city initiates design and project approvals.

Commissioner Norris moved to find the acquisition consistent with the general plan adopted April 24, 2017, citing Government Code section 65402; Commissioner Nelson seconded. The motion carried on a roll-call vote of 5-0.

Commissioners briefly noted the parcels are near sites considered at the prior meeting and that the two APNs here are separate but similar parcels. Staff reiterated zoning compliance under Hanford Municipal Code section 17.80.030 and emphasized that the finding is limited to general-plan consistency.

Next steps outlined by staff include any future CEQA review and the separate procurement or purchase approvals required by the city. The commission's finding clears only the discretionary consistency determination required by state law before acquisition.