General Plan Review and Zoning Ordinance Update-Final EIR

The Fresno County General Plan Review and Zoning Ordinance Update project focuses on the adoption of the Sixth Cycle Housing Element and associated minor amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to ensure compliance with state law. This initiative includes the implementation of an Action Plan and the establishment of policy direction and programmatic support to facilitate the construction of dwelling units throughout unincorporated areas of the county. Key updates to the Zoning Ordinance involve defining discretionary, ministerial, and by-right uses to align with current legal requirements and existing county resolutions. The project is supported by several addenda to the previously certified Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) SCH No. 2018031066. These addenda cover the Sixth Cycle Housing Element as well as specific updates to the Biola and Del Rey Community Plans. Environmental reviews concluded that these updates constitute minor changes with no new significant environmental effects requiring a subsequent EIR, although some unavoidable impacts in areas such as air quality, agriculture, and greenhouse gas emissions remain. The project is managed by the County of Fresno, with Yvette Quiroga serving as the Principal Planner.