Lancaster Eastside Annexation

The Lancaster Eastside Annexation project, managed by the City of Lancaster, California, involves the annexation of approximately 638 acres from unincorporated Los Angeles County into the city's jurisdiction under Annexation No. 24-001 and Pre-Zone No. 25-001. The project area is pre-zoned as RR-2.5 (Rural Residential), allowing for one dwelling unit per 2.5 acres. A primary component of the project is the development of an 80-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility covering approximately 288 acres in the northern half of the annexed area, which will require a separate Conditional Use Permit. The project has undergone extensive environmental review in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), resulting in a Mitigated Negative Declaration certified on October 14, 2025. Comprehensive technical assessments were conducted, including a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment following ASTM 1527-13 standards, a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) assessment, and reports on air quality, biological resources, and cultural and paleontological impacts. The process included tribal consultations per Assembly Bill 52 and Senate Bill 18, as well as coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Conservation regarding prime farmland conversion. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with specific requirements for equipment inspection stations at all access points to prevent the off-site movement of excess soil.