New Fresno Courthouse

The proposed Project would involve demolition of the existing Sheriff Administration and South Annex Jail buildings and construction of an approximately 413,000 SF-square-foot courthouse on the 2.09-acre parcel, which includes 36 courtrooms, support spaces, and secure parking for judicial officers. The support spaces would include, but are not limited to, judicial chambers, clerks’ offices, jury assembly and deliberation rooms, temporary in-custody holding, administrative office space, parking loading dock, and secure prisoner sallyport. Secured parking would be provided for judicial officers only, no staff or public parking is included as part of the Project scope. Visitors to the new courthouse would utilize available off-site public parking owned by the City in the surrounding area. The Project would implement sustainable elements throughout its design, construction, operation, and maintenance. The Project would be designed for sustainability and, at a minimum, to the standards of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certified rating. The Project will be delivered through a Design-Build process. Although final plans have not yet been prepared, the Project is anticipated to include demolition of existing buildings and site preparation, grading, building construction, paving, and architectural finishing activities. The Judicial Council, acting as the Judicial Branch of State government, is not subject to local land use regulations; however, the Judicial Council, as appropriate, considers local policies in evaluating whether the proposed Project’s impacts would be significant.