Development News for Shafter, California

City Council Approves Updated Fee Schedule to Increase Cost Recovery and Generate Revenue

The City Council adopted Resolution 3083, updating user and regulatory fees across various city services. A cost of services study recommended these updates to ensure reasonable cost recovery and minimize the general fund's subsidy of these services. The largest impact will be on development services (building, planning, engineering), with lesser impacts on public safety, administrative, utility, and park rental services. The updated fees are projected to generate nearly $900,000 in additional annual revenue. The city aims to increase cost recovery from approximately 50% to over 70%. Fees will take effect 60 days after adoption, with a built-in annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment to account for inflation. Developers Wonderful and Lenar were notified and expressed no objection.

City Accepts Easement Dedications for Street, Utility, and Drainage Purposes

The City Council approved the acceptance of dedication of easements for street, public utility, and drainage purposes from 5104 Express Avenue Property LLC. The city manager was authorized to enter into a maintenance agreement for the drainage easement.

Ordinance Approving Zone Changes for Two Parcels Adopted

The City Council approved Ordinance Number 781, which includes zone change numbers 2574. This ordinance rezones a parcel (APN 028-293-03) from Estate Style to R1 low density and another parcel from A to R1. The ordinance was presented and approved as part of the consent calendar.

Council Member Prout Shares Updates on Committee Meetings, Oaths of Office, and Memorial Day Events

Council Member Prout provided updates from recent meetings. She attended the city selection committee meeting where she and Gilbert Reina (Wasco) were elected chair and vice-chair, respectively. Gus Alvera was approved for the LAFCO position, and the mayor was approved for the RAND board. She also noted a community survey for 2026 with similar responses to previous years. Prout mentioned two recent oaths of office: Omar Navaro (new transit driver) on May 26th and Paula Sto (new employee from Bakersfield) yesterday. She also attended the Memorial Day service on May 25th, which featured the mayor and police department, and the 5K run honoring Sergeant Moyes Martinez, emphasizing its promotion of health and heart care.