Fresno County Airport Land Use Commission

Tower District Specific Plan Area Map

Summary:  The City of Fresno (Applicant) is preparing the Tower District Specific Plan (Specific Plan), associated Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and Tower District Design Standards and Guidelines (Design Standards and Guidelines). The Specific Plan Area is an approximately 1,869-acre area located immediately north of Downtown Fresno and about one mile east of SR 99. (See attached Proposed Tower District Specific Plan Land Use with AIA boundary Map.)

Three properties in the Specific Plan sit within Fresno-Chandler Executive Airport’s Influence Area, Zone 6 – Traffic Pattern Zone. They are proposed to be rezoned from Commercial General to either Commercial Main Street or Neighborhood Mixed Use. These changes align with Specific Plan Policy 2.1 to promote mixed-use development along commercial corridors. Two properties have a maximum height of 35 feet which is the same as the existing zoning and one property increases the maximum height by 5 feet. Two properties are allowed an unlimited number of dwelling units but effectively the maximum likely to develop given the height restrictions would be 24 dwelling units total and the one on the mixed-use site can develop up to 7 units.

The Specific Plan also proposes expanding the Apartment House Overlay District along Olive Avenue into the AIA. The proposed Entertainment Overlay District will include property within the AIA.  These overlay districts as well as the Tower District Design Standards and Guidelines are focused on neighborhood compatibility and will not include height or density changes. The Apartment Overlay District has a maximum structure height of 35 feet as do the base zone districts (Commercial Main Street and Residential Single Unit, Medium Density RS-5) below them in the extended area with the AIA. The Apartment Overlay District allows the same uses that are allowed under the base districts. Therefore, the extension of the Apartment Overlay District along Olive Avenue into the AIA will not increase the dwelling unit density nor the height allowed for any structure.

Airport Compatibility Considerations:

Safety Zone 6 carries no limit to the number of dwelling units allowed per acre and airspace review is only required for objects over 100 feet tall.

Prohibited uses include all outdoor stadiums and similar uses with very high intensity as well as all hazards to flight such as:

• Physical (e.g.,tall objects), visual, and electronic forms of interference with the safety of aircraft operations
• Land use development, such as golf courses and certain types of crops, as outlined in FAA’s Advisory Circular 150/5200‐33B
• Hazardous Wildlife Attractants on or Near Airports that may cause the attraction of birds to increase is also prohibited

An airport disclosure notice will be required.

Noise Contours: 

The subject property does not sit within Fresno-Chander Airport’s noise contours. 

Action: ALUC staff recommends the Fresno County Airport Land Use Commission approve a Finding of Consistency for the Tower District Specific Plan, EIR, and Design Standards and Guidelines.

Acreage Map

Scheme 9.1 - Herndon and Brawley Proposed Site Plan (09-26-25)

Summary: Dr. Lakhijt Sandhu purchased 15.53 acres from the City of Fresno at the intersection of Herndon & Brawley near the Sierra Sky Park Airport. This parcel includes 3.87 acres within Safety Zone 1 – Runway Protection Zone, 7.4 acres in Safety Zone 2 – Inner A D Zone, and 2.9 acres in Safety Zone 3 – Inner T Z. See the attached site plan with safety zone overlays.

The property owner is in discussions with a prospective tenant, and their representatives have submitted the project’s site plan for the Airport Land Use Commission’s review and feedback, prior to the project progressing further.

Action: Information Item

U-Haul - ALUC Application Maps & Schematics

Summary:  Amerco Real Estate Company, on behalf of U-Haul, has submitted an application for a finding of consistency from the Fresno County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC). The project involves annexation, pre-zoning, and development of a U-Haul Business Park Facility on ±43.95 acres located at and around 1040 N. Fowler Avenue and 6112 E. Belmont Avenue in Fresno, CA 93727. While annexation and pre-zoning apply to ten parcels, development will occur on APN 310-132-17 (±6.89 acres).

The proposed development includes three structures:

• A four-story, 39,038 sq. ft building footprint area, self-storage building with display room and retail sales of moving supplies (±50’ tall)
• A one-story, 26,003 sq. ft. warehouse-style storage building (±46’ tall)
• A one-story, 20,863 sq. ft. vehicle maintenance building (±25’ tall)

The project also includes associated on- and off-site improvements, including parking, landscaping, sidewalks, curb, gutter, and approaches, and other improvements necessary to meet City standards. (Sup. Dist. No. 5)

Airport Compatibility Considerations

The project site lies within the Airport Influence Area of Fresno Yosemite International Airport, specifically within:

Safety Zone 4 – Outer Approach/Departure Zone (OADZ)

According to submitted documentation, a portion of the four-story building and one-story vehicle maintenance building may lie within the Safety Zone 4 boundary. No petroleum or fueling stations are noted on the submitted documentation. Staff recommend exercising caution to ensure none are planned within this zone, in order to remain compliant with the Hazardous Use Regulation. Any exterior lighting within this zone must be hooded and directed downward to avoid potential aviation hazards. An Airport Disclosure Notice is required for this project.

Safety Zone 6 – Traffic Pattern Zone (TPZ)

According to submitted documentation, the project appears compliant with the Safety Criteria Matrix; however, an Airport Disclosure Notice is required. Any exterior lighting within this zone must be hooded and directed downward to avoid potential aviation hazards.

Noise Contours

The project site sits within Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s noise contours (Forecast (2022) NEM Contour (60 dB CNEL)) ALUCP Section 3.4.4. It appears that this commercial project type is permissible under this contour.

Action:  ALUC staff recommends the Fresno County Airport Land Use Commission approve a Finding of Consistency for Annexation Application No. P25-02062, Pre-zone Application No. P25-02287, and Development Permit Application No. P25-02286, subject to compliance with airport compatibility policies and height/airspace review requirements.

I. Upcoming meeting dates:

• December 1

2. Measure C Renewal Update