Environmental Justice Element, Objective Design Standards, and Subdivision Regulations Update

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In March 2025, the City of Hanford began drafting an Environmental Justice Element, Objective Design Standards, and updated Subdivision Regulations. As these projects progress, this webpage will be your primary source for information. Please check back regularly for drafts of project documents and opportunities to engage in the process – including dates and times of events and meetings.  

Engagement Opportunities

Environmental Justice Community Workshop

We will be holding a community workshop at Kings Community Action Organization's main office on Wednesday, September 24 from 6 - 8 p.m.

The workshop will provide a general overview of the citywide project focused on environmental justice and equity and will include a brief presentation followed by a series of interactive activities led by the City's consultant, Mintier Harnish. Community input is a key part of the preparation of the City’s Environmental Justice Element.

All attendees will receive a free illustrated children's book called Imagine with Keira, written by Keira Bixler. With beautiful illustrations and Spanish translation, Imagine with Keira is a touching and personal story about every child's right to read!

On that note, children are welcome to attend the event! We will have some activities (with supervision) available.

Questions or concerns? Please contact Brian Johnson.

Environmental Justice Survey
The City of Hanford is preparing its first Environmental Justice Element and needs your input on housing, equity, and environmental issues in Hanford. Community input is a key part of the preparation of the City’s Environmental Justice Element. Your feedback will help guide the development of goals, policies, and programs included in the Environmental Justice Element. This survey will cover topics such as pollution exposure, public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary housing, physical activity, and community engagement. The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete and will be open until July 31, 2025.

Please take the survey here.

This survey is available in both English and Spanish.

Why Is The City Drafting an Environmental Justice Element, Objective Design Standards, and Updated Subdivision Regulations?

The City of Hanford aims to advance sustainable development and equitable housing within the city though this multi-component project. 

The Environmental Justice Element, once drafted and incorporated into the General Plan, will address disparities in historically underserved areas through targeted policies that promote equitable access to resources and reduce environmental risks. 

Single-Family Objective Design Standards will ensure transparency and consistency in residential development approvals and remove barriers to housing production, all with the goal of increasing housing choice and affordability. Objective Design Standards ensure that all housing projects, particularly affordable ones, can be reviewed without bias, while promoting sustainable designs that enhance community livability.

The updated Subdivision regulations will streamline the development process for infill housing (housing developed on vacant land in between established buildings and infrastructure), facilitate housing production in areas with existing infrastructure, and encourage multimodal transportation options such as walking and biking.

This project is funded through the REAP 2.0 Local Suballocation Grant Program.

Project Documents

This page will be updated as project documents are released. Please check back regularly!