The boundaries for the High-Speed Rail (HSR) Station Area Plan is generally based on the City's adopted "Central District" area defined within the Municipal Code (10.08.020.A) and as illustrated in the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17.58. The Central District has long been identified by the City as the core area of Bakersfield where there is a dense concentration of the following zoning uses:

Commercial
Educational
Light industrial activities with existing infrastructure
Mixed-use
Restaurant
Retail
Transit

Central District

The area is generally flanked in all directions by residential neighborhoods and other commercial pockets and is centrally located to serve residents from all regions of Bakersfield. Continued revitalization and increased density in the "Central District" would support development that is consistent with California Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals, Transit-Oriented Development ideas, Multi-Model Development concepts and more. To date, the "Central District" already has an option for reduced parking space requirements, reduced sewer fees, and reduced traffic impact fees. The "Central District" boundary was selected as the starting point for the development of the HSR Station Area Plan Boundary because the area will be immediately impacted by the construction of a HSR Station in Downtown Bakersfield. HSR Riders will exit the station directly into the Central District (Downtown) of Bakersfield.

Central District Boundary

For the purposes of the HSR Station Area Plan, the City's adopted Central District (CD) boundary was amended slightly to account for the following:

North: Adjusted CD boundary from Golden State Avenue to 36th Street due to indication from HSR Authority that there will be a station ingress/egress point near 34th Street; in addition to the main entrance at F Street and Golden State Avenue, if the F Street Station is selected as the Preferred Alternative.
East: Adjusted CD boundary from V Street to Union Avenue to fully capture portions of Downtown that might attract HSR riders due to connectivity, businesses, and amenities.
South: Adjusted CD boundary to include Amtrak station and local businesses south of Truxtun Avenue and north of California Avenue.
West: Adjusted CD boundary on northern portion of F Street westward, to include commercially developed property.

Making Downtown Bakersfield