1661 Green Island Road Property

Project Background

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This 157-acre former vineyard property sits just outside American Canyon’s city limits, near the Napa River. Although it was considered for inclusion in American Canyon when the city incorporated in 1992, it stayed part of unincorporated Napa County. After approximately two years of being unused, the property owner, Green Island Property, LLC, requested a change to the City's Sphere of Influence (SOI), citing that the land was no longer viable for agricultural use. On April 7, 2025, the Napa County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved the request to expand American Canyon's SOI to include the property. 

Leading up to LAFCO's decision, the American Canyon City Council voted to support the SOI request, indicating that they want American Canyon to be involved in future decisions regarding the property and opening the door to a transparent discussion about what happens next. It's important to note the City Council did not approve zoning changes or new uses for the land. Additional public meetings will be held before any decisions are made about how the land will be used. 

LAFCO’s approval now allows the City, County, and LAFCO to start discussions on topics like pre-zoning, taxes, annexation, and development. These agencies will continue to work with the public to plan responsibly, protect the environment, and ensure open communication.

Measure L Initiative 

A citizen-led initiative petition proposed by local voters Fran Lemos, Jessie Corpus, and Richard Peterson titled "Community Sports and Activity Center, Open Space and Economic Benefit Initiative" was submitted to the City of American Canyon Clerk's Office on October 29, 2025. Known as Measure L, the initiative asks voters to approve an ordinance that would change the City's planning rules for the 157-acre property located at 1661 Green Island Road. While the site is currently in unincorporated Napa County, it lies within the City of American Canyon's Sphere of Influence and is already served by the American Canyon Fire Protection District. The proposed changes are intended to allow future planning for a community sports and activities center, integrated open space, and other employment-generating uses. This initiative does not approve any specific development or annexation. Any proposed annexation would be a future action subject to approvals by the City Council and LAFCO. Instead, if passed, it would make three main changes to the City's planning documents to enable future planning on the property: 

1. It would amend the City's 2008 Urban Limit Line to include 157-acre property at 1661 Green Island Road; 

2. It would amend the General Plan Land Use Map to designate the property as "Industrial" (I); and  

3. It would amend the City's Zoning Map to designate the property as "General Industrial" (GI) and apply a new "Community Sports and Activities Center, Open Space, and Economic Benefits Overlay District". 

In addition, the initiative specifies that any future project approval on the site would be a binding condition that requires the developer to dedicate approximately 20 acres of land to the City for a community sports complex. It would also require a maximum of 15 acres to be permanently retained as undeveloped open space. 

The petitioners are currently in the "signature phase". If they gather enough signatures, then the petitioners have until May 12, 2026 to present the initiative to the City Council for consideration. To learn more about this petition, visit our Elections Central page - Measure L below. 

Elections Central - Measure L

Elections Central

 

 

FAQs

What is a Sphere of Influence (SOI)?

A "Sphere of Influence" (SOI) is the probable future boundary and service area of the City. It's a planning tool that identifies areas that might eventually be served by or incorporated into the city. This differs from the "Urban Limit Line" (ULL), which specifically restricts where American Canyon can expand until 2030.

Does this SOI amendment approve development on the property?

No. An SOI amendment does not approve or allow any development. This is simply a planning designation that identifies the property as potentially being served by the City in the future. Development could only occur after several additional steps, including annexation into the city.

What about Measure J?

Measure J was a citizen initiative that would have added this property to the City's Urban Limit Line and amended the City General Plan for industrial development. Though Measure J failed in November 2022, this did not prevent the property owner from applying for an SOI amendment, which is a different process.

What about Measure L?

On October 29, 2025, a citizen initiative petition — proposed by local voters Fran Lemos, Jessie Corpus and Richard Peterson — was filed with the City Clerk. The initiative measure, better known as “Measure L,” is related to the 1661 Green Island Rd property. More information about Measure L can be found at the Elections Central.

What happens next?

LAFCO's April 7 vote opens the door for:

  • Pre-Zoning (requires City approval)
  • Property Tax Sharing Agreement & Urban Limit Line Agreement Amendment (requires both City and County approval)
  • City Annexation (requires LAFCO approval)
  • Development approval (requires City approval)

When could development occur?

Development can only occur if the property is annexed to the city after LAFCO approval. Any development plans would need to be consistent with the City's General Plan and undergo environmental review.

 

How can I participate in future decisions?

If a zoning or development application is submitted, residents will have the opportunity to participate in public hearings. We encourage residents to stay engaged by attending City Council meetings and subscribing to our City Manager’s Update newsletter.

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