1661 Green Island Road Property

Project Background

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The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) of Napa County recently approved a key planning step for a 157-acre property at 1661 Green Island Road. On April 7, 2025, LAFCO voted to add the property to American Canyon’s "Sphere of Influence" (SOI), and the decision was officially recorded on April 9, 2025.

This former vineyard 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 two years of being unused, the property owner (Green Island Property, LLC) requested the SOI change, saying the land was no longer good for farming.

On March 18, 2025, the American Canyon City Council voted to support the request, indicating that they want American Canyon to be involved in the decisions regarding for the property’s future and opening the door to a transparent discussion about what happens next. LAFCO found the change would not cause environmental harm and approved it with a General Rule Exemption.

It’s important to note the City Council’s vote on March 18 did not approve zoning changes or new uses for the land. More 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.

FAQs

What is a Sphere of Influence?

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 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, this did not prevent the property owner from applying for an SOI amendment, which is a different process.

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 (requiring another LAFCO approval), which could only happen when the Urban Limit Line expires or after voters approve a measure similar to Measure J. Any development plans would need to be consistent with the City's General Plan and undergo environmental review.

How will the property be used?

The City Council's March 18 vote only addressed whether the City would support the SOI amendment application. It did not address the Urban Limit Line, annexation or any development plans. Community suggestions for the use of the property include:

  • Recreation facilities like soccer fields or parks
  • Open space or environmental uses
  • Workforce housing
  • Business activity similar to adjacent properties

All options would require public review if and when a development application is submitted.

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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