Background
On June 30, 2025, the City of Ukiah acquired the property at 1 Carousel Lane (APN 167-280-15) to serve as the new site for its Municipal Corporation Yard, which is the central operations and maintenance hub for City’s Public Works Department and various utilities. The acquisition represented a major step forward in the City’s long-term plan to modernize infrastructure and improve service efficiency.
Previously located on the east side of the Ukiah Airport (UKI), the former Corporation Yard faced several challenges. The City had outgrown the site as the service area had expanded, and the existing facilities no longer met the operational needs of is associated departments including Fleet and Plant Maintenance, Street Maintenance, Water and Wastewater Maintenance, and formerly Electric Utility. Additionally, the location of the yard was increasingly incompatible with airport operations, particularly as the airport seeks to deepen economic connections with Airport Park Boulevard, and attract new tenants and airport services.
In 2022, the City issued Lease Revenue Bonds to fund the estimated $15 million needed to replace the facility and improve various city streets. After evaluating several alternatives, including new construction, which proved cost-prohibitive, the City identified 1 Carousel Lane (APN 167-280-15) as the most viable option.
While outside City-limits, the property is centered within the service area of the Ukiah Valley Water Authority (UVWA), a newly formed Joint Powers Authority committed to providing efficient and reliable water service throughout the greater Ukiah Valley. The UVWA consolidates under a Joint Powers Agreement the efforts of five previously independent agencies: the City of Ukiah, Millview County Water District, Redwood Valley County Water District, Calpella County Water District, and Willow County Water District. The formation of this regional authority is intended to improve coordination, modernize water infrastructure, and increase long-term water access and resilience across the service area.
With the acquisition complete, the City is seeking annexation of the parcel. Annexation will place the facility fully under City jurisdiction, streamline governance and permitting. Bringing the site into the City limits will also enhance eligibility for state and federal grant programs that require jurisdictional authority. Similar to the annexation of other City-Owned parcels in 2023, operating a municipal facility within City jurisdiction reduces costs to the City, and avoids discrepancies between City and County codes and inspection requirements.
Background Documents
City Council (Introduction & Application Authorization) - Tentative
- Tentative
City Council - (Ordinance Adoption) - Tentative
- Tentative
LAFCo Hearing - (Application Review) - Tentative
- Tentative