Adopt the Resolution of Acceptance of Parcel Map No. 5250 to create two parcels from one 126.402-acre parcel in the unincorporated area of Yolo County. (No general fund impact) (Lindbo/Gonzalez)

On July 11, 2024, the Yolo County Planning Commission adopted a Negative Declaration and approved a Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) (Attachment C) request to create two parcels from one approximately 126.402-acre parcel to more appropriately align with the physical boundaries of the existing farming operations that have been farmed as two separate fields. The existing parcel is split by the Adams Canal that intersects the property from north to south. The proposed request will also assist the Mullers with financing in the future to diversify their crops and obtain a production loan.

The Project site is designated as Agriculture (AG) by the 2030 Countywide General Plan and zoned as Agricultural Intensive (A-N). Historically, the site has been farmed as two separate fields and planted in almond orchards, irrigated via surface water supplies and an agricultural well. The Project site is located approximately 3.6 miles west of the City of Woodland, and north of Cache Creek, bordered by County Road (CR) 19 to the north, CR 94B to the east, and CR 20 to the south. No development is proposed as part of the Parcel Map and no existing easements will be affected.

The Project is consistent with policies in the 2030 Countywide General Plan that aim to maintain parcel sizes large enough to sustain agricultural production and prohibit the division of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes and uses. The resultant parcels, Parcel 1 and Parcel 2, both meet the minimum lot size requirements for newly created parcels (i.e., 40 acres for A-N parcels planted in permanent crops and irrigated). Parcel 1 will consist of approximately 68.329 acres and Parcel 2 will consist of approximately 58.074 acres. The Applicant has satisfied all conditions placed on Tentative Parcel Map No. 5250 and has submitted the Parcel Map for acceptance by the Board of Supervisors.

The Parcel Map was deemed technically correct by the County Surveyor on November 5th, 2024. Staff supports the approval of the Project because the Parcel Map meets the Agricultural Intensive (A-N) zone minimum parcel size requirements to retain viable agricultural parcels and satisfies the intent and policies of the 2030 Countywide General Plan that governs the division of agricultural lands. 

Pursuant to Section 15268 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the approval of a Parcel Map is exempt from the requirements of CEQA as a ministerial project.