Public hearing to consider a recommendation from the Planning Commission to adopt an ordinance to amend the E. Parker Development Agreement for a fourth term extension until December 31, 2026; determine the extension is consistent with the existing Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH No. 2007012126) and adopt the 'common sense' exemption as the appropriate level of environmental documentation in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines. (No general fund impact) (Lindbo/Cormier) (Est. Time: 10 min)

In 2007, the Board of Supervisors approved a Development Agreement (DA) and Tentative Subdivision Map (TSM) for the E. Parker residential subdivision project in Esparto (Attachments D and E). The DA, which had an original term of 10 years, was extended in 2017 and again in 2019. The E. Parker project site was subsequently purchased by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation (Tribe) in 2019 and the DA was again extended in 2023 for an additional two years. Since that time, the Tribe has been focused on developing the Capay Valley Health and Community Center in Esparto, which is now complete. The Tribe is thus seeking a fourth two-year term extension to allow sufficient time to work with the community and solicit feedback on any desired revisions to the project.

As currently approved, TSM #4755 consists of 62 low-density residential lots on 17 acres in southeast Esparto, located immediately adjacent to the Tuli Mem Park and Aquatic Center between State Route (SR) 16 and Lamb Valley Slough (refer to Attachment D). Developer obligations in the DA include funding for downtown Esparto street improvements, extension of Alpha Street over Lamb Valley Slough to SR 16, Lamb Valley Slough channel improvements, trails, and a playground, among other things.

A Final Map has not been prepared for the E. Parker project and no construction has occurred at the site since the initial approval of the DA and TSM #4755. Under state law, extending the term of the DA will also extend the life of any corresponding tentative map. The framework and requirements for a DA are set forth in state law and the approval and any subsequent amendment, including a term extension, of a DA require a public hearing before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. 

A noticed public hearing was held at a Special Meeting with the Planning Commission on January 16, 2025. Discussion among the Commissioners during the public hearing included concerns that the DA obligations could be outdated and/or that the approved project design may no longer benefit the needs of the County and Esparto community. Ultimately, the Planning Commission voted to approve a recommendation for the term extension upon a vote of 6 to 1, with the dissenting vote casting concerns the County may lose its ability to further negotiate on desired outcomes should the project be built as originally approved.

An extension to the E. Parker DA would allow the Tribe to engage with the Esparto community to consider options for the property, which could change substantially based on community input and needs of the Tribe. Staff anticipate the E. Parker project will likely undergo a tentative map amendment, which will result in future public hearings with the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.  In an effort to keep the project moving forward, staff concurs with the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve another two-year extension to the E. Parker DA and TSM until December 31, 2026.

The Esparto Citizens Advisory Committee reviewed the Tribe's request for a two-year term extension at their meeting on December 17, 2024, and unanimously recommended extending the term of the E. Parker DA and Tentative Map until December 31, 2026.
 

The Office of the County Counsel has assisted staff and approved the Ordinance as to form.