Adopt resolution that expands Agricultural Preserve No. 041 to allow for the execution of a new Williamson Act contract on an approximately 215.58-acre agricultural property (APN: 062-020-012) that is planted in almonds and contains natural habitat. (No general fund impact) (Echiburu/Cormier)

1. Determine that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines (Att. A.);
    
2. Adopt the Resolution (Att. B.) to expand Agricultural Preserve No. 041 to include the subject parcel (APN: 062-020-012) and surrounding parcels (APNs: 062-020-015, -017, -019, -023, -024, -025), totaling approximately 607.85 acres as shown in Exhibit 1 to Attachment B; and
    
3. Approve a new Agreement to enroll the 215.58-acre parcel into the Williamson Act and authorize the Chair to sign the new Williamson Act contract (Att. C.).

Flourishing Agriculture

The California Land Conservation Act (a.k.a. Williamson Act) statutes require that all new contracts be included within established Agricultural Preserves. There are approximately 97 Agricultural Preserves in the unincorporated area of Yolo County, most of which were established in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and some of which have been expanded to enroll new lands. In order for the subject property to be enrolled and a new Williamson Act contract to be executed, Agricultural Preserve No. 041 must be expanded to include the 215.58-acre parcel. Staff is also proposing that the adjacent properties surrounding the subject parcel be included in the Agricultural Preserve should the property owners choose to enroll in the Williamson Act in the future (see Exhibit 1 in Attachment B).

The subject property adequately meets the County's eligibility criteria for establishing contracts under the Williamson Act, which is supported by the 2030 Countywide General Plan's goals and policies for conserving, preserving, and enhancing agricultural lands. Staff recommends the Board to adopt the Resolution to expand Agricultural Preserve No. 041 and approve a new Agreement to enroll the 215.58-acre parcel into the Williamson Act.

The Office of the County Counsel has approved the resolution and new Williamson Act contract as to form.