Adopt resolution that expands Agricultural Preserve No. 089 and authorize the execution of a new Williamson Act contract on an approximately 335.64-acre property (APN: 044-120-031) within the Agricultural Intensive (A-N)/Clarksburg Agricultural District Overlay (CADO) zones; determine that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. (No general fund impact) (Lindbo/Gonzalez)

The subject property (APN: 044-120-031) is located northwest of the community of Clarksburg off Willow Point Road, near Winchester Lake. The parcel is approximately 335.64 acres in size and located within the Agricultural Intensive (A-N)/Clarksburg Agricultural District Overlay (CADO) zones. The parcel is planted in vineyards and wheat hay and has an agricultural barn.

The California Land Conservation Act (Williamson Act) authorizes counties and cities to contract with owners of agricultural land to preserve the agricultural uses on the property during the term of the agreement in exchange for reduced property tax bills. The Williamson Act requires that all new contracts be included within an established Agricultural Preserve. There are approximately 102 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.
 

The owner of the subject property would like to enroll the property in the Williamson Act, but the subject property is not in an existing Agricultural Preserve. 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. The procedural requirements to amend the boundaries of Agricultural Preserve No. 089 have been met, and the minimum acreage requirements for agricultural preserves has been satisfied. Staff therefore recommends the Board of Supervisors expand Agricultural Preserve No. 089 and enroll the 335.64-acre parcel into a new Williamson Act contract (Attachment C).

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