Adopt resolution that modifies the boundary of Agricultural Preserve Nos. 031 and 077, authorize the execution of a new Williamson Act Open Space contract for approximately 1,277.7 acres of land identified as Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 033-380-003, 033-380-007, 033-380-013, 033-370-003, 033-370-005, 033-390-006, and 033-270-010 within the Agricultural Intensive (A-N) zone; and determine that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. (No general fund impact) (Fieseler/Gonzalez)

The subject property (identified as APNs: 033-380-003, 033-380-007, 033-380-013, 033-370-003, 033-370-005, 033-390-006, and 033-270-010) located east of County Road 104, adjacent to Shag Slough and Liberty Island, consists of approximately 1,277.7 acres and is located within the Agricultural Intensive (A-N) zone, approximately 7 miles west of the community of Clarksburg. APN: 033-380-013 is developed with a homesite and various outbuildings, whereas the remaining acreage is undeveloped and consists of irrigated pasture and grazing land. The subject property was previously subject to Williamson Act Agreement No. 77-294 (established September 1977). The applicant desires to replace the existing contract (Agreement No. 72-294) and enroll a total of 1,277.7 acres in a new Williamson Act Open Space Agreement to allow the applicant to avoid conflict with a proposed Swainson’s Hawk conservation easement on the subject property.

The California Land Conservation Act (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.

In order for the new Williamson Act Open Space contract to be executed for the subject property, Agricultural Preserve No. 031 must be expanded to include 303.4 acres of land previously identified as APN: 033-270-010 and contained within Agricultural Preserve No. 077. Although the enlargement of Agricultural Preserve No. 031 will slightly diminish the size of Agricultural Preserve No. 077, the resultant acreage of Agricultural Preserve No. 077 will greatly exceed the minimum size requirements for the establishment of agricultural preserves (i.e., 100 acres per Gov’t Code Section 51230), which encompasses approximately 303 acres of nearby lands.

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 Nos. 031 and 077 have been met and the minimum acreage requirements for agricultural preserves have been satisfied. Staff recommends the Board of Supervisors to enroll the 1,277.7 acres into a new Williamson Act Open Space contract (Attachment C).

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