Agenda Item Wording:
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Receive presentation regarding the update on the release of the Draft Agricultural Preservation Ordinance, provide an overview of the ordinance, and to receive input from the City Council and community. Public comments pertaining to the Draft Agricultural Preservation Ordinance may be submitted to the City in writing until March 27, 2023.
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Deadline for Action: 3/6/2023
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Paul Bernal, Community Development Director, (559) 713-4025, paul.bernal@visalia.city
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that City Council receive an update on the Draft Agricultural Preservation Ordinance and project timeline. The report and presentation are informational only and no direct action is required.
Summary:
The City Council directed staff to prepare an Agricultural Preservation Ordinance to implement the Agricultural Mitigation Program, as outlined in General Plan Policy LU-P-34. The adoption of the Agricultural Preservation Ordinance (APO) is a necessary step for projects in the Tier II and Tier III growth boundaries to move forward. Based on direction received from the City Council at their December 5th, 2022, Work Session, staff along with the City's consultant, has prepared a draft ordinance that has been posted on the City's APO webpage for a 30-day public review period (https://www.visalia.city/depts/community_development/planning/agricultural_preservation_ordinance.asp). Public comments pertaining to the draft ordinance may be submitted to the City in writing until March 27, 2023.
Overview of the Agricultural Preservation Ordinance:
On February 24, 2023, the Draft APO was publicly advertised for review on the City's APO website. The purpose and intent of the ordinance is to implement the goals of the City of Visalia General Plan and address the conversion of prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance through the adoption of an agricultural land...
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