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Adopt an ordinance adding Article III to Chapter 2.2 of the Solano County Code concerning Agricultural Lands and Operations to define and implement an agricultural mitigation program; the proposed ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines ??15162, 15307, and 15308
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Published Notice Required? Yes _X__ No ____
Public Hearing Required? Yes _X__ No ____
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt an ordinance adding Article III to Chapter 2.2 of the Solano County Code concerning Agricultural Lands and Operations to define and implement an agricultural mitigation program.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On October 22, 2024 the Board introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 2.2 of the Solano County Code to effect General Plan Implementation Program AG.I-1 by establishing an "Agricultural Mitigation Program" that protects Solano County's valuable farmland from conversion to non-agricultural use. The ordinance intends to provide clear, consistent, and implementable regulations to mitigate the loss of productive and potentially productive farmland to ensure the viability of Solano County's agricultural industry, promote the health of the environment, and preserve the agricultural component of Solano County's cultural heritage.
The Board directed staff to revise the mitigation ratio for projects that convert Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Local Importance from a fixed ratio to a ratio range. The original, proposed language required an applicant to mitigate at a replacement ratio of 3:1, meaning that for every acre converted or developed, three (3) acres shall be protected. Staff was directed to revise (bold text) this language to read that "Projects that convert Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Local Importance will be required t...
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