PC R 10-2102 RESOLUTION NO. 10-2102
AN RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE RECOMMENDING
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE (DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT
10-001) TO CLARIFY AGRICULTURAL CONVERSION
- AND MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS
WHEREAS, the City Council of Arroyo Grande adopted the updated General Plan on
which became effective on October 9, 2001 which recognizes the historic role of
agriculture within the community and outlines goals, objectives and policies regarding the
retention of agricultural lands within and adjacent to the City; and
WHEREAS, the City has a responsibility to assure adherence to the General Plan in
meeting the needs and desires of the residents and the community; and
WHEREAS, the City is required to complete a comprehensive review and necessary
revisions to the Development Code and zoning map for consistency with the General Plan
in accordance with Government Code Section 65860; and
� WHEREAS, on August 26, 2003 the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande reviewed
and considered the information in the Report on the Conservation of Agriculfure in the
City of Arroyo Grande, as well as public testimony presented prior to and at the public
hearings and adopted Resolution No. 3699 to initiate implementing ordinances and
programs;
WHEREAS, Chapter 16.28 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code implements the
policies of the General Plan by providing for areas wherein uses are limited to
agricultural and compatible pursuits and wherein development regulations restrict the
intrusion of urban and rural development; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Arroyo Grande has reviewed and
considered the information in the proposed Ordinance and public testimony presented
at the public hearings, staff reports and all other information and documents that are
part of the public record for this matter; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission finds, after due study, deliberation and public
hearing, the following circumstances exist:
A. The proposed amendment to the Zoning Map and revisions to Title 16 is
� consistent with the goals, objectives, policies, and programs of the General Plan,
and is desirable in order to implement the provisions of the General Plan based
on Resolution No. 3699 and further finds that:
1. The acreage of prime agricultural land within the City limits is a particularly
important resource, has unique qualities and benefits the community through
RESOLUTION NO. 10-2102
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� the provision of productive open space, economic activity.and employment
base, wildlife habitat and an important filter to rain runoff, sustaining rural
community character, and the provision of locally grown produce.
2. The acreage of agricultural land within the City limits has rapidly decreased
over the previous three decades and is particularly threatened due to
encroaching urban development, available infrastructure and land costs that
are substantially higher than average costs .of agricultural lands within the
County of San Luis Obispo.
3. The protection of agricultural acreage within the City's Area of Environmental
Concern is important to preserving a strong urban edge and preventing urban
sprawl.
4. The protection of agricultural lands within the City limits is the City's greatest
priority as described in the 2001 General Plan followed by lands adjacent to
the City limits, and thirdly, other agricultural lands within the City's Area of
Environmental Concern planning area.
5. It is the policy of the City to work cooperatively with San Luis Qbispo County
to preserve agricultural land within the City's Area of Environmental Concern
planning area, beyond that deemed necessary for development; it is further
the policy of the City to protect and conserve agricultural land, especially in
areas presently farmed or having Class I or II soils or areas that are presently
or were historically farmed or are potentially capable of being farmed.
6. Some urban uses when contiguous to farmland can affect how an agricultural
use can be operated, which can lead to the conversion of agricultural land to
urban use.
7. By requiring conservation easements as a condition for land being converted
from an agricultural use and by requiring a one hundred foot buffer, the City
shall be helping to ensure prime farmland remains in or available for
agricultural use.
B. The proposed amendment to the Zoning Map and revisions to Title 16 will not
- adversely affect the public health, safety, and welfare or result in an illogical land
use pattern.
C. The proposed amendment to the Zoning Map and revisions to Title 16 is
consistent with the purpose and intent of Title 16.
D. A Program EIR was prepared and certified on October 9, 2001 for the 2001
General Plan update which incorporated an analysis of agricultural buffers within
RESOLUTION NO. 10-2102 •
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the City of Arroyo Grande and the proposed amendments to Title 16 are within
the scope of the Program EIR and the potential environmental impacts of the
proposed amendment are determined by this Council to be less than significant.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City of
Arroyo Grande hereby recommends that the City Council adopt an Ordinance arnending
Section 16.12.170 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code entitled as set forth in the
Ordinance and Resolution attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
On motion by Commissioner Ruth, seconded by Commissioner Keen, and by the following
roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Ruth, Keen and Chair Ray
NOES: Commissioners Barneich and Brown
ABSENT: None .
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 20�' day of April 2010. �
ATTEST: 1 � �
I 1
LJ.I?.Cr'wt�P 0� �
DEBBIE WEICHINGER � CAREN RAY, HAIR
SECRETARY TO THE COMMISSION
�—
L� � 'll1/` ``
TERESA M CLISH
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
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