Tulare County approves zone change for Galloway's commercial project near Visalia

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors convened on July 8, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on a proposed zoning change in the unincorporated area near Visalia.

The meeting began with a public hearing regarding Zone Change Number PZC24-009, presented by Aaron Bach, Assistant Director of the Resource Management Agency (RMA). The proposal seeks to change the zoning designation of a property located at 12021 Avenue 328 from Exclusive Agriculture (AE 40) to General Commercial with a Mixed Use Overlay (C2 MU). This change is intended to facilitate the establishment of a swap meet, including parking, food trucks, and a beer garden, on a site that is currently an equipment storage yard.

Bach noted that the project aligns with the urban development boundary of Visalia and is consistent with the city’s land use plan, which originally designated the area for heavy industrial use. The Planning Commission had previously adopted a special use permit in May 2025, which is required alongside the zoning change.

During the public comment period, Mitchell Cote, representing local residents, expressed concerns about the proposed commercial development in an agricultural area. He emphasized the community's preference to maintain the agricultural character of the region and raised issues regarding potential impacts on local wildlife, specifically mentioning the habitat of the kit fox.

The Board of Supervisors will consider the feedback from the public and the RMA's recommendations before making a decision on the zoning change. The meeting highlighted the ongoing tension between development and agricultural preservation in Tulare County, reflecting broader discussions about land use and community needs. Further deliberations and potential resolutions are expected in upcoming sessions.