The Tulare County Planning Commission voted Oct. 8 to approve a zone variance (PZV25-036) and conditionally approve tentative parcel map PPM25-028, dividing a 124.76-acre parcel near Tipton into an 8.16-acre homesite parcel and a 116.93-acre agricultural remainder.

Emily Gage, a project processing planner with the county Resource Management Agency, told commissioners the subject property at 8860 Avenue 120 (APN 293-090-005) is in the AE-40 zone and enrolled in Williamson Act contract number 3274 and Agricultural Preserve number 550. Staff said the application requested a homesite parcel larger than the four-acre maximum and identified the zoning ordinance sections (Ordinance No. 352, sections on divisions of land) that govern the entitlement.

Staff recommended approval after finding the four mandatory variance findings were satisfied: special circumstances related to parcel size and established improvements; conditions assurance to prevent inconsistent special privileges; no authorization of new uses; and consistency with the general plan. No public comments were received during the noticed 10-day comment period.

Votes and particulars: The transcript records the commission approved the CEQA common-sense exemption under Title 14, §15061(b)(3) and conditionally approved the zone variance and tentative parcel map. Recorded votes in the transcript show 5–0 with two absences on the motions.

Why it matters: The action allows the creation of a homesite parcel while maintaining a large agricultural remainder under a Williamson Act contract. The county’s findings and conditions shape what uses and parcel sizes are allowable on land under conservation contracts.

Ending: With commission approval, the applicant must complete any required final map, conditions and agency clearances to record the parcel split.