Board approves two‑lot subdivision of Bloomfield Ranch under Williamson Act contract

Permit Sonoma staff presented a request from Jackson Family Investments to subdivide its 347‑acre Bloomfield Ranch on Bloomfield Road, roughly three miles south of Sebastopol, into two parcels so the owner can place varietal grape vineyards on a separate lot. The project is in land extensive agriculture zoning and remains subject to a Williamson Act contract, which requires board approval of subdivisions for contracted land.

Hannah Spencer, supervising planner with Permit Sonoma, told the board that Lot 1 would be about 134 acres and Lot 2 about 213 acres, that the map conforms to the general plan and zoning, and that the county’s review found access, fire protection, water supply and septic systems to meet county requirements. Permit Sonoma confirmed the subdivision would not cause any loss of Williamson Act contracted land. The map had been reviewed under CEQA and reviewed by state agencies; the owner agreed to mitigation for sensitive biological and cultural resources.

The Project Review and Advisory Committee previously recommended approval and no public concerns were raised at the PRAC meeting. Jeff Scott represented the landowner at the hearing. Two supervisors disclosed potential connections and recused themselves from the discussion; the board heard that a quorum of three votes is sufficient in this matter and the motion to approve carried.

Action: The Board approved the subdivision map for the Bloomfield Ranch (Jackson Family Investments). Staff will record the map and ensure agreed mitigation measures are implemented through the County's normal conditions-of-approval and mitigation-monitoring procedures.