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Tulare County pulls agricultural zoning text amendment after staff raises ambiguity over "immature cows" language
Summary
Tulare County Resource Management Agency staff pulled a proposed text amendment to the county zoning ordinance (PZC25-005) for clarification of language about immature cows; the item is rescheduled for June 25 and staff emphasized additional outreach to the Farm Bureau and Agricultural Commission.
Tulare County Resource Management Agency staff pulled a text amendment to the county zoning ordinance affecting agricultural zones, citing unclear wording about the treatment of “immature cows.” The item, listed as PZC25-005, will return to the Planning Commission on June 25 for further consideration.
“Tulare County Resource Management Agency project processing staff are pulling this item and will reschedule it for June 25,” said Emily Gaige, project processing staff for the Resource Management Agency. The commission opened the public hearing slot but staff said no presentation would be made because the item requires revision.
Staff described the ambiguity: the current draft reads that up to two offspring per acre are allowed, up to a maximum of 25 animals (the transcript indicated a 12-acre threshold), but language about how immature cows are counted was unclear and had produced multiple interpretations. Agency staff said different interpretations had arisen depending on prior directors and that the intent and wording require clarification before adopting the amendment.
Agency staff said they would return to the Agricultural Commission and the Farm Bureau to resolve the wording and ensure consistent interpretation. The staff presentation to commissioners also included a broader update on zoning work: the residential zoning amendment is nearing completion, and the county plans to move to commercial and industrial zoning changes next. Staff noted the county has seen increased building permit interest in Goshen, and a general plan initiation and rezoning items for properties near State Route 198 may be coming back to the commission within six months; sewer availability for Goshen remains the primary constraint.
Staff also discussed housing funding and timelines. A federal grant discussed in the meeting carries construction deadlines through 2026, and staff warned that jurisdictions that do not meet design and construction milestones could risk losing awarded funds. Staff referenced the county’s pro-housing certification and recent ADU ordinance changes as part of meeting obligations tied to some funding programs.
No formal action on PZC25-005 occurred; the item was pulled for revision and will be noticed for the June 25 Planning Commission meeting.
