Advisory committee backs Land Conservation Act application for three Indian Peak parcels covering about 575 acres

The Mariposa County Agricultural Advisory Committee voted to recommend the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors approve a new Land Conservation Act application (DIS 20 25 36) that would place three parcels off Indian Peak Road under a 20‑year rolling contract covering about 574.83 acres.

Planning staff said the application meets program requirements, exceeds the 160‑acre minimum for range and forage, and that the Agricultural Commissioner confirmed active and historical grazing on the parcels. Staff recommended that the committee forward the application to the Planning Commission, with Planning Commission consideration scheduled for Nov. 21 and the Board of Supervisors consideration estimated for Dec. 23 provided public‑notice deadlines are met.

Why it matters: LCA (Land Conservation Act) contracts preserve working agricultural land by offering the property tax assessment structure established under county procedures and state law. The recommended action, if approved by the Planning Commission and Board, would extend a 20‑year rolling conservation contract on the subject parcels.

Committee discussion focused on outreach and applicant awareness. Kelly Williams (Farm Bureau) urged staff to make clear to applicants that they may want to “hold out” acreage around residences to retain flexibility for future uses such as vacation rentals or small farm stores so the house and related improvements are not encumbered by the contract. Planning staff acknowledged that the topic merits clearer notification and agreed to prepare an informational item and checklist language for future agendas and the application packet.

Action: Committee member Evan Mackie moved to recommend approval; Kelly Williams seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote recorded as "Aye." No public comment was recorded at the meeting.

Next steps: If the Planning Commission and Board adopt the resolution recommended by staff, the parcels would enter a 20‑year rolling LCA contract; biennial reporting requirements would begin once a new contract is in place and staff will file the appropriate CEQA notice of exemption for open‑space easements as recommended by staff.

Context and limits: The committee’s recommendation is advisory. Final approval requires a Planning Commission hearing and Board of Supervisors action after public notice. The committee did not alter the contract terms at this meeting; staff will return with materials to improve applicant notification about excluded acreage.