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Board approves three Williamson Act contracts, establishing agricultural preserves
Summary
The board unanimously approved Williamson Act contracts and supporting zoning amendments for two family trust properties (252.42 acres and 132.31 acres) after Planning and Ag Advisory Committee recommendations; staff cited feasibility studies and minimum income/acreage requirements.
On Nov. 4 the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors approved multiple Williamson Act applications and related zoning changes to create agricultural preserves.
Item 16: Planning staff recommended establishing Williamson Act contract number 394 for Edward William Bardsley and Jennifer Lauren McCann Bardsley (trustees) to enroll 252.42 acres in an agricultural preserve. Staff cited the California Land Conservation Act (Williamson Act) eligibility rules, noted the parcel’s General Plan designation as Resource Production and a reported gross annual cattle income of $94,500; a county farm advisor feasibility study indicated production capability of about $209.75 per acre. The Ag Advisory Committee and Planning Commission recommended approval. An online applicant (Ed Bartley) spoke in support. The board closed the public hearing and voted 5–0 to adopt the contract and a corresponding zoning amendment.
Items 18–19: The board also approved Williamson Act contract number 395 and a zoning amendment to designate 132.31 acres (Sheree Garamendi Aguilar declaration of trust and family members) as an agricultural preserve. Staff reported a reported gross annual income of $20,000 for the operation and a feasibility estimate of about $154.22 per acre; Planning Commission and Ag Advisory Committee recommended approval. The board opened a combined public hearing for items 18 and 19 and approved both items 5–0.
Each approval included a finding the projects are categorically exempt under CEQA Section 15317 and met county criteria (minimum acreage and production thresholds) outlined in county resolution guidance. The board requested staff follow routine steps to finalize contract documents and record the zoning amendments.
