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Board adopts EIR addendum, certifies Williamson Act cancellation and grants one‑year extension for Gibson Solar Farm
Summary
After a staff presentation and no public comment, the Yolo County Board adopted an EIR addendum for the previously approved Gibson Solar Farm, certified a tentative Williamson Act cancellation (fee ~ $237,000 based on assessor value) for the southern 100 acres and approved a one‑year extension of the conditional use permit.
County planning staff updated the board March 24 on proposed modifications to the previously approved Gibson Solar Farm project, a utility‑scale solar and battery facility located on a 147‑acre parcel south of State Route 16. The project remains limited to development on the southern 100 acres with the northern 47 acres retained in agricultural production.
Staff presented an Environmental Impact Report addendum analyzing changes to the number and height of utility poles (increase from 10 to 12 poles and pole height increases in order to provide safe clearance for agricultural equipment), visual simulations, and an evaluation of agricultural impacts. The planning commission and the board had previously certified the EIR and approved a reduced‑footprint alternative in 2023. Staff concluded the addendum does not produce new or more severe environmental impacts beyond those analyzed in the certified EIR and recommended the board adopt the addendum.
As part of the item staff also recommended the board initiate a partial cancellation of the Williamson Act contract (agreement #7006) for the 100 acres proposed for development, including certification of a tentative cancellation fee. Staff reported a county assessor valuation of approximately $1,895,000 for that 100‑acre portion, estimating a cancellation fee at roughly 12.5% of assessed fair market value (about $237,000). Staff recommended recording the tentative certificate of cancellation, publishing notice of the board’s decision and notifying the state Department of Conservation as required by law.
The applicant requested a one‑year extension of the conditional use permit because construction activities and interrelated requirements (power purchase agreement renegotiation, agricultural conservation easement and neighboring easement agreements for utility poles) remain outstanding. Staff recommended the extension to allow the applicant time to meet conditions for building permit submittal.
Supervisor 16 disclosed and recused himself on the item for a potential conflict. After staff presentation there were no public comments; a motion to adopt staff recommendations was moved, seconded and approved unanimously. The board’s vote advanced the addendum adoption, Williamson Act cancellation process and the one‑year permit extension. Staff will record the tentative certificate and follow statutory cancellation procedures and return with any contract‑specific steps as required.
