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Board moves ahead on Williamson Act non-renewals; owner objects and staff outlines TPZ option
Summary
Staff recommended notices of non-renewal for multiple Williamson Act contracts including a 678.6-acre parcel; property owner Mark Baird disputed staff's characterization, and staff and supervisors discussed rezone options to Timber Production Zone (TPZ) and associated fees.
Associate planner Bernadette Sisson presented staff recommendations to issue notices of non-renewal for several Williamson Act contracts where owners had not returned required surveys. Staff recommended non-renewal and that projects be determined CEQA-exempt.
Property owner Mark Baird addressed the board, disputed the staff timeline and said he was not offered a workable path to remain under the Williamson Act. He criticized county policy and taxation, saying "taxation is theft" and questioned the fairness of the county's handling of his parcel.
Board members and staff discussed alternatives. Staff said a rezone to Timber Production Zone (TPZ) is available and that if the owner applies the county could immediately cancel the non-renewal and rezone; county fees for a rezone process were estimated in discussion to be around $1,900, and additional costs may include a registered professional forester and a timber-management plan. A supervisor said if the owner is supportive staff would help facilitate the rezone process.
The board approved staff's recommended motion to issue notices of non-renewal for the listed properties with a direction to work with affected owners on rezone options where feasible.
