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In addition, because the project site is at least 1,800 feet east of Vernalis' existing rural <br /> community boundary, additional agricultural properties in between existing and proposed <br /> community boundaries would be included in the expansion. Expanding the rural <br /> community boundary of Vernalis may result in a significant impact to adjacent <br /> landowners. <br /> General Plan Policies <br /> The expansion of the rural community of Vernalis is inconsistent with the Community <br /> Plan for Vernalis. General Plan Volume III states the following regarding the Community <br /> Plan for Vernalis: <br /> Assumptions <br /> 1. Vernalis will remain a rural community throughout the planning period. <br /> All development must be consistent with all parts of the General Plan 2010, <br /> including the Community Plans. Expansion of the community is not planned or <br /> encouraged. Growth is expected to be limited to the development of the vacant <br /> land within the community (General Plan Volume III, F. Vernalis, 4. 2010 Land <br /> Use Map, pp. XII-27). Because the project is inconsistent with the Community <br /> Plan for Vernalis, it is also inconsistent with the General Plan. <br /> Biological(impacts can be mitigated to less than significant) <br /> The Natural Diversity Database includes records for the Riparian Woodrat (Neotoma <br /> fuscipes riparia) in the project area. The development of sixty-three (63) acres of habitat <br /> could result in a potentially significant impact. In order to mitigate this impact to a less <br /> than significant level, the applicant will be required to either participate in the San <br /> Joaquin Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (SJMSHCP) by paying the appropriate <br /> fees, or by providing mitigation measures equal in kind to the Plan at the time of <br /> development. If the applicant does not choose to participate in the SJMSHCP, a <br /> mitigation-monitoring program is required through the Department of Fish & Game. <br /> Environmental Impact Report Procedures <br /> In order to proceed with the preparation of the EIR, an initial fee of $2,930.00 is required <br /> to prepare the Notice of Preparation (NOP). As soon as the fee is submitted the <br /> Community Development Department will begin preparation of the NOP. <br /> JJ:vb <br /> PA02473&474 <br /> Attachments <br /> C: Bogetti's Orchard, Inc. <br /> Jose L. Alva <br />