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• Both parcels are currently planted in vinevards and classified as "Prime <br /> Farmland," which is the highest classification of Important Farmland under <br /> the Farmland Mapping and Mcnitoring Program utilized by the State of <br /> California. In addition, the soils on the properties are classified as Tokay <br /> fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes and Vina fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 <br /> percent slopes, which are suited to irrigated crops. <br /> B. "parcel sizes are generally large enough to support commercial agricultural activities, <br /> and" <br /> • The project parcels are currently 20.48 and 14.91 acres, and the project <br /> applicant plans to merge the parcels to create a 35.39-acre parcel if the <br /> General Plan designation and Zoning amendments are approved. Pursuant <br /> to General Plan Vol. 1, page VI-10, "Minimum parcel sizes shall be 20-40 <br /> acres where irrigation water is available". These parcels belong to the <br /> North San Joaquin Water Conservation District and fall within the 20-40 <br /> acre range. Thus, they are large enough to support commercial agricultural <br /> activities. <br /> C. "there exists a commitment to commercial agricuiture in the form of Williamson Act <br /> contracts and/or capital investments." <br /> • The project applicant has submitted Agricultural Preserve application No. <br /> PA-1400156 with the intention of applying for a Williamson Act contract if <br /> the General Plan designation and Zoning amendments are approved. In <br /> addition, the properties are currently planted in vineyards. Therefore, the <br /> applicant has demonstrated a commitment to commercial agriculture. <br /> Bases for Zone Reclassification <br /> Development Title Section 9-812.4 states that prior to approving an application for a Zone <br /> Reclassification, the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors shall determine that all of <br /> the following are true: <br /> a) The proposed zone is consistent with the General Plan, any applicable Master Plans, and <br /> any applicable Specific Plan; <br /> • The AG-40 zone is an implementing zone of the A/G (General Agriculture) General <br /> Plan designation. If the General Plan designation is changed to A/G, then the zone <br /> change to AG-40 (General Agriculture, 40-acre minimum) would be consistent with <br /> the General Plan. There are no applicable Master Plans or Specific Plans in the <br /> vicinity. <br /> b) The proposed zone district is reasonable and beneficial at the time. <br /> • The proposed Zone Reclassification is reasonable and beneficial at this time as the <br /> property is currently planted in vineyards and large enough to sustain agricultural <br /> operations. The adjacent properties to the west and north are currently zoned as <br /> AG-40, and the adjacent properties to the east are zoned AU-20 (Agriculture-Urban <br /> Reserve, 20-acre minimum). There are no known plans for urban development of <br /> the subject property. <br /> Underlying Project <br /> The underlying project is to enter APNs 051-290-13 and 051-290-25 into a Williamson Act <br /> Contract. If the Board of Supervisors approves a full application for a General Plan Amendment. <br /> Zone Reclassification, and expansion of Agricultural Preserve R-69-2, the project applicant must <br /> apply for a Merger of Parcels prior to applying for a Williamson Act contract. <br /> 2 <br />