COMPLIANCE INFO_1991-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-Agricultural conversion could also require the nonrenewal or cancellation of Williamson Act land conservation contracts. Approximately 700 acres of prime agricultural lands within the primary urban area, as defined by the City of Manteca General Plan, are under Williamson Act land conservation contracts. Conversion of agricultural land and Williamson Act land in particular could also have the cumulative secondary impact of encouraging conversion of Williamson Act land outside the primary urban area. Altered land use patterns and land use conflicts from urban encroachment contribute to the conversion of agricultural land. Typical urban impacts to agriculture include increased traffic , trespassing, and vandalism. Impacts of farming on adjacent urban uses typically include dust, pesticides , odors , and noise. The potential for conflict exists where residences abut farming operations. These uses would be adjacent to each other in the northwest and south of the primary urban areas. Very low density residential areas would serve as a buffer in the northeast and reduce the potential for land use conflicts. Where commercial uses abut agricultural land, the potential for impacts to urban uses is reduced since human presence is generally limited in duration. However, potential impacts to agricultural use from increased human presence (e.g. , vandalism) may be incurred. Commercial uses would abut agriculture in the southeast and southwest. The potentially significant land use conflict impacts can be mitigated to less-than-significant levels by implementing three measures. First, adopting a right-to farm ordinance will provide that approval of urban development is conditioned so that development does not adversely affect agricultural practices. Second, buffer zones such as greenbelts or bikeway trails should be instituted on the perimeter of residential areas to the north, west and south of the study area so that agricultural operations are not encroached on or otherwise adversely affected. Finally, site-specific CEQA documents for projects that will convert agricultural land should contain mitigation measures to prevent land use conflict. The General Plan policy document includes the following policies to mitigate the impacts of new development on soils and agricultural resources: VI.B. 1. The City shall support the continuation of agricultural uses on lands designated for urban uses until urban development is imminent. VI.B. 2. The City shall discourage the cancellation of Williamson Act contracts within the primary urban service boundary line until it is demonstrated that the lands with such contracts will be need for urban development in the immediate future. 12