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Ms. Leanne Mueller October 18, 2002 Page 2 of 4 Statewide Importance should be identified in terms of project acres directly converted or otherwise impacted and adjacent land impacted. If this map is not available for the project area, we recommend using the Williamson Act's definition of prime agricultural land (Government Code §51201(c)). Conversion of farmland identified by any of these designations is considered a significant impact. In addition, Williamson Act contracted land on site and in the surrounding area should be identified by acreage as prime or nonprime agricultural land. Current and historical agricultural use of the project site and surrounding area should be described. Project Impacts on Agricultural Land The Department recommends that the Initial Study include the following information: • Type, amount, and location of farmland conversion resulting directly and indirectly from project implementation on site and in the surrounding area. • Impacts on current and future agricultural operations; e.g., land-use conflicts, increases in land values and taxes, vandalism, etc. • Incremental project impacts leading to cumulative impacts on agricultural land, such as impacts from past, current and probable future projects. Williamson Act Lands A project's conflict with a Williamson Act contract is considered a significant impact. The Department recommends that the Initial Study consider the following: Williamson Act contracts that may be terminated in order to accommodate the project. Impacts on nearby properties also under contract should be considered; i.e., growth-inducing impacts (in the sense that the removal of contract protection not only lifts a barrier to development, but results in higher property taxes and an incentive to shift to a more intensive land use, such as urban development.). As a general rule, land can be withdrawn from a Williamson Act contract only through the nine-year nonrenewal process. Immediate termination via cancellation is reserved for "extraordinary", unforeseen situations (See Sierra Club v. City of Hayward (1981) 28 Cal.3d 840, 852-855). In order to approve a tentative contract cancellation, the County must determine that specific findings that are supported by substantial evidence can be made (Government Code §51282). When a petition for cancellation is considered complete by the County, specified notification must be submitted to the Department. The Department's comments must be considered by the board of supervisors prior to any action on the proposed cancellation (Government Code §51284.1).