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Giuseppe Sanfilippo San Joaquin County Community Development Department Re: PA-2100238 (UP): Comments on Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration May 2, 2023 Page 2 subordinate to, and must be consistent with, the General Plan. The special status afforded to agriculture is reflected in the County's "General Plan Vision": The overarching Vision of the General Plan is that San Joaquin County will be the agricultural heart of California with sustainable and abundant water resources, desirable and safe communities, a strong and globally-connected economy, and thriving and pristine natural resources. As the agricultural center of California, San Joaquin County's farmland and agricultural heritage are preserved. Farms continue to produce a diverse array of the highest quality agricultural produce and products. Both traditional and innovative agricultural practices flourish throughout the County. Residents understand, appreciate, and are proud of the role agriculture plays in the history and economy of the County. (General Plan 2035,p. 2-2, emphasis added'.) Consistent with this vision, the General Plan identifies that"[g]rowth and development occurs predominantly within and adjacent to existing communities and cities." (P. 2-3) This vision reflects the recognition that, "The encroachment of urban uses into farming areas not only means the loss of productive soils but also the greater potential for land use conflicts, since new residents do not want to contend with normal agricultural operations which generate dust, noise, and odors." (P. 2-4.) The General Plan identifies minimizing growth impacts on agricultural land as a"key issue confronting the County over the next 20 years." (P. 2-17) To implement the General Plan vision, the "Guiding Principles" for community development specify that the County will focus growth within and adjacent to cities, promote infill development, and"Ensure development is compatible with farming operations and minimizes conflicts." (P. 3.1-2.) To protect Agricultural Productivity and Heritage, the General Plan specifies that the County will "Preserve agricultural land and rich prime soils for productive farming and rangelands. ,2 (Ibid., emphasis added.) Closely related to this goal, the General Plan Economic Growth and Sustainability goals direct the County to "Ensure agriculture and ag-related industries remain the County's strongest economic sector." (Ibid.) The Project conflicts with the General Plan vision and each of these key goals and objectives. The Project is also inconsistent with General Plan goals promoting orderly development, and emphasizing infill development, that have the underlying purpose of protecting agriculture. The proposed Project conflicts with General Plan GOAL LU-1, which provides: 1 All subsequent citations are to the General Plan 2035. 2 Closely related to this goal,the General Plan Economic Growth and Sustainability goals direct the County to "Ensure agriculture and ag-related industries remain the County's strongest economic sector." (P.3.1-2.)