Timeline GPA 96-03 is the County's proposed answer to the courts regarding the lawsuit filed by Save Our Forests and Ranchlands on the minimum parcel size allowed on property zoned AG20. Farm Bureau opposed this action on the basis it would take local planning discretion away from planning groups. Our Forests and Ranchlands files suit against the County challenging the basis for GPA 94-01. Ruling included a permit moratorium on AG20 property. At the end of the appeals period on Judge McConnell's decision the Farm Bureau convinces Board of Supervisors to allow Pacific Legal Foundation to appeal.
Supervisors agree, but only on moratorium portion of judgement.
After Farm Bureau is unable to convince County to hire an agricultural expert to suggest a remedy to the court order, Farm Bureau conducts its own exhaustive survey of more than 1200 agricultural property owners. This proposal is GPA 96-03. Based on comments from property owners in Farm Bureau survey, Farm Bureau reaches conclusion that the county staff's proposal was too exacting. The Board of Supervisors directed staff to prepare environmental documents on the two proposals and return the issue to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission votes to continue the issue to allow for additional review.