HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1998 0617 CC REG ITEM 10GAGENDA REPORT
CITY OF MOORPARK
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ITEM 10• Cfo
CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA
City Council Meeting
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ACTION:
TO: The Honorable City Council Co u f� u nG 2 q .l q qg
1.
FROM: Nelson Miller, Director of Community Development i*� - - -�
Prepared by: John Libiez, Principal Planner
DATE: June 15,1998 (For City Council Meeting of June 17,1998)
SUBJECT: Council Ad Hoc Committee /Soar - Proposed Ballot Measures
DISCUSSION:
At the City Council meeting of May 20, 1998 City Council reviewed the Ad Hoc Committee report
outlining three measures recommended by the committee (Council members Evans and Teasley) for
consideration to be placed upon the November ballot. City Council directed the Ad Hoc Committee
and staff to proceed with preparation of these measures for consideration at the City Council meeting
of June 17, 1998.
The Ad Hoc Committee met on May 26, 1998 and further outlined potential measures and directed
staff to prepare a draft of a potential measure. Preliminary drafts were prepared and reviewed by the
Committee on May 29 and June 10, 1998. The Committee requested staff prepare a measure to
address urban growth boundaries and greenbelt preservation, similar to the recommendations of the
County Agricultural Policy Working Group discussions. An alternative with a limited number of
changes to the proposed was also discussed.
In modeling the attached draft measure, staff took into account the County of Ventura Agriculture
Policy Working Group (APWG)considerations on policies and strategies affecting agriculture and
open space, a copy of which is attached. The attached draft measure retains the same general format
as the SOAR initiative, but includes modifications relating to Urban Growth Limit Boundaries and
preservation of open space/ agricultural lands in its statements of purpose, and by the incorporation
of suggested changes to the Land Use Element of the General Plan. A copy of the greenbelt and
urban growth boundary measure is attached for Council review and discussion.
An alternative was also discussed which would include just a few changes to the proposed initiative,
including modifying the urban growth boundary to reflect the planning area included in the 1992
General Plan update, changing the effective date of the measure to July 1, 1999, changing the term
of the measure from twenty years to ten years to be more consistent with the APWG
recommendations, and making a change in the acreage from forty acres per property owner to an
aggregate of 160 acres per year based upon any of the findings specified. Staff is preparing a draft
that would include these changes and the other changes necessary for consistency with these
CAM\ccRPTS\soARRPT
., r
Ad Hoc Committee /Soar
City Council Report for June 17,1998
Page 2.
changes. This will draft will be available prior to the meeting.
During its deliberations, the Ad Hoc Committee also requested staff to prepare two financing
measures for Council consideration that could be placed on the ballot as well. One of these measures
would provide for a million dollars per year for ten years to purchase open space lands. This might
provide for purchase of approximately 200 to 250 acres over a ten year period. The other measure
would provide for funding of potential costs for defending a SOAR measure, which is estimated to
cost as much as $500,000. Both of these measures were based upon a formula similar to the
proposed parks maintenance measure.
Should Council wish to place these measures on the ballot for the November election, the measures
need to be acted on by June 24 and submitted to the County Registrar by the June 25, 1998 deadline
for inclusion on the November ballot. A resolution has been prepared and is attached for Council
consideration to facilitate that.
RECOMMENDATION:
Direct Staff as deemed appropriate.
Attachments: 1. Draft Resolution Directing Placement of Ballot Measure:
A. City of Moorpark Greenbelt Preservation and Urban Growth
Boundary Measure
B. Special Tax for Open Space Acquisition
C. Special Tax for Legal Defense Costs.
2. Ventura County Agriculture Policy Working Group Final Report
CA\M \CCRPTS \SOARRPT
RESOLUTION NO. 98-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK,
CALIFORNIA REQUESTING THE PLACEMENT OF CERTAIN MEASURES TO
PRESERVE GREENBELT AREAS AND TO ESTABLISH AN URBAN GROWTH
BOUNDARY FOR THE CITY OF MOORPARK, AND TO FINANCE THE COSTS
RELATED TO LAND ACQUISITIONS NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER SAID
PRESERVATION, AND TO FINANCE THE COST OF POTENTIAL LITIGATION
CREATED BY THE EXERCISE OF PRESERVATION ACTIONS, AND REQUESTING
THAT THE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK CONSOLIDATE SAID
REQUEST WITH A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CALLING FOR THE
CONDUCT OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION UPON THE GENERAL
ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 3, 1998 PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 OF THE
ELECTIONS CODE.
WHEREAS, under the provisions of the laws relating to general law cities in the State of California,
a General Municipal Election shall be held on November 3, 1998, for the election of municipal
officers; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Moorpark, California, desires to submit to the voters
of the City of Moorpark at a General Municipal Election a proposed ordinance related to the
preservation of greenbelts and establishment of an urban growth boundary; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Moorpark has determined that the preservation of
greenbelt areas, protection of agricultural uses and limitation of urban growth to specific areas within
the City's Area of Interest is a vital concern of the citizens of Moorpark; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to study these issues and make
recommendations to the Council for its action; and,
WHEREAS, the Ad Hoc Committee conducted public meetings to receive responses from interested
parties and has caused the preparation of certain ballot measures for the consideration by the City
Council; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has deliberated the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee to
consider placing certain measures before the voters of the City of Moorpark relative to the
preservation of greenbelts, establishing an urban growth boundary for the City and to finance
acquisition and legal costs associated with such measures;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK,
CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the City Clerk of the City of Moorpark is directed to file those ballot measures
identified as: 1) City of Moorpark Greenbelt Preservation and Urban Growth Boundary Measure;
Attachment 1
2) Special Tax For Open Space Acquisition, and 3) Special Tax Measure For Legal Defense Costs,
for inclusion on the next General Municipal Election to be held within the City of Moorpark on
November 3, 1998;
Section 2. Copies of ballot measures shall be provided to the public upon approval as to form and
substance by the City Attorney and the County Registrar.
Section 3. The Call for General Municipal Election, Resolution No. of the City Council of
the City of Moorpark, and this resolution shall be consolidated.
Section 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it
into the book of original Resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF JUNE, 1998.
Patrick Hunter, Mayor
ATTEST:
Deborah S. Traffenstedt
City Clerk
Attachments:
CITY OF MOORPARK
GREEN BELT PRESERVATION
AND URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY MEASURE
The people of the City of Moorpark do hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Title.
This measure shall be known as the Moorpark Greenbelt Preservation and Urban Growth
Boundary measure.
Section 2. Purpose and Findings.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this measure is to adopt for the City of Moorpark an Urban
Growth Boundary. The Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary (Moorpark UGB) line has the following
objectives:
1. Green belt preservation and enhancement through the careful analysis of land use
proposals that seek to extend urban boundaries or services into areas of general open space
or historical agricultural use.
2. Incorporate the Tierra Rejada Green belt as a protected green belt area within the
Moorpark geographic planning area shown in the City's Area of Interest boundary.
3. To promote stability in long term planning for the City by establishing a policy
within the General Plan designating the geographic limits of long term urban development
and allowing sufficient flexibility within those limits to respond to the City's changing needs
over time;
4. To encourage efficient growth patterns and protect the City of Moorpark's quality
of life by concentrating future development largely within existing developed areas or areas
contiguous to those areas consistent with the ability to provide infrastructure and services;
5. Encourage on lands outside the Moorpark UGB but within the area of interest
ongoing natural resource and open space uses as defined in Government Code section
65560(b), such as preservation of natural resources, uses that foster public health and safety,
and productive investment for farming enterprises;
6. Reaffirm policies within the Land Use Element of the City of Moorpark General
Plan adopted May 13, 1992, regulating urban growth.
7. Complement circulation, housing, and infrastructure needs of the city necessary
to provide a quality lifestyle for residents, current and future.
Page 1 of 12
Attachment A
B. Findings.
1. Uncontrolled, unregulated encroachment into open space, watershed, viewshed,
or agricultural areas could create unwanted impacts. Urban encroachment which could create
conflicts between urban, agricultural and open space uses should be controlled through the
administration of General Plan Goals, Policies and Implementation Strategies. The adoption
of an urban growth boundary policy within the General Plan reenforces the community
commitment to the protection of green belt and open space uses as vital land use
considerations, while balancing needs for urban growth.
2. The unique character of the City of Moorpark and quality of life of City residents
depend on the preservation or creation of natural open space, recreational open space, rural
and agricultural lands, and of green belt areas. Adopting a growth limit boundary line around
the City of Moorpark promotes the formation and continuation of a cohesive community by
using comprehensive planning techniques to define such boundaries and to reduce pressure
for urban expansion in noncontiguous areas. This promotes efficient municipal services and
facilities by confining urban development to readily developable areas.
3. The protection of existing open- space, watershed, viewshed and agricultural lands,
within and surrounding the City of Moorpark is an important land use policy contained in
the General Plan to benefit present and future residents of the City of Moorpark. Viable
agriculture has been and remains an important contributor to the economy of the Moorpark
area and County of Ventura, creating employment for many people and generating tax
revenues for the City.
4. The City of Moorpark shall, with exceptions, limit the provision of urban services,
and creation of urban uses, other than in certain circumstances and according to specific
procedures set forth in this measure, to within the Urban Growth Boundary created by this
measure.
5. The City of Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary is not intended to and shall in no
way inhibit the Local Agency Formation Commission from changing or altering the Sphere
of Influence line in accordance with state law. The Urban Limit Boundary is coterminus with
the corporate boundary established by LAFCO upon the City's incorporation plus all lands
within the boundaries of SP -8 (Messenger) contiguous to the city.
Section 3. General Plan Amendment.
The Moorpark Greenbelt Preservation and Urban Growth Boundary measure is inserted as
"Section 8.0 ", et seq., to the Land Use Element of the City of Moorpark General Plan.
"8.0 MOORPARK URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY"
Page 2 of 12
Introduction
The people of the City of Moorpark have, through the ballot process, adopted an urban
growth boundary line called the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary (Moorpark UGB). Its purpose,
principals, implementation procedures, and methodologies for amendment are set forth in this
Section.
8.1 PURPOSE
The City of Moorpark and surrounding area is one of the most desirable places to live in
eastern Ventura County.
The purposes of the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary are:
A. Promote long term planning for the City by establishing a policy within the General Plan
designating the limits of urban development and allowing sufficient flexibility within those
limits to respond to the City's changing needs over time;
B. Encourage efficient growth patterns and protect the City of Moorpark's quality of life by
concentrating future development largely within existing developed areas or contiguous areas
consistent with the availability or development of infrastructure and services;
C. Promote protection and conservation of ongoing natural resource and open space uses
as defined in Government Code section 65560(b), such as preservation of natural resources,
public and private outdoor recreation, uses that foster public health and safety, and
productive investment for farming enterprises on properly defined lands within recognized
agricultural production areas ;
D. Encourage appropriate economic development consistent with the goals, policies, and
strategies of the adopted General Plan which recognizes the City's unique local conditions;
E. Continue to meet reasonable housing needs for all economic segments of the population,
especially low and moderate income households, by encouraging the development of housing
in areas where services and infrastructure can be more efficiently developed;
F. Incorporate the Tierra Rejada Greenbelt as a portion of the General Plan Land Use
Element as a protected, preserved green belt area within the Moorpark geographic planning
area shown in the City's Area of Interest boundary.
8.2 PRINCIPLES.
A. Uncontrolled, unregulated encroachment into open space, watershed, viewshed, or
agricultural areas could create unwanted impacts. Urban encroachment which could create conflicts
Page 3 of 12
between urban, agricultural and open space uses should be controlled through the administration of
General Plan goals, policies and implementation strategies. The adoption of an urban growth
boundary policy within the General Plan demonstrates the community commitment to the protection
of greenbelt and open space uses as vital land use considerations affecting the community lifestyle
and quality of life, while balancing needs and demands for expansion of urban services and growth.
B. The unique character of the City of Moorpark and quality of life of City residents depend
on the protection of open space, rural and agricultural lands. Adopting a geographic urban limit line
around the City of Moorpark promotes the formation and continuation of a cohesive community by
using comprehensive planning techniques to define such boundaries and to reduce pressure for urban
expansion in noncontiguous areas. This promotes efficient municipal services and facilities by
confining urban development to readily developable areas.
8.3 IMPLEMENTATION OF URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY
A. The City of Moorpark hereby establishes and adopts a Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary
(UGB). The Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary is coterminous with the corporate boundary
established by LAFCO upon incorporation plus all lands within the boundaries of SP -8 (Messenger)
contiguous to the city. Graphic representation of that line is shown at Exhibit "A ".
B. The City of Moorpark shall limit urban services (except temporary mutual assistance with
other jurisdictions) to within the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary, except as provided herein. The
City and its departments, boards, commissions, officers and employees shall not grant, or by inaction
allow to be approved by operation of law, any discretionary entitlement which is inconsistent with
the purposes of this Section.
C. The Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary may not be amended, altered, repealed or
otherwise changed prior to December 31, 2009, except by a majority vote of the people or by the City
Council pursuant to an advertised public hearing to consider such change subject to the procedures
set forth in Section 8.4.
D. Implementation of this measure does not preclude the Moorpark City Council from making
land use decisions regarding lands inside the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary.
8.4 AMENDMENT PROCEDURES
The Purposes, Principles and Implementation provisions of this Section of the Land Use
Element may be amended by a vote of the people commenced pursuant to a duly constituted
municipal election, or pursuant to the procedures set forth below:
A. The City Council may amend the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary if it deems it to be
in the public interest, provided that the amended boundary is consistent with the purposes set forth
herein.
Page 4 of 12
B. The City Council, following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant
and by the public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may amend
the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary in order to comply with State regulations regarding the
provision of housing for all economic segments of the community. Such amendment may be adopted
subject to any of the following findings:
1) A violation of State regulations regarding its fair share of housing stock could
occur; or
2) The land is adjacent to existing developed areas and the applicant for the inclusion
of land within the Urban Growth Boundary has provided to the City evidence that the
Fire Department, Police Department, Department of Public Works, the Community
Services Department, applicable water and sewer districts, and the School District
with jurisdiction over such land have adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed
development and provide it with adequate public services; or
3) There is no reasonably developable land existing or designated for housing
programs within the Urban Growth Boundary to accommodate the proposed
development.
C. The City Council following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant
and by the public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may amend
the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary described herein, subject to the following findings:
1) The land proposed for inclusion within the Urban Growth Boundary is adjacent to
areas developed in a manner compatible to the proposed land use;
2) Adequate public services and facilities are available and have the capacity and
capability to accommodate the proposed land use;
3) The proposed land use will not adversely affect the stability of land use patterns in
the area (i.e., the parcel affected will not introduce or facilitate a use that is
incompatible with adjoining or nearby uses);
4) The land proposed for inclusion within the Urban Growth Boundary has not been
used for viable economic agricultural purposes in the immediately preceding 2 years;
and
5) The land proposed for inclusion within the Urban Growth Boundary does not
exceed more than an aggregate of 160 acres in any one calendar year.
D. The City Council following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant
and the public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may amend the
Page 5 of 12
Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary subject to the following findings:
1) Failure to amend the Urban Growth Boundary would constitute a taking of a
landowner's property for which compensation would be required or would deprive the
landowner of a vested right or entitlement; and
2) The amendment and associated land use designations will allow additional land uses
only to the extent necessary to avoid a taking of the landowner's property or to give effect
to the vested right.
E. The City Council following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant
and the public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may place any
amendment to the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary or the provisions of this measure on the ballot
pursuant to the mechanisms provided by State Law.
F. The City Council may amend the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary to encompass lands
contemplated for construction of public potable water facilities, public schools, public parks, regional
parks or other government facilities, and uses exempted from the provisions of this General Plan
Amendment by the provisions of Section 8.3, but only to the minimum amount reasonably necessary
to accommodated said uses.
G. The City Council may reorganize, renumber or reorder the individual provisions of the
General Plan, including the provisions of this Section 8 sequence, in the course of ongoing updates
of the General Plan in accordance with the requirements of state law.
Section 4. Conforming Amendments.
In light of the General Plan Land Use Element amendments set forth above, the City of
Moorpark General Plan is hereby further amended as set forth below in order to promote internal
consistency among the various elements of the General Plan. Text to be inserted into the General
Plan is indicated in bold italic type while text to be stricken is presented in strike t1wough typ ;
text in standard type currently appears in the General Plan and remains unchanged by this measure.
Occasionally, ellipses [ * * *] are introduced to indicate significant blocks of text remain unchanged
within a section. The language adopted in the following conforming amendments may be further
amended as appropriate without a vote of the people in the course of future updates and revisions to
the General Plan provided the same are not amended in such a manner as to create inconsistencies
within the General Plan.
1. The last paragraph of Section 2.2 of the Land Use Element, at page 6 is amended as
follows:
The future development of lands surrounding the City outside of the Moorpark Urban
Growth Boundary is to be discouraged and generally shall not be permitted in the absence
Page 6 of 12
of provision of adequate public services and infrastructure.
2. Policy 2.1 of the Land Use Element at page 11 is amended as follows:
The City shall strive to obtain and maintain sphere of influence boundaries consistent with
the policies for Urban Growth Boundary declaration.
3. Goal 11 of the Land Use Element at page 16 is amended as follows:
Identify and encourage the preservation of economically viable agricultural resources in the
City and its Area of Interest. Property not used for agricultural purposes in the immediately
preceding 2 years, or unusable for agriculture due to topography, drainage, flooding,
adverse soil conditions or other physical reasons, shall be deemed not viable.
4. Policy 11.1 of the Land Use Element at page 16 is amended as follows:
To the extent possible under any proposed specific plan, economically viable agricultural
land use should be retained for farmlands within the City's Area of Interest, which have been
identified as Prime and/or Statewide Importance unless the property has not been used for
agricultural purposes in the immediately preceding 2 years or is unusable for agriculture
due to its topography, drainage, flooding, adverse soil conditions or other physical reasons.
Policy 11.2 of the Land Use Element at page 16 is amended as follows:
Policy 11.2: In order to minimize compatibility conflicts between urban projects and
abutting agricultural uses, a transitional buffer zone which uses project area open space
or fuel modification zones as the buffer, and/or which provides a minimum 200 foot
separation from residential units to the agricultural use shall be imposed as a condition of
all development projects. "
6. Policy 11.3 of the Land Use Element at page 16 is amended to read as follows:
Policy 11.3: Agricultural uses in buffer areas between Moorpark and adjacent communities
shall be preserved. The City shall take an active role in the support of creation, expansion,
protection and preservation of greenbelt areas within its area of interest and sphere of
influence including entering into binding agreements or joint powers agreements with
other abutting jurisdictions to preserve agricultural land uses.
7. Section 5.2 SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGNATION - SP, of the Land Use Element, at page 28,
is amended as follows:
Exhibits 3 and 4 of this document identify the location and the proposed land use mix of
specific plan areas 1, 2, 9, and 10, which are within the existing City limits and specific plan
Page 7 of 12
area 8, which is within the unincorporated planning area contiguous to the city boundary.
Specific plan area 3(proposed within the city limits) and specific plan areas 4, 5, 6, and 7
(proposed within the unincorporated planning area) were studied but were found not to be
appropriate for urban development through year 2020, and were not approved.
Specific plan areas 1, 2, 8, 9, and 10 have been delineated based on ownership, landform,
circulation and logical extension of public services considerations.
8. Planning Area Land Use Plan Map, City of Moorpark General Plan, Land Use Element
Exhibit 4 is amended to demonstrate the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary. "Exhibit 4" to
the Land Use Element is amended to reflect consideration of future urban extension and
development.
9. Section 5.2 SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGNATION - SP, of the Land Use Element, at page
35, at the subtitle "Planning Area Outside City Limits ", through page 37, comprising
approximately 20 paragraphs, addressing primarily "Specific Plan 8" is amended as follows:
Planning Area Outside City Limits
As noted on the Land Use Plan, one specific plan area outside of the existing City of
Moorpark limits (Specific Plan No. 8), within the area proposed for expansion of the City's
sphere of influence, has been designated within the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary.
This specific plan designates 58% of its gross land area to natural open space use.
Specific plan areas 4, 5, 6, and 7(proposed within the unincorporated planning area) were
analyzed in conjunction with the updating of the Land Use Element in 1992, but were found
not to be appropriate for urban development prior to the year 2020 and were, therefore, not
approved.
The Cities of Moorpark, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and the County of Ventura adopted
the Tierra Rejeda Greenbelt by mutual resolution in 1984. The Tierra Rejeda Green Belt
constitutes an area of over 2600 acres (4 square miles). All lands within the Tierra Rejeda
Greenbelt are within the City of Moorpark Area of In terest, or future Sphere of Influ ence.
This greenbelt was adopted to limit effects upon open space and agricultural lands within
the Tierra Rejeda Valley. Land use is restricted to agricultural or open space uses
permitted by the County Agricultural Exclusive and/or Open Space -10 zones. The City
desires that these lands be protected and preserved for agricultural and open space uses
compatible with topography, geology, hydrology and visual conditions of the area. The
Tierra Rejeda Valley Green Belt is reflected on the City's Planning Area Land Use Map,
Exhibit 4, of the Land Use Element.
Specific Plan 8(Land Use Element discussion dated May 13, 1992 is incorporated by
reference.)
Page 8 of 12
10. Section 6.0 of the Land Use Element, LAND USE PLAN STATISTICAL SUMMARY,
at page 38, is amended as follows.
As identified on Table 3, a combined total of up to 15,170 dwelling units could be constructed
in the overall planning area, based on maximum density estimates. The resulting buildout
population for the Moorpark planning area could be approximately: (a.) 41,544 persons,
based on the County's 2.74 population dwelling unit factor for the year 2010; (b.) 50,683
persons, based on the California Department of Finance Demographic Research Unit's
Ventura County Population and Housing Estimates for Moorpark which average 3.341
persons per household for the years 1994 -1997 inclusive, or, (c.) 49,454 persons based on
the "VCOG 2020 Population Per Dwelling Unit Ratio Forecast "for the City of Moorpark
(3.26 persons per dwelling unit). The Table 3 buildout figures were calculated using the
smaller county -wide ratios and are considered a conservative population estimate for the
City.
11. Table 3 of the Land Use Element at pages 39 -40 is amended to reflect existing and
proposed developments through May, 1998. It is the purpose of this amendment to conform
the table to the approved and pending changes in the General Plan considered by this
amendment.
TABLE 3
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE STATISTICAL SUMMARY
Land Use Designation
City Area
Unincorporated Area
Planning Area
RL- RURAL LOW
1,668 ac. 334 du
- - -- - --
1,668 ac. 334 du
(1 du/5 acres maximum)
RH- RURAL HIGH
208 ac. 208 du
- -- --
208 ac. 208 du
(1 du/acre maximum)
L- LOW DENSITY
168 ac. 168 du
- -- - --
168 ac. 168 du.
(1 du/acre maximum)
M - MEDIUM DENSITY
1,174 ac. 4,696 du
- -- - --
1,174 ac. 4,696 du
(4 du/acre maximum)
H - HIGH DENSITY
343 ac. 2,401 du
- -- - --
343 ac. 2,401 du
(7 du/acre maximum)
VH - VERY HIGH
161 ac. 2,415 du
- -- - --
161 ac. 2,415 du
DENSITY
(15 du/acre maximum
SP SPECIFIC PLANS
Page 9 of 12
SP -1 LEVY
285 ac.
(620) 613 du
- -- - --
285 ac.
(620) 613 du
SP -2 JBR
445 ac.
(712) 653 du
- -- - --
445 ac.
(712) 653 du
SP -3+
N/A
N/A
N/A
SP -4+
N/A
N/A
N/A
SP -5+
N/A
N/A
N/A
SP -6+
N/A
N/A
N/A
SP -7+
N/A
N/A
N/A
SP -8 MESSENGER
- --
- --
4,322 ac. 3,221 du
4,322 ac
3,221 du
SP -9 MUSD
25 ac
(120) 12 du
- -- - --
25 ac.
(120) 12 du
SP -10 SCHLEVE
71 ac
(231) 217 du
- -- - --
71 ac
( 231) 217 du
BOLLINGER PROJECT
- --
( 216) 85 du
- --
(216) 85 du
CARLSBERG PROJECT
- --
(552) 147 du
- --
(552) 147 du
C -1 NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL
(.25 FAR)
9 ac
- -- - --
9 ac
C -2 GENERAL
COMMERCIAL
(.25FAR)
194 ac
- -- - --
194 ac
I -1 LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL (.38 FAR)
263 ac.
- -- - --
263 ac
I -2 MEDIUM
INDUSTRIAL (.38 FAR)
285 ac
- -- - --
285 ac
AG -1 AGRICULTURE 1
(1 du/ 10 -40ac)
45 ac
1 du
- -- - --
45 ac
1 du
AG -2 AGRICULTURE 2
(1 du/40 ac)
- --
- --
- -- - --
- --
- --
OS -1 OPEN SPACE 1
(1 du/ 10 -40 ac)
16 ac
1 du
- -- - --
16 ac
1 du
OS -2 OPEN SPACE 2
(1 du/40 ac)
1,080 ac
27 du
- -- - --
1,080 ac
27 du
S - SCHOOL
357 ac
- -- - --
357 ac
P - PARK
197 ac
- -- - --
197 ac
U - UTILITIES
47 ac
- -- - --
47 ac
Page 10 of 12
PUB - PUBLIC/
16 ac
- -- - --
16 ac
INSTITUTIONAL
FRWY -R/W
291 ac
- -- - --
291 ac
FREEWAY RIGHT -OF-
WAY
TOTAL ACRES*
7348 ac
4,322 ac
11,670 ac
TOTAL DWELLING
11,949
3,221
15,170
UNITS
TOTAL
32,718
8,826
41,544
POPULATION***
+ Deleted from land plan.
* Adjustments to acreage figures in all land use categories will be adjusted upon approvals of specific plans.
** Residential density calculations for specific plans or residential master subdivision projects are based upon
maximum density. Section 5.2 of the Land Use Element allows the City Council to approve a density exceeding
the maximum density, up to an identified density limit, if public improvements, public services, and/or financial
contributions are provided that the City Council determines to be of substantial public benefit to the community.
The unit counts in parenthesis reflect maximum buildable units. Numbers adjacent to parenthesis reflect the
net gain above allowable units under previous zoning standards applicable to the project site
* ** Based on 2.74 persons per dwelling unit.
12. Section 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION, of the Land Use Element, at Implementation Measure
16, at page 44, is amended as follows:
16. Applications to the Ventura County Local Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO) to amend the City's Sphere of Influence boundary, should be consistent with
the approved Land Use Plan and the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary policies, to
allow for proper planning within the probable, ultimate physical boundaries and service
area of the City.
Section 5. Insertion Date
A. Upon the effective date of this measure, it shall be deemed inserted as Section 8.0, et seq.
of the Land Use Element of the City of Moorpark's General Plan as an amendment thereof, and the
Conforming Amendments of Section 4 shall be appropriately inserted in the General Plan replacing
the amended provisions, except, if the four amendments of the mandatory elements of the general
plan permitted by state law for any given calendar year have already been utilized in 1998, prior to
the effective date of this measure, this General Plan amendment shall be deemed effective and
inserted in the City's General Plan on January 1, 1999.
Section 6. Severability.
This measure shall be interpreted so as to be consistent with all federal and state laws, rules,
Page 11 of 12
and regulations. If any section, sub - section, sentence, clause, phrase, part, or portion of this measure
is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this measure. The voters hereby
declare that this measure, and each section, sub - section, sentence, clause, phrase, part, or portion
thereof would have been adopted or passed even if one or more sections, sub - sections, sentences,
clauses, phrases, parts, or portions are declared invalid or unconstitutional. If any provision of this
measure is declared invalid as applied to any person or circumstance, such invalidity shall not affect
any application of this measure that can be given effect without the invalid application. This measure
shall be broadly construed in order to achieve the purposes stated in this measure. It is the intent of
the voters that the provisions of this measure shall be interpreted by the City and others in a manner
that facilitates within the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary urban uses or developments consistent
with CEQA analysis, thereby protecting agricultural, open space and rural lands, and preventing
urban sprawl outside the Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary.
Section 7. Amendment or Repeal.
Except as otherwise provided herein, this measure may be amended or repealed only by the
voters of the City of Moorpark at an election held in accordance with state law.
Section 8. Competing Measures.
In the event competing measures on the same ballot as this measure purport to address the
same subject matter, the following rules shall apply:
(1) If more than one such measure shall receive sufficient votes to pass, then all measures
shall go into effect.
(2) To the extent that particular provisions of a measure are in direct, irreconcilable conflict
with particular provisions of another measure the provisions of the measure which
received the most votes shall prevail.
Cpylsoarinitiative Page 12 of 12
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A SPECIAL TAX FOR OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION
WHEREAS, the City has historically relied upon development
conditions and exactions to insure that certain properties are
retained as natural open space; and
WHEREAS, a number of City residents desire for the retention
of certain parcels of real property as open space to preclude
future development on said parcels; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 218, in pertinent part, limits the
imposition of most special assessments and requires that special
taxes be approved by a two - thirds vote of the people; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance provides for the enactment of a
special property tax that will provide a stable source of
revenues to fund the acquisition of real property for a period of
ten years and in the approximate amount of one million dollars
($1,000,000.00) for each year; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code sections 37100.5 and
50075 and the California Supreme Court decision in Heckendorn v.
City of San Marino (1986) 42 Cal.3d 481, the City may propose for
adoption by the voters a special tax on parcels of property for
open space land acquisition purposes, provided that the tax rate
is not applied to the assessed value of the property;
Citymgr /ParkSpecialTax.
Attachment B
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NOW, THEREFORE, THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK DO HEREBY
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Addition of Chapter 3,30. The Moorpark
Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding Chapter 3.30, entitled
"OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION SPECIAL TAX ", to read as follows:
3.30.010 Definitions.
3.30.020 Establishment of the special tax.
3.30.030 Purpose of the special tax.
3.30.040 Establishment of a special fund.
3.30.050 Collection of the special tax.
3.30.060 Exempt property.
3.30.070 Expiration of the special tax.
3.30.080 Amendment of this chapter.
As used in this chapter, the following words and
phrases shall have the following meanings:
"Acquisition" shall mean purchase of fee title,
easements or development rights or lease for twenty (20) years or
longer.
"City" shall mean the City of Moorpark.
Citymgr /ParkSpecialTax. 2
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"City Council" shall mean the City Council of the City
of Moorpark.
"County" shall mean the County of Ventura.
"Land use classification" shall mean the use code that
is applied to a parcel of property located within the City
by the county assessor as of July 1 for the fiscal year in
which the special tax is imposed.
"Parcel of property" shall mean a unit of real property
as shown in the records of the county tax assessor as of
July 1 for the fiscal year in which the special tax is
imposed.
"Open Space" shall mean real property that would be
acquired by the city and that is intended by the city to
remain as open space as such is defined in Government Code
Section 65560 (b) (1) , (2) , (3) , and (4) .
"3.30.Q20 Imposition of the special tax
A. Annually, commencing with fiscal year 1999 -2000 and
ending with fiscal year 2008 -2009, a special tax shall be
imposed on each parcel of property within the city that is
classified as set forth in subsection B at the maximum rate
specified in subsection B.
B. The classifications and maximum rates shall be as
follows:
Citymgr /ParkSpecialTax. 3
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Citymgr /ParkSpecia:
Maximum Rate
Land Use Category
$79.80
Single Family Residence
$59.85
Mobile Home and Trailer Parks; Residential Income (2 - 4 units);
Condominium; Apartments (5+ units) - PER UNIT
$116.51
Business: Petroleum and Gas; Auto Sales /Repair
$232.22
Agricultural and Business: Poultry; Flowers /Seed Production;
Orchards; Truck Crops; Pasture of Graze (Dry); Field Crops (Dry); Feed
Lots; Tree Farms; Theater; Pasture (Permanent)
$348.73
Retail Stores (Single Story); Store and Office (Combination);
Banks /Savings and Loans; Industrial Condos /Co- Ops /PUDs; Office
Building (Single Story); Mineral Processing; Service Stations;
Restaurants /Cocktail Lounges
$465.23
Warehousing
$697.45
Retail Stores (Multi- Story); Office Stores (Multi- Story);
$1161.89
Shopping Centers (Neighborhood)
$1394.90
Light Manufacturing
$3486.46
Shopping Centers (Regional)
C. For any fiscal year that the special tax is in
effect, the city council may, by resolution, levy the
special tax at rates that are less than the maximum rates
specified in subsection B, provided that all of the rates
are adjusted proportionately, so that the relationship
between the rates for the various classifications remains
constant. A reduction in the rates for one fiscal year
shall not prevent the City Council from levying the special
tax at the maximum rates specified in subsection B for any
.Tax. i
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one or more of the succeeding years. In no event may the
City Council levy the special tax at rates that exceed the
maximum rates specified in subsection B.
D. The special tax imposed by this section shall be a
flat dollar amount on the parcel and shall not be measured
by the value of the property.
The purpose of the special tax is to provide revenues
to the city to pay for:
1. The costs associated with the acquisition of real
property. The real property may either be in the City
or in the City's "Area of Interest" as such is shown in
the City's General Plan as of June 30, 1998; and
2. The costs associated with maintaining the
properties acquired with the proceeds of this special
tax; and
3. The costs of administering and enforcing the
special tax, including refunds.
113.30.040 Establishment of a special fund.
A. A special fund, entitled the "Open Space
Acquisition Special Tax Fund ", is hereby established. All
of the revenues collected pursuant to this chapter shall be
deposited into the special fund and that money and any
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interest that accrues thereon shall be used exclusively for
the purposes specified in this chapter and for no other
purpose whatsoever. Any money in the special fund,
including accrued interest, that remains unencumbered at the
end of any fiscal year shall be used in succeeding fiscal
years only for the purposes specified in this chapter.
B. Nothing in subsection A. shall prevent
disbursements from the special fund to reimburse the general
fund if, and only if, money has been advanced from the
general fund to pay for the purposes provided for in this
chapter.
C. Nothing in Subsection A. shall prevent the resale
of any real property acquired with any money from
the special fund so long as the proceeds of such
resale are used for the purposes provided for in
this chapter.
- - -.-
A. The city council shall provide for the collection
of the special tax imposed pursuant to this chapter in the
same manner, on the same dates, and subject to the same
penalties as, or with, other charges and taxes fixed and
collected by the city or by the county on behalf of the
city. If the special tax is collected by the county on
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behalf of the city, the county may deduct its reasonable
costs incurred for the service before remitting the balance
to the city.
B. The special tax, together with all penalties
thereon, shall constitute a lien upon the parcel of property
against which it is levied until it has been paid in full,
and the tax, together with all penalties thereon, shall
constitute a personal obligation to the city until paid in
full by the persons owning, claiming, possessing or
controlling the parcel.
The special tax imposed by this chapter shall not be
levied on any parcel of property that is owned by any
federal, state or local governmental entity or on any other
parcel of property if such levy would otherwise be in
violation of the Constitution of the United States or the
Constitution of the State of California.
The special tax imposed by this chapter shall expire as
of July 1, 2009 and this chapter shall be inoperative and
shall have no effect on and after that date, unless
imposition of the special tax beyond the 2008 -2009 fiscal
year is sooner extended. Imposition of the special tax may
Citymgr /ParkSpecialTax. 7
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only be extended with the approval of the electorate by a
two - thirds vote, unless the applicable law at the time of
the election authorizes a lesser number of votes.
The procedural provisions of this chapter may be
amended, from time to time, by an ordinance duly enacted by
a majority vote of the members of the City Council, provided
that the amendment is consistent with the intent of the
ordinance by which this chapter was originally enacted."
SECTION 2. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be adopted
if approved as an initiative measure by two - thirds (2/3) of the
electorate voting at an election to be held on November 3, 1998.
This ordinance shall be effective 10 days following the date upon
which the City Council declares by resolution the vote of the
general election held on November 3, 1998.
SECTION 3. Section Headings. All section headings
contained in this ordinance are for convenience of reference only
and are not intended to define or limit the scope of any
provision hereof.
SECTION 4. Severability. If any section, subsection,
sentence, clause, phrase, part or portion of this ordinance is
for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections,
Citymgr /ParkSpecialTax. 8
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subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, parts and portions
thereof. The people hereby declare that they would have adopted
this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause,
phrase, part and portion thereof irrespective of the fact that
any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses,
phrases, parts or portions be declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
ADOPTED BY THE ELECTORATE AT THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 1998.
Citymgr /ParkSpecialTax. 9
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A SPECIAL TAX FOR LEGAL DEFENSE COSTS
WHEREAS, the residents of the City of Moorpark will vote on an initiative referred
to as the "Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources (S.O.A.R.)" on November 3, 1998;
and
WHEREAS, the City is required by the laws of the State of California to defend any
and all challenges against local voter approved initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the City or Moorpark does not have sufficient funds available to pay for
the legal costs that will result from court challenges to the initiative without negatively
affecting the provision of City services; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 218 was adopted as an initiative measure at the general
election that was held on November 5, 1996; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 218, in pertinent part, limits the imposition of most special
assessments, and requires that special taxes be approved by a two- thirds vote of the
people; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance provides for the enactment of a one time special
property tax that will pay for the estimated cost of potential legal challenges to the voter
approved S.O.A. R. ; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code sections 37100.5 and 50075 and the
California Supreme Court decision in Heckendom v. City of San Marino (1986) 42 Cal. 3d
-I-
Attachment C
481, the City may propose for adoption by the voters a special tax on parcels of property
for general purposes, provided that the tax rate is not applied to the assessed value of the
property;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK DO HEREBY
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Addition of Chapter 3.30. The Moorpark Municipal Code is hereby
amended by adding Chapter - - - - -, entitled "S.O.A.R. LEGAL DEFENSE SPECIAL TAX,
to read as follows:
" Qhapt rr- --- - --
S.O.A.R. LEGAL DEFENSE SPECIAL TAX
Sections:
3.30.010
Definitions.
3.30.020
Establishment of the special tax.
3.30.030
Purpose of the special tax.
3.30.040
Establishment of a special fund.
3.30.050
Collection of the special tax.
3.30.060
Exempt property.
3.30.070
Expiration of the special tax.
3.30.080
Amendment of this chapter.
"3.30.010 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the
following meanings:
"City" shall mean the City of Moorpark.
-2-
"City Council" shall mean the City Council of the City of Moorpark,
"County" shall mean the County of Ventura.
"Land use classification" shall mean the use code that is applied to a parcel
of property by the county assessor as of July 1 of the fiscal year in which the
special tax is imposed.
"Legal defense" shall mean all attorney costs, court costs and other direct
costs associated with legal challenges to the S.O.A. R. initiative, including but not
limited to the retention of expert witnesses and creation of an administrative record.
"Parcel of property" shall mean a unit of real property as shown in the
records of the county assessor as of July 1 of the fiscal year in which the special
tax is imposed."
A. During the fiscal year following final resolution of any legal challenge to
the S.O.A. R. initiative, a special tax shall be imposed on each parcel of property
within the city that is classified as set forth in subsection B at the rate specified in
subsection B.
B. The classifications and maximum rates shall be as follows:
Maximum Rate
Land Use Classifications
$40.00
Single Family Residence
$30.00
Mobile Home and Trailer Parks;
Residential Income(2 -4 Units);
Condominium; Apartments(5+ Units) -PER UNIT
-3-
Maximum Rate
Land Use Classifications
$59.00
Business: Petroleum and Gas; Auto Sales /Repair
$116.00
Agricultural and Business: Poultry; Flowers /Sees
Production; Orchards; Truck Crops; Pasture of Graze
(Dry); Field Crops (Dry); Feed Lots; Tree Farms;
Theater; Pasture (Permanent)
$175.00
Retail Stores (Single Store); Store and Office
(Combination); Banks /Savings and Loans; Industrial
Condos/ Co- Ops /PUDs; Office Building (Single Store);
Mineral Processing; Service Stations;
Restaurants /Cocktail Lounges
$233.00
Warehousing
$349.00
Retail Stores (Multi - Store); Office Stores (Multi- Store)
$580.00
Shopping Centers (Neighborhood)
$698.00
Light Manufacturing
$1,743.00
Shopping Centers (Regional)
C. For the fiscal year that the special tax is in effect, the city council shall,
by resolution, levy the special tax at rates that do not exceed the maximum rates
specified in subsection B, provided that all of the rates are adjusted proportionately,
so that the relationship between the rates for the various classifications remains
constant. In no event may the city council levy the special tax at rates that exceed
the maximum rates specified in subsection B.
D. The special tax imposed by this section shall be a flat dollar amount on
-4-
the parcel and shall not be measured by the value of the property.
"3.30.030 Purpose of the special tax.
The purpose of the special tax is to provide revenues to the city to pay for:
1. the costs associated with defending legal challenges to the S.O.A.R.
initiative in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
($500,000.00).
"3.30.040 Establishment of a special fund.
A. A special fund, entitled the "S.O.A.R. Legal Defense Special Tax
Fund," is hereby established. All of the revenues collected pursuant to this chapter
shall be deposited into the special fund and that money and any interest that
accrues thereon shall be used exclusively for the purposes specified in this chapter
and for no other purpose whatsoever.
B. Nothing in subsection A shall prevent disbursements from the special
fund to reimburse the general fund if, and only if, money has been advanced from
the general fund to pay for the purposes provided for in this chapter.
"3.30.050 Collection of the special tax.
A. The city council shall provide for the collection of the special tax
imposed pursuant to this chapter in the same manner, on the same dates, and
subject to the same penalties as, or with, other charges and taxes fixed and
collected by the city or by the county on behalf of the city.
B. The special tax, together with all penalties thereon, shall constitute a
lien upon the parcel of property against which it is levied until it has been paid in
full, and the tax, together with all penalties thereon, shall constitute a personal
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obligation to the city until paid in full by the persons owning, claiming, possessing
or controlling the parcel.
I I . ... -v
The special tax imposed by this chapter shall not be levied on any parcel of
property that is owned by any federal, state or local governmental entity or on any
other parcel of property if such levy would otherwise be in violation of the
Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of the State of California.
"3.30.070 Expiration of the special tax.
The special tax imposed by this chapter shall be levied for one fiscal year
only and shall expire after the one fiscal year in which the special tax levy is
established by the city council. Imposition of the special tax may only be extended
with the approval of the electorate by a two- thirds vote, unless the applicable law
at the time of the election authorizes a lesser number of votes or does not require
a vote.
"3.30.080 Amendment of the chatter
The procedural provisions of this chapter may be amended, from time to
time, by an ordinance duly enacted by a majority vote of the members of the city
council, provided that the amendment is consistent with the intent of the ordinance
by which this chapter was originally enacted."
SECTION 2. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be adopted if approved as an
initiative measure by two- thirds (2/3) of the electorate voting at an election to be held on
November 3, 1998. This ordinance shall be effective 10 days following the date upon
!ln
which the City Council declares by resolution the vote of the general election held on
November 3, 1998.
SECTION 3. Section Headings. All section headings contained in this ordinance
are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to define or limit the scope of
any provision hereof.
SECTION 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause,
phrase, part or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections,
subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, parts and portions thereof. The people hereby
declare that they would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection,
sentence, clause, phrase, part and portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or
more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, parts or portions be declared
invalid or unconstitutional.
ADOPTED BY THE ELECTORATE AT THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD ON
NOVEMBER 3, 1998.
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Agriculture Policy Working
Group (APWG)
Final Report
and
Recommendations
June 9, 1998
Prepared by:
County of Ventura, Planning Department
Resource Managment Agency
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009 -1740
Attachment 2
APWG Final Report
Agriculture Policy
Working Group
1. John K Flynn
Fifth Supervisorial District
2. Kathy I. Long
Third Supervisorial District
3. Judy Mikels
Fourth Supervisorial District
4. Ron Bottorff
Public Member
5. Brian Brennan
Councilman, City of San Buenaventura
6. Linda Brewster
Councilwoman, City of Fillmore
7. Ellen Brokaw
Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee
8. John Buse/
Lori Schiraga
Environmental Defense Center
9. James Garfield
Mayor Pro -Tem, City of Santa Paula
10. Vivian Goo
Department of the Navy, Point Mugu
11. Ellen Hall
Councilwoman, City of Ojai
12. Jean Harris
Public Member
13. Mitch Kahn
Ventura County Economic Development
Association
14. Rex Laird
Ventura County Farm Bureau
15. Bill Liebmann
Councilman, City of Camarillo
16. Manuel Lopez
Mayor, City of Oxnard
17. Paul Miller
Councilman, City of Simi Valley
18. Jo Rogers
League of Women Voters
19. Lucy Rosas
Farmworker Women's Network
20. Larry Rose
Ventura County Agricultural Land Trust
21. Mike Saliba
Ventura County Taxpayers Association
22. Debbie
Rogers - Teasley
Councilwoman, City of Moorpark
23. Craig Underwood
Ventura County Farmer
24. Larry Yee
U. C. Cooperative Extension
25. Dee Zinke
Building Industry Association
i
APWG Final Report
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVESUMMARY .................................................... ..............................1
PREFACE.......................................................................... ..............................3
LANDUSE ETHIC ............................................................ ...............................
5
PRINCIPLES..................................................................... ...............................
6
STRATEGIES - COMPONENT 1 ......................................... ...............................
7
Component1( A) ......................................................... ..............................7
Urban Growth Boundary Program .............................. ...............................
7
GreenbeltProgram ....................................................... ...............................
8
Public Education Program ........................................... ...............................
8
Component1(B) ........................................................ ............................... 9
Enhancing the Viability of Agricul ture ........................ ...............................
9
RegulatoryIssues ..................................................... ...............................
9
Farmworker Housing Needs ................................. ...............................
10
Agriculture Protection & Open Space District ( APOSD) Study ..............
10
STRATEGIES - COMPONENT 2
......................................... .............................11
Local, State and Federal Legislation .......................... ...............................
11
Enhancing the Viability of Agriculture ...................... ...............................
12
Farmworker Housing Needs ................................. ...............................
12
Wages and Living Conditions ................................ ...............................
12
MarketingStrategies ............................................... ...............................
12
OtherIssues ........................................................... ...............................
13
APPENDICES
AppendixA -land Use "Repor rtCard" ...................... .............................14
Appendix B
APOSD Study Guidelines .......................................... ...............................
16
Region- Specific Principles and Strategies ................. ...............................
17
Oxnard Plain/Los Posas Valley Strategies ............ ...............................
17
Santa Clara River Valley /Ojai Valley Principles .... ...............................
18
East County Principles and Strategies ................... ...............................
18
Appendix C - APWG Background Information and Data ...................
20
COMPONENT 1
APWG Final
Executive Summary
he Ventura County Board of Supervisors convened the APWG in April
1997 to develop strategies and recommendations that address the long
term survival of the agricultural industry with a particular focus on
land use and the retention of agricultural land. The APWG is comprised of
25 members representing most of the key stakeholders in the County. The
process included fifteen meetings, special subcommittee assignments and an
extensive public outreach effort to obtain input on four different scenarios
of how the future might unfold.
The APWG acknowledges that agriculture and open space preservation and
other agricultural viability issues are more complex than often thought and
don't lend themselves to simplistic and superficial solutions. The key
challenge for the APWG involved producing a consensus product that is
credible, substantial and forges a new direction. This report underscores the
importance of an integrated set of strategies and incorporating a variety of
essential elements.
The centerpiece of the APWG report is the articulation of a new "Land Use
Ethic, "replacing traditional views of farmland and open space as interim to
urban development with an approach that emphasizes, the economic
importance and integral relationship between the County residents' quality
of life and the future preservation of these lands. The APWG identified three
essential programs for immediate action that are important for the founda-
tion of this new `Land Use Ethic. "
The following three programs are core elements of this report
and require immediate action:
Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) Program
Either by initiative or legislative action, the cities and County should adopt
a moratorium on applications to LAFCO for sphere amendments (except for
unincorporated County islands), to be in effect until the voters approve the
proposed UGB's. Within two years, LAFCO, with shared funding from all
jurisdictions, would complete sphere of influence studies. Preservation of
farmland and open space lands as well as a series of "report card" criteria
will guide the studies. The sphere lines, when adopted by the voters, would
become UGB's and could only be amended every ten years by an affirmative
vote of the electorate. The County will follow similar steps regarding
boundaries of existing communities and urban centers within unicorporated
areas.
Greenbelt Program
The six existing greenbelts, five proposed greenbelts and any future
expansions should be adopted by ordinance or established through a Joint
Powers Agreement. The County, with extensive stakeholder involvement,
should prohibit any new uses within greenbelts which are incompatible with
agriculture.
APWG Final Report
COMPONENT 2
APPENDICES
K
Public Education Program
Public education include measures that create the foundation for ensuring
public support for and understanding the needs of a productive agricultural
industry. Portions of the educational program are essential to the "report
card" mechanisms which will evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed
UGB system and will ensure both long term support for the enhancement
of greenbelts and funding for agriculture preservation and open space
programs.
The APWG also reached consensus on a number of other Component 1
issues and strategies that are important for the long term viability of
agriculture. They include:
Regulatory Streamlining
Regulatory processes affecting agriculture should be streamlined to mini-
mize or eliminate conflicting policies among agencies. Options for convert-
ing some recurring permits to ministerial actions - should be studied to
address costs and delay. Affected parties should be actively involved in the
development of the policies and regulations.
Farmworker Housing Needs
County and city agencies should identify and seek additional opportunities
for obtaining funds to increase the supply of housing available for the
County's farmworkers. This would include, but not be limited to grants,
cooperative ventures, affordable housing set - asides or bond issues.
Agriculture Protection and Open Space District ( APOSD)
Public and private sector groups should initiate a study on the establishment
of a voter- approved APOSD or other mechanisms for funding the existing
Agricultural Land Trust. The sponsors should report back to the Board of
Supervisors within one year. The intent is to provide additional voluntary
opportunities for the purchase, donation and transfer of development rights
for irrigated farmland and open space lands.
Other strategies were considered important to several Working
Group members but due to time constraints or a lack of information,
the full APWG did not reach consensus on these issues. They have
been included in the report as issues and ideas that should be pursued
more fully in the future.
Legislative Actions
Local, state and federal legislation that protects farmland and supports the
agriculture industry should be developed and actively endorsed.
Enhance the Viability of Agriculture
Other advocacy programs were identified that included water and marketing
issues, incentive programs and farmworker wages and living conditions.
The APWG also developed an Appendix section that includes the
study's more technical elements.
The Appendix includes information on the Land Use "Report Card ", factors
that should be incorporated into the above referenced APOSD feasibility
study, region - specific principles and strategies and other background
material that was reviewed or produced by the APWG.
PREFACE
entura County is in the midst of a conv(
and objectives among agriculture, the
communities, farmworker advocates ar
planning for farmland, open space and urban
nity sentiment is favorable to better protectic
preserving the open space that offers enorm
quality of life.
Representative government must be able to re
it will vacate the field to special interests. In
the long term needs of Ventura County's agri
are likely to be met. The County's progressiv.
which have served it well over the last twenr
largely irrelevant. The APWG was created to
for the future.
Structure
The APWG was initiated by the Ventura G
in April 1997. The Group is comprised of 2
represent most cities, the County, farmers a
farmworkers, business, environmental, b
organizations and other interests. The Grot
April 1998 — in addition to these meeting:
several times to address specific issues.
Mission
The Agriculture Policy Working Group (APVi
mend a set of strategies and actions which a
framework for the retention and protection of a'
long term survival of agriculture as a viable an(
County that is in balance with other economic a
unique life -style and resources.
Process
The APWG has utilized a process that has F
believes that this is reflected in the recommt
in this final report. The APWG identified pro
to agriculture and attempted to illustrate the 1,
of different land use strategies by creating foul
in 2030. These scenarios were taken to th
comment during seven town hall meetin;
attended the meetings and 300 responded t(
The APWG then agreed upon principles an
group believes reflect the concerns expre
credible, substantial and forge a new directic
that the viability of agriculture involves mat
APWG Final
influence of local jurisdictions. Some of these are included in the report, but
the focus is on those actions and programs that can he locally initiated, with
a particular emphasis on the retention and protection of agricultural land.
The final report also underscores the importance of an integrated set of
strategies and has made an effort to identify how and by whom all factors
that affect agriculture might be implemented.
The APWG presents the following recommendations to Ventura
County policy boards for their consideration.
APWG Final
Land Use Ethic
A new land use ethic needs to be created for Ventura County to replace
the traditional mindset of viewing farmland and other open space
lands as interim uses that exist merely as a prelude to inevitable
urban development. This new ethic must emphasize the preservation of
these undeveloped lands for the indefinite future without change. This ethic
must be based on the realization that the quality of life for all County
residents is intimately tied to the preservation of farmland and open space
land.
New principles of development must be sought and implemented that
move away from the seemingly avaricious and endless appetites for land,
water and other public resources that exist in traditional development, and
cities should maximize the use of acreage inside their boundaries before
considering expansion. For example, these new patterns might include
cluster zoning, where residents might have access to schools, a wide range
of activities and services and work opportunities within walking distance
of their homes. This would entail a move away from zoning all uses in
discrete and remote patterns that force people to drive cars and burden the
public infrastructure system. New infrastructure developments should be
designed and sized to accommodate infill growth but not for build out
beyond city boundaries. Redevelopment and higher density housing
should be given strong preference, and disincentives to low density housing
should be established.
Since agriculture is such a vital component to this new land use philosophy,
government should adopt a new ethic with regard to local regulatory
activities affecting agriculture. Local government needs to be not only
accommodating to agriculture but actually supportive of its economic
vitality as it operates within the confines of State and Federal laws.
The APWG therefore, is proposing a set of principles and a series of
strategies designed to make the new land use ethic a reality in Ventura
County.
APWG Final Report
P rinciples
he Agriculture Policy Working Group developed the following set
of principles to guide future agriculture policy in Ventura County.
1. Agricultural land is a precious, irreplaceable resource that must he
preserved into the future — losses through conversion to nonfarm uses
should be managed and minimized.
2. The economic viability of the agricultural industry (landowners and
workers) must be supported. Resources and services needed by the
agriculture industry should be given a high priority by local government
because of the importance of agriculture to the overall health of the
County's economy.
3. Ongoing education of the public regarding the value of a agriculture is
a critical element of the new land use ethic. Agriculture is more than a
buffer between development because it contributes to the overall
economic and social life of the county, provides jobs and produces
products that have value. With the privilege of living in a semi -rural
community comes the responsibility to honor and respect the industrial
nature of the farming business.
4. There must be growth boundaries that minimize encroachment into
farmland while allowing cities to remain sustainable.
COMPONENT 1(A)
URBAN GROWTH
BOUNDARY (UGB)
PROGRAM
APWC Final Report
Strategies - Component 1
These strategies were supported by a consensus of the Working
Group members and represent essential programs that will require
immediate action. Component 1(a) strategies include: Urban Growth
Boundary (UGB) Program, Greenbelt Program and Public Education
Program.
STEP 1 • Sphere of Influence and Existing Community Moratoria
By voter initiative or by action of legislative bodies, the ten cities and the
County should adopt sphere of influence and existing community boundary
moratoria.
The Cities' moratorium should prohibit initiating a sphere of influence
change and should remain in effect until the voters have approved urban
growth boundaries (see Step 3). The moratorium should not apply to
unincorporated County islands.
The County's moratorium should prohibit changing the boundaries of
existing communities and urban centers within the unincorporated County
and should remain in effect until voters approve growth boundaries for
these unincorporated urban communities.
STEP 2 • Sphere of Influence and Growth Boundary Studies
Following the adoption of the moratoria, LAFCO and the cities should
immediately begin a sphere of influence study and the County should
initiate an urban growth boundary study for unincorporated communities.
The studies should be completed within a two year period and factors such
as the preservation of agriculture and open space lands and the Report Card
criteria (Appendix A) should be given the highest importance.
STEP 3 • Establish Urban Growth Boundaries
At the conclusion of the sphere of influence studies, participating cities
should submit the new sphere of influence line to their voters. If the voters
approve the ne* boundary, the sphere of influence will become the Urban
Growth Boundary (UGB) of the city. The new UGB /sphere of influence line
will then be submitted to LAFCO for approval.
At the conclusion of the County's urban growth boundary study, the revised
boundaries should be submitted to the voters in a countywide election. If
the voters approve the new lines, they will become the new boundaries
around existing unincorporated communities and urban centers
STEP 4 • Amendment of Urban Growth Boundaries
The cities should submit proposals to amend the UGB only at ten year
APWG Final Report
GREENBELT PROGRAM
PUBLIC EDUCATION
M
intervals and the amendments must he accompanied by findings that utilize
the Report Card criteria. UGB amendments must he approved by a vote of
the city's electorate.
The County should submit proposals to amend the urban growth boundaries
only at ten year intervals. Amendments must he accompanied by findings
that utilize the Report Card criteria and any changes to the boundaries inust
be approved by a countywide vote of the electorate.
STEP 5 a Funding the Urban Growth Boundary Program
Funding for the UGB studies will he collaborative and shared, where
appropriate.
The County and the participating cities' should adopt greenbelts by
ordinance or by a Joint Powers Agreement QPA). The greenbelt ordinances
or JPAs should apply to the six existing greenbelts, and any expansions, and
to five new greenbelts that are proposed in the Ventura County General Plan.
The greenbelts should be in effect for an indefinite time period
The County should review and analyze uses that are currently allowed
within the Agriculture- Exclusive and Open Space zones. Uses that are
incompatible with commercial agriculture should be eliminated or re-
stricted.
Participating jurisdictions should work with a multi - stakeholder committee
to identify incompatible uses and review and implement the Greenbelt
Program's other components noted above.
The recommendations described below are integral components of an
overall strategy for implementing the new Land Use Ethic.
"Public education" includes measures that create the foundation for
ensuring public support for and understanding the needs of a productive
agricultural industry. The Working Group strongly recommends that in-
creased financial support be provided to existing organizations that are
already committed to educating the public, spanning age groups from our
youngest children to our seniors. The educational components are an
integral aspect of the "report card" mechanisms for evaluating the effective-
ness of the proposed UGB system and ensuring long term support for the
enhancement of greenbelts and funding for agriculture preservation and
open space programs.
A biannual conference on the status of land use in Ventura County should
be convened and the University of California Hansen Trust should serve as
a major sponsor. A multi - stakeholder alliance should form the organizing
committee and conference objectives could include:
■ Monitor the progress of city and county land use "report cards'
■ Share land use processes
■ Discuss APWG recommended implementation programs
■ Address the overall viability of agriculture
Self organizing teams or appointed committees could follow the conference
to implement necessary action programs or engage in further study or
COMPONENT 1(B)
ENHANCING THE VIABILITY
OF AGRICULTURE
APWG Final Report
information gathering. This ensures a long -term, open and continuous
i learning cycle for land use planning, processes and decision- making.
i
A multi - stakeholder committee that makes recommendations on public
educational materials and opportunities should be initiated.
A concise and comprehensive description of existing city and county land use
processes that are currently in place should be developed. The information
should be written with a minimum of technical jargon. Issues and questions
that should be addressed could include:
■ How is the general plan amended and what is involved in the process?
■ What is the significance of the "Open Space" and "Agriculture
Exclusive" zones as they relate to the general plan?
■ What are the duties, functions and responsibilities of LAFCO?
■ What is the Land Conservation Act (LCA) program and why are some
landowners opting out of the contracts while others are seeking
inclusion?
Background information should be developed including visual aids and
historic trends that could include:
■ A comprehensive data base of the conversion of farmland to other
uses that can be supported by the ten cities and the County.
■ A consensus as to the point that farmland conversion occurs.
"Truth about farming" educational materials should be developed, and
technical and financial assistance from local universities and the Hansen
Trust should be sought. Education efforts should begin at the elementary
school level.
A public education campaign should be developed that emphasizes the value
of agriculture and agricultural jobs.
All educational materials should be provided in both Spanish and English.
Additional public meetings should be held. Implement an "Outreach Program"
to obtain input on proposed changes and to obtain ongoing input on
approaches for solving agriculture industry and land use problems, urban
growth and development issues.
These strategies were supported by a consensus of the APWG mem-
bers and represent important issues related to agriculture's contin-
ued viability in the County. Component 1(b) includes Enhancing the
Viability of Agriculture strategies (Regulatory and Farmworker Hous-
ing) and the Agriculture Protection and Open Space District (VCAPOSD)
Study.
A. REGULATORY ISSUES
The regulatory process affecting agriculture should be streamlined to
minimize or eliminate conflicting policies between agencies. Recurring
permits should be made ministerial, wherever possible, to avoid costly delay.
Farmers, landowners, farmworkers, support industries or any affected parties
APWG Final Report
i
should participate in the process of policy and regulation development.
B. FARMWORKER HOUSING NEEDS
There is a critical shortage of adequate housing for farmworkers across the
County that can best be addressed through a partnership among govern-
ment agencies, business interests and advocacy organizations. As an initial
step in addressing these needs, the APWG recommends the following:
County and city agencies should seek existing grant funds that have been
available for the development of rural, multifamily housing.
The County and cities should utilize a portion of their existing affordable
housing funds (e.g., CDBG, HOME, and 20% set- asides) for construction
and to leverage other funds for farmworker housing.
County and city agencies should identify opportunities for cooperative
ventures with organizations in the County that are involved in supporting
the creation of low income and farmworker housing.
The County and cities should identify additional funding mechanisms,
including but not limited to the establishment of a special trust fund or bond
issues for low income housing.
AGRICULTURE
PROTECTION AND OPEN
SPACE DISTRICT STUDY
Conduct a shared government and privately initiated study into establishing
a voter - approved Ventura County Agriculture Protection and Open Space
District WCAPOSD)or other possible mechanisms for funding the existing
Ventura County Agricultural Land Trust and Conservancy. The study
should be completed within one year of its inception.
See Appendix B for concepts that could be examined and incorporated in
the joint government and privately initiated study.
10
LOCAL, STATE AND
FEDERAL LEGISLATION
APWC Final
Strategies - Component 2
he strategies included in Component 2 were considered very
important to several or more members but the full APWG did
not have the time or sufficient information to reach a consen-
sus on these issues. They represent issues and ideas that should be
pursued more fully in the future. Component 2 strategies include:
Local, State and Federal Legislation and Enhancing the Viability of
Agriculture.
Enact state legislation that requires school districts and state projects:
■ Abide by local general plans and zoning ordinances
■ Site school facilities on parcels that are not adjacent to or in the
immediate vicinity of commercial farmland
■ Recognize and mitigate for farmland conversion
Restrict farmland conversion by reviewing the Ventura County Zoning
Ordinance and consider appropriate amendments:
■ Plan and zone areas adjacent to farms for industry and light industry
land use— these uses should function as buffer zones.
■ Appropriate uses within the "Agriculture Exclusive" zone should be
established such as animal keeping, ranching, farming — consider
subzones to differentiate uses on arable lands.
■ Create zoning incentives for an agriculture conservation easement
program
Seek state legislative reforms that would implement sales tax sharing or the
rebate of some sales tax to city of origin.
Implement a locally initiated revenue reform program consisting of sales tax
sharing or the rebate of some sales tax to the city of origin — establish benefit
assessment districts or city /county charters to implement the sales tax
sharing.
Seek legislative reforms to current construction litigation and insurance crisis
that precludes the provision of multifamily housing to encourage densifica-
tion within urbaA areas.
Lobby for changes to existing estate tax laws — e.g., reduce taxes for owners
willing to provide conservation easements.
Support changes in state and federal tax structures that currently discourage
the long term, trans - generational viability of farmland
Lobby state and federal government for legislation favorable to farmland
conservation.
Adopt right -to -farm ordinances in jurisdictions that border farmland.
11
APWG Final
ENHANCING THE
VIABILITY OF
AGRICULTURE
12
Support state legislation that changes the way cities are financed — current
system forces competition for sales tax dollars.
Support changes to the Williamson Act such as Senator Costa's S13 1183
legislation (20 year LCA contracts).
The recommendations described below are integral components of an
overall strategy for implementing the new Land Use Ethic. The recommen-
dations were provided by participants in the public forums, written inputs
received and an array of comments from APWG members. Many of these
issues are important to the vitality of the agricultural industry in Ventura
County but will require further analysis. No attempt was made to prioritize
these issues.
"Enhancing the Viability of Agriculture" goes beyond the requisite protec-
tions for the agricultural land base and addresses a number of critical
elements that the APWG believes are necessary for a healthy industry in
Ventura County. The measures proposed do not rely solely on government
actions, instead suggesting a role for the private sector as well as the need
for public private partnerships to ensure these measures are successfully
implemented.
A. FARMWORKER HOUSING NEEDS
There is a critical shortage of adequate housing for farmworkers across the
County that can best be addressed through a partnership among govern-
ment agencies, business interests and advocacy organizations. In addition
to the farmworker housing strategies in Component 1, the following
strategy should be considered:
The County and cities should more actively pursue low income "set asides"
as a requirement for approval of future major development in their
jurisdictions.
B. WAGES AND LIVING CONDITIONS
The County and the ten cities should pursue policies that provide full
employment for local farmworkers. "Guestworker" programs place addi-
tional pressures on our schools, housing and other community services
because of the unemployment that results.
The evaluation of the success of agricultural land preservation policies
should include an evaluation of impacts on jobs for farmworkers. The
policies developed should ensure that job opportunities increase, not
decrease, through efforts to preserve farmland.
The County and the ten cites should provide for, as appropriate, and
support strong enforcement of field sanitation and wage laws throughout
the county and strong enforcement of pesticide laws.
C. MARKETING STRATEGIES
Develop Ventura County marketing support strategies:
Utilize an agricultural marketing council to coordinate commodity organi-
zations' marketing efforts for Ventura County growers. The Council can
advise local government agencies on lobbying, legislative and regulatory
APWG Final Report
lobbying efforts.
■ Increase number and hours of farmers markets
■ Provide a Ventura County marketing label for fruit and produce
■ Adopt programs that promote organic farming:
• Create an organic growing district
• Promote organic farming in marketing campaign
• Research successful organic marketing programs in other
counties
• Fund an Organic Specialist with U.C. Cooperative Extension
• Prioritize the purchase of agricultural easements on lands using
non - chemical farming practices located adjacent to sensitive
uses
• Promote organic farmer's markets
• Consider a voluntary designation of organic or pesticide -free
growing districts
• Encourage organic farming in urban/farm buffer zones
D. OTHER ISSUES
The following issues are very important to the vitality of the agricultural
industry in Ventura County but will require further study and analysis.
Water Strategies
Provide water sources for farmers at reasonable prices.
■ Require new development to utilize newly developed water sources
rather than use agricultural water.
■ Enact local bond measures to finance agricultural water develop-
ment and conservation measures.
■ Prevent groundwater contamination.
■ Assure low wholesale agricultural water rates.
■ Retain or work for lower water rates for agriculture
Incentive Strategies
Devise incentive and assistance programs to encourage:
■ Tax incentives for reinvestment and conservation practices.
■ Low interest loans for farm redevelopment
■ Local bond issues for agriculture land conservation
13
APWG Final
Appendix A-
Land Use "Report Card"
he "Report Card" was referenced under the Component 1 strategies
(Urban Growth Boundary) and is intended to provide standards and
benchmarks for evaluating the establishment of, or modifications to,
spheres of influence and /or urban growth boundaries. The report card
should include, but not be limited to, the following measures and criteria:
1. Inventory and complete an analysis of vacant land (agriculture, open
space and undeveloped) located within the city limits, the existing
sphere of influence and lands being considered for inclusion within the
new sphere boundary. The inventory and analysis should incorporate
these factors and criteria:
■ Location of "Prime" and "Statewide Importance" farmland (Impor-
tant Farmlands Inventory [IFl1 scale) and other open space lands
■ Proximity of lands that have been developed with urban uses or
lands that have received permits for urban development
■ Relationship of vacant lands to the existing sphere of influence
■ Vacant lands that may be developed with urban uses within ten years
■ Possible adverse impacts on Prime and Statewide Importance
farmland and other open space lands
2. A comparison of countywide and local farmland conversion trends over
a ten year period — comprehensive and mutually agreeable farmland
conversion data should be developed through a separately initiated
process using historic trends and other data sources:
■ Develop a complete, defensible data base of the conversion of
farmland and other open space lands to nonfarm uses
■ Reach consensus as to the point that conversion of farmland to urban
and other uses occurs
■ Farmland and open space conversion study should be supported
and funded by the ten cities, the County, LAFCO and VCOG
3. The achievement of density goals and desired growth requirements
including:
■ Designating strategic locations for higher density
■ Reduce hillside development restrictions, where feasible, in areas
below 25% slopes
4. Efforts to establish redevelopment areas for deteriorating urban areas
using a portion of tax increment financing for affordable housing.
5. A jobs and housing analysis that should include:
■ Demonstrated attempts to establish land set aside programs for the
development and redevelopment of deteriorating urban areas with
14
APWG Final Report
affordable and farmworker housing that could he funded by these
mechanisms:
• Proceeds from agriculture business for farmworker housing
fund
• County /city CDBG programs
• HOME funds
• Tax increment financing
• Redevelopment agency housing set asides (20 %)
• USDA multifamily and single- family housing fund
• Tax credits
• Jobs /Housing balance (proximity of jobs and housing)
• An analysis of housing serving various income ranges (including
farmworker housing), using an affordability index
6. Demonstrated attempts to promote the economic vitality of urban areas
and communities by encouraging business opportunities, including
tourism, that provide jobs and city revenues.
7. Demonstrated attempts to maximize land use efficiency through inno-
vative development styles, i.e.:
■ Compact growth and infill development
■ Locate retail and commercial activity at the center of urban clusters
■ Mixed -use (clustered) development
■ Parking structures to save retail /office space
■ Pedestrian (and transit) oriented development
■ Higher densities
■ Greater flexibility for building height limitations and setbacks
■ Streamline development review process
8. A process for evaluating the impacts of transportation and infrastructure
proposals on agriculture — e.g., improved public transportation.
9. A process for evaluating the impacts of graduating to terminations the
water and sewer infrastructure to avoid or minimize growth induce-
ments.
10. An economic (cost/revenue) analysis that should include an analysis of
job loss associated with the potential conversion of farmland to nonfarm
uses (i.e., farmworkers and businesses servicing agriculture).
15
APWG Final Report
Appendix B
VENTURA COUNTY
AGRICULTURE PROTECTION
bT OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
(APOSD) STUDY
The following guidelines should be incorporated in a shared government
and privately initiated study that could determine if an APOSD is estab-
lished.
Farmland and open space lands located outside the UGB should
participate in a purchase (or transfer) of development rights (PDR and/
or TDR) program administered by the VCAPOSD.
2. Coordinate the program with LAFCO's and the cities sphere of influence
studies and the County's urban growth boundary study
3. VCOG, working in cooperation with the County, the ten cities and the
nonprofit land trusts, should prepare and submit open space district
enabling legislation changes to local state legislators
■ Objective: sponsor Assembly and State Senate bill(s) that would
establish the basis for a Ventura County Agriculture and Open Space
District and permit the submittal of a proposal to the County's
electorate.
4. During the UGB moratorium period, VCOG, in cooperation with the ten
cities, the County and the land trusts, should fund and initiate a
comprehensive six to twelve month public education program that
explains the features and functions of an agriculture and open space
district and various funding options.
■ Establish a public outreach education program consisting of a series
of town hall meetings and workshops
■ Distinguish between and illustrate the similarities of a UGB, greenbelts
and an open space district
■ Explain the purpose, intent, voluntary transactions vs. eminent
domain, legislative requirements, benefits and funding options of an
open space district — i.e., what it can and cannot accomplish
■ Update the U.C. Cooperative Extension's (Hansen Trust) 1997 public
opinion survey — focus on the public's support (or lack of support)
for funding options being considered to fund the proposed farmland
and open space acquisition program:
• Farmland conversion and development fees
• Local sales tax initiative — e.g., 1/4 cent
• Benefit assessment district
• General obligation bond
• Local matching funds to obtain state /federal grants
16
REGION- SPECIFIC
PRINCIPLES AND
STRATEGIES
APWG Final Report
5. Define the purpose and features of the proposed District:
■ Boundaries coterminous with the County's boundaries
■ Only voluntary transactions should be permitted - no power of
eminent domain
■ Governing Board of Directors — e.g., 5, 7 or 9 members directly
elected from County wards or districts or the Board of Supervisors
serves as the exofficio governing body or VCOG members serve as
the Board
■ Emphasize purchase, donation and transfer of interests in land
(development rights) transactions for irrigated farmland and open
space lands with scenic and habitat characteristics — fee title
acquisition could be reserved for only those lands that may have
passive recreation or habitat potential
■ Could function as a "development rights" broker for TDR programs.
■ Land acquisition priorities — based on a LESA system (see below),
general plan land use designations, opportunity transactions, etc.
6. Prepare ballot measures that would establish:
■ The agriculture and open space district (and authority); and
■ A separate funding measure
Submit ballot measures (authorization to create District and authoriza-
tion to establish a funding mechanism for land acquisition), to the County
electorate
8. If ballot measures are successful, prioritize farmland /open space lands
for the acquisition or transfer of development rights. Implement a Land
Evaluation & Site Assessment (LESA) system or devise an equivalent land
prioritization program.
OXNARD PLAIN /LOS POSAS VALLEY STRATEGIES
The County and other stakeholders should actively work with California
State University (CSU) officials concerning the disposition of the 270 acre
property located at Santa Clara and Central Avenues:
■ Restore the former college site to private agricultural ownership.
■ Prior to sale, the property's "development rights" should be extin-
guished and a conservation easement should be transferred to the
Ventura Gounty Agricultural Land Trust.
Scrutinize /document growth inducing impacts of a proposed widening of
SRI 18 (Los Angeles Avenue) and SR34 (Lewis Road) through the Las Posas
Valley and Rice Avenue in Oxnard.
Separate the issues of SRI 18 safety improvements from capacity increasing
and growth inducing proposals — e.g., widening the highway to four lanes
Establish a greenbelt agreement in the Las Posas Valley and expand the
existing Oxnard /Camarillo Greenbelt and the Oxnard/Ventura Greenbelt.
17
APWG Final Report
SANTA CLARA RIVER VALLEY /OJAI VALLEY PRINCIPLES
Allow for continued population growth to the year 2020, by developing
economically balanced, self - supporting communities on a regional basis.
The rural character of the region should he safeguarded by clearly defining
the edge between urban areas and the surrounding farmland and open space
areas.
The small town character of existing urban areas in the region should he
retained by promoting compact, pedestrian- oriented urban cores, sur-
rounded by lower - density, large -lot development, open space buffers at the
urban/agricultural edge and open space and /or farmland.
Establish a greenbelt agreement in the East Santa Clara River Valley:
■ Implement a greenbelt agreement for the Fillmore and Piru area —
i.e., generally east of the City of Fillmore and west of the Los Angeles
County line and excluding the Piru community.
■ The greenbelt's formation should be based on the recommendations
contained under the greenbelt strategies (see Component 1).
The Ojai Valley also includes open space lands which are under agricultural
production. In addition to the strategies listed above there is specific action
aimed at agriculture and open space areas within the Ojai Valley.
■ Consider working with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy to develop
a tax measure for consideration by voters for further protection of
Open Space and Agriculture.
EAST COUNTY PRINCIPLES AND STRATEGIES
Urban Growth Policy
It is debatable whether increased densities in the east County will relieve the
need to develop farmland in the west County areas, and it is questionable
whether east County residents will accept higher densities
Hillside Development
Development on hillsides is opposed by east County community residents,
and protection of hillsides has been mandated by voters in the three east
County cities. Additionally, the above Principle should be weighed in any
debate concerning hillside development in the east County when compared
with preservation of farmland countywide.
Home Rule
Land use planning is a local issue, and each community should be allowed
to consider its own needs in terms of various factors including air quality,
housing, transportation, environmental protection and more.
■ Land use decisions and policies must be made and set by the local
agencies involved, in cooperation with input from local residents
■ Land use cannot be decided on a countywide basis based on limited
issues, such as based only on a desire to preserve open space, or
farmland
Direct Representation
Local governing bodies must be made responsible and held accountable for
decisions involving agricultural land in or near their own jurisdictions. There
is a very limited amount of important agricultural land in the east County; the
threat to important farmland in recent years has been caused by development
decisions of non -east County entities.
18
APWG Final
General Plan Protection
Government officials and agencies should consider revising general plans
to include policy statements, where appropriate, specifying that agricul-
tural land is an important and preferred land use (and not simply a "hold-
ing zone" for future development).
Land Use Tools
Agencies should consider expanding or improving tools used to preserve
farmland, such as the Williamson Act (i.e., Land Conservation Contracts
(LCAI). Further, it should be investigated whether such tools also can he
used to protect open space land, as has been the case in other counties such
as Madera County.
Economics
The business and economic side of farming — including issues such as death
tax laws, water pricing and availability and government regulations —must he
considered in any debate about the future of farmland in Ventura County.
19
APWG Final Report
Appendix C
(APWG background information [Appendix C1 includes the following
components and is available under separate cover from the Ventura County
Planning Division.)
■ Mission Statement
■ APWG Membership
■ Subcommittees and Members
■ Record of Committee of the Whole Meetings
• Agendas
• Minutes
1 Issue Papers
• Agriculture 101
• Land Use 101
■ Problems and Constraints
■ Growth and Land Use Scenarios
• Descriptions
• Hypothetical Strategies and Outcomes
■ Town Hall Meetings
• Agendas
• Public Input
■ Public Opinion Survey
• Sample Survey
• Summary of Survey Findings
■ Glossary of Terms
a
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF MOORPARK
'� (0 '5 - '� (-�- 0)
ITEM I__6'.
AwgivouA
TO: The Honorable City Council
FROM: Nelson Miller, Director of Community Developme"40—
DATE: June 16, 1998 (For City Council Meeting of June 17, 1998)
SUBJECT: Agenda Item 10 G - Council Ad Hoc Committee /Soar - Proposed Ballot
Measures
Attached is an alternative measure as discussed in the staff report for this agenda item, which was
also discussed by the Ad Hoc Committee. This measure would include a few changes to the
proposed initiative, including modifying the urban growth boundary to reflect the planning area
included in the 1992 General Plan update, changing the effective date of the measure to July 1, 1999,
changing the term of the measure from twenty years to ten years to be more consistent with the
County of Ventura Agriculture Policy Working Group (APWG) recommendations, making a change
in the acreage from forty acres per property owner to an aggregate of 160 acres per year based upon
any of the findings specified, changes from an initiative to a measure, and other changes necessary
for consistency with these changes. The changes in the alternative measure are shown in legislative
format with strikeout for deletions and highlighting for additions. Sections which are shown as
strikeout and highlighted are sections which the proposed initiative was deleting, but are to be
retained by the proposed alternative measure.
Attachment: Alternative Draft Measure
CAM \CCRPTS \SOARRPT
s
SAVE OPEN -SPACE AND AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
MOORPARK CITY URBAN RESTRICTION BOUNDARY
FULL TEXT OF RESOLUTION
The people of the City of Moorpark do hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Title.
This initiative measure shall be known as the Moorpark Save Agricultural Resources, or Moorpark
SOAR, iiiitiative measutO.
Section 2. Purpose and Findings.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this irtitiate measure is to adopt for the City of Moorpark an Urban
Restriction Boundary. The Moorpark City Urban Restriction Boundary (Moorpark CURB) line has the
following objectives:
1. To promote stability in long term planning for the City by establishing a cornerstone
policy within the General Plan designating the geographic limits of long term urban development
and allowing sufficient flexibility within those limits to respond to the City's changing needs over
time;
2. To encourage efficient growth patterns and protect the City of Moorpark's quality of life
by concentrating future development largely within existing developed areas consistent with the
availability of infrastructure and services;
3. To promote on lands outside the Moorpark CURB line ongoing natural resource and open
space uses as defined in Government Code section 65560(b), such as preservation of natural
resources, public and private outdoor recreation, uses that foster public health and safety, and
productive investment for farming enterprises;
4. To manage the City's growth in a manner that fosters and protects the small town and
semi -rural character of Moorpark while encouraging appropriate economic development in
accordance with the City's unique local conditions; and
5. To allow the City to continue to meet its reasonable housing needs for all economic
segments of the population, especially low and moderate income households, by directing the
development of housing into areas where services and infrastructure are more efficiently available.
6. To ensure that the preservation and protection of (1) open space, (2) environmentally
sensitive habitat, and (3) agricultural production are inviolable against transitory short-term political
decisions and that watershed, viewshed, open space, and agricultural lands are not prematurely or
unnecessarily converted to other non - agricultural or non -open space uses without public debate and
a vote of the people.
B. Findings.
1. Continued urban encroachment into open space, watershed, viewshed, or agricultural
areas will threaten the public health, safety and welfare by causing increased traffic congestion,
associated air pollution, and potentially serious water problems, such as pollution, depletion, and
sedimentation of available water resources not only for the City but for its jurisdictional neighbors
and severely impact the viability of adjacent agricultural lands. Such urban encroachment would
eventually result in both the unnecessary, expensive extension of public services and facilities and
inevitable conflicts between urban, agricultural and open space uses.
2. The unique character of the City of Moorpark and quality of life of City residents depend
on the protection of a substantial amount of open space, rural and agricultural lands and their
associated visual resources. The protection of such lands not only ensures the continued viability of
agriculture, but also protects the available water supply and contributes to flood control and the
protection of wildlife, environmentally sensitive areas, and irreplaceable natural and visual
resources. As importantly adopting a geographic urban limit line around the City of Moorpark would
promote the formation and continuation of a cohesive community by defining the boundaries and
by helping to prevent urban sprawl Such a boundary would promote efficient municipal services and
facilities by confining urban development to defined development areas.
3. The protection of existing open- space, watershed, viewshed and agricultural lands, within
and surrounding the City of Moorpark is of critical importance to present and future residents of the
City of Moorpark. Agriculture has been and remains a major contributor to the economy of the
Moorpark area and County of Ventura, directly and indirectly creating employment for many people
and generating substantial tax revenues for the City and its surrounding area.
4. In particular, the City of Moorpark is a component of Ventura County and a gate- keeper
to the surrounding area, with its unique combination of soils, micro - climate and hydrology, which
has become one of the finest growing regions in the world. Vegetable and fruit production from the
County of Ventura and more particularly from the soils and silt from the Arroyo Simi, the entire
Calleguas watershed area, the Tierra Rejada Valley and alluvial plains adjacent to the City have
achieved international acclaim, enhancing the City's economy and reputation.
5. This initiative ensures that the Goals and Policies relating to Agriculture (Goal 11 and
Policies 11.1 through 11.3) and Preservation of Environmental Quality (Goal 14 and 15) and Policies
14.* through 14.6 and Policies 15.1 through 15.3, 15.5, and 15.8 of the General Plan are inviolable
against transitory short-term political decisions and that agricultural, watershed and open space lands
are not prematurely or unnecessarily converted to other non - agricultural or non -open space uses
without public debate and a vote of the people. Accordingly, the iftitiative measure' requires that until
December 31, 242-9 2009, the City of Moorpark shall, with minor exceptions, limit the provision of
urban services, and creation of urban uses, other than in certain circumstances and according to
specific procedures set forth in the initiative measure, to within the City Urban Restriction Boundary
created by the initiative measure.
62kithough establis4ted in the same loeatiart as t4te Sphere of 1-niquettee line as it exists as
of jamary 1, 1998 the The CURB is not intended to and shall in no way inhibit the Local Agency
Formation Commission from changing or altering the Sphere of Influence line in accordance with
2
state law. 44te two lines, althotigh eoineidentally eaterminotts as of one point in time are independ
one from the other in legal signifieanee and pttrpose. While the Sphere of Influence line may be
altered by the Local Agency Formation Commission, and addresses the issue of annexation, the City
Urban Restriction Boundary is a local planning policy addressing the issue of land uses and shall not
be changed except as herein provided.
Section 3. General Plan Amendment.
The Moorpark SOAR4ft4iative Meuure'hereby inserts as "Section 8.0 ", et seq., to the Land Use
Element of the City of Moorpark General Plan. the following:
"8.0 MOORPARK CITY URBAN RESTRICTION BOUNDARY'
Introduction
The electorate of the City of Moorpark have, through the initiative process, adopted an urban growth
boundary line denominated the Moorpark City Urban Restriction Boundary (Moorpark CURB). Its purpose,
principals, implementation procedures, and methodologies for amendment are set forth in this Section.
8.1 PURPOSE
The City of Moorpark and surrounding area with its unique combination of soils, micro - climate and
hydrology, has become one of the finest growing regions in the world. Vegetable and fruit production from
the County of Ventura and in particular production from the soils and silt from the Arroyo Simi, the entire
Calleguas watershed, the Tierra Rejada Valley, and alluvial plains adjacent to the City have achieved
international acclaim, enhancing the City's economy and reputation.
The purpose of the Moorpark CURB is:
A. To promote stability in long term planning for the City by establishing a cornerstone policy
within the General Plan designating the geographic limits of long term urban development and
allowing sufficient flexibility within those limits to respond to the City's
changing needs over time;
B. To encourage efficient growth patterns and protect the City of Moorpark's quality of life by
concentrating future development largely within existing developed areas consistent with the
availability of infrastructure and services;
C. To promote on lands outside the Moorpark CURB line ongoing natural resource and open space
uses as defined in Government Code section 65560(b), such as preservation of natural resources,
public and private outdoor recreation, uses that foster public health and safety, and productive
investment for farming enterprises;
D. To manage the City's growth in a manner that fosters and protects the "small town" and
semi -rural character of Moorpark while encouraging appropriate economic development in
accordance with the City's unique local conditions;
3
E. To allow the City to continue to meet its reasonable housing needs for all economic segments
of the population, especially low and moderate income households, by directing the development
of housing into areas where services and infrastructure are more efficiently available; and
F. To ensure that the preservation and protection of (I) open space, (2) environmentally sensitive
habitat, and (3) agricultural production are inviolable against transitory short-term political decisions
and that watershed, viewshed, open space, and agricultural lands are not prematurely or
unnecessarily converted to other non - agricultural or non -open space uses without public debate and
a vote of the
8.2 PRINCIPLES.
A. Continued urban encroachment into open- space, viewshed, watershed and agricultural areas will
impair agriculture, negatively impact sensitive environmental areas, and intrude on open space irrevocably
changing its beneficial utility. By diminishing such beneficial uses, urban encroachment also diminishes the
quality of life and threatens the public health, safety and welfare by causing increased traffic congestion,
associated air pollution, alteration of sensitive lands in flood plains and causing potentially serious water
problems, such as pollution, depletion, and sedimentation of available water resources not only for the City
of Moorpark but for its jurisdictional neighbors. Such urban sprawl would eventually result in both the
unnecessary, expensive extension of public services and facilities and inevitable conflicts between urban and
open space agricultural uses. Continued urban encroachment into open space, watershed, viewshed, or
agricultural areas will threaten the public health, safety and welfare by causing increased traffic congestion,
associated air pollution, and potentially serious water problems, such as pollution, depletion, and
sedimentation of available water resources not only for the City but for its jurisdictional neighbors and
severely impact the viability of adjacent agricultural lands. Such Urban encroachment would eventually result
in both the unnecessary, expensive extension of public services and facilities and inevitable conflicts between
urban, agricultural and open space uses.
B. The unique character of the City of Moorpark and quality of life of City residents depend on the
protection of a substantial amount of open space, watershed and agricultural lands. The protection of such
lands through the implementation of this General Plan Amendment by initiative not only ensures the
continued viability of agriculture, but also protects the available water supply and contributes to flood control
and the protection of wildlife, environmentally sensitive areas, and irreplaceable visual and natural resources.
As importantly, adopting a City Urban Restriction Boundary around the City of Moorpark will promote the
formation and continuation of a cohesive community by defining the boundaries and by helping to prevent
urban sprawl. Such a City Urban Restriction Boundary will promote efficient municipal services and facilities
by confining urban development to defined development areas The unique character of the City of Moorpark
and quality of life of City residents depend on the protection of a substantial amount of open space, rural and
agricultural lands. and their associated visual resources. The protection of such lands not only ensures the
continued viability of agriculture, but also protects the available water supply and contributes to flood control
and the protection of wildlife, environmentally sensitive areas, and irreplaceable natural and visual resources.
As importantly adopting a geographic urban limit line around the City of Moorpark would promote the
formation and continuation of a cohesive community by defining the boundaries and by helping to prevent
urban sprawl. Such a City Urban Restriction Boundary will promote efficient municipal services and facilities
by confining urban development to defined development areas.
4
8.3 IMPLEMENTATION OF CURB
A. The City of Moorpark hereby establishes and adopts a Moorpark City Urban Restriction
Boundary (Moorpark CURB) line. The City Urban Restriction Boundary is a local planning policy addressing
the issue of land uses and shall not be changed except as herein provided. The Moorpark CURB shall be
established coterminous with and in the same location as the Sphere of Influence line established by the Local
Agency Formation Commission as it exists as of jtmttary 1, 199.9, November 3; °1;998 plis'the Specific Plan
8` area described in the Land Use Element 011ie GeneralPlan or as altered or modified pursuant to the
Amendment Procedures set forth below. "
B. Until December 31, 2929 2009, The City of Moorpark shall restrict urban services (except
temporary mutual assistance with other jurisdictions) and urbanized uses of land to within the Moorpark City
Urban Restriction Boundary, except as provided herein and except for the purpose of completing roadways
designated in the circulation element of the Moorpark General Plan as of January 1, +}ff 1999, construction
of public potable water facilities, public schools, public parks or other government facilities. Other than for
the exceptions provided herein, upon the effective date of this General Plan Amendment The City and its
departments, boards, commissions, officers and employees shall not grant, or by inaction allow to be approved
by operation of law, any general plan amendment, rezoning, specific plan, subdivision map, conditional use
permit, building permit or any other ministerial or discretionary entitlement, which is inconsistent with the
purposes of this Section unless in accordance with the Amendment Procedures of Section 8.4.
C. "Urbanized uses of land" shall mean any development which would require the establishment of
new community sewer systems or the significant expansion of existing community sewer systems; or, would
result in the creation of residential lots less than 20 acres in area; or, would result in the establishment of
commercial or industrial uses which are not exclusively agriculturally- related.
D. The Moorpark City Urban Restriction Boundary may not be amended, altered, revoked or
otherwise changed prior to December 31, 2929 2009, except by vote of the people or by the City Council
pursuant to procedures set forth in Section 8.4.
E. Implementation of this initiative measure'will in no way preclude the Moorpark City Council from
making land use decisions regarding lands inside the Moorpark City Urban Restriction Boundary.
8.4 AMENDMENT PROCEDURES
Until December 31, 2920 2009, the foregoing Purposes, Principles and Implementation provisions
of this Section of the Land Use Element may be amended only by a vote of the people commenced pursuant
to the ittitiative electoralprocess by the public, or pursuant to the procedures set forth below:
A. The City Council may amend the City Urban Restriction Boundary if it deems it to be in the
public interest, provided that the amended boundary is within or coextensive with the limits of said City
Urban Restriction Boundary.
B. The City Council, following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant and by
the public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may amend the City Urban
Restriction Boundary in order to comply with State regulations regarding the provision of housing for all
economic segments of the community, provided that no more than 10 acres of land may be brought within
5
the CURB for this purpose in any calendar year. Such amendment may be adopted only if the City Council
makes each of the following findings:
1) The City is in violation of State regulations regarding its fair share of housing stock.
2) The land is immediately adjacent to existing compatibly developed areas and the
applicant for the inclusion of land within the Urban Restriction Boundary has provided to the
City evidence that the Fire Department, Police Department, Department of Public Works, the
Community Services Department, applicable water and sewer districts, and the School
District with jurisdiction over such land have adequate capacity to accommodate the
proposed development and provide it with adequate public services; and
3) That the proposed development will address the highest priority need identified in the
analysis by which the City has determined it is not in compliance with State regulations, i.e.,
low and very low income housing; and
4) That there is no existing residentially designated land available within the Urban
Restriction Boundary to accommodate the proposed development; and
5) That it is not reasonably feasible to accommodate the proposed development by
redesignating lands within the Urban Restriction Boundary.
C. The City Council following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant and by
the public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may amend the Urban
Restriction Boundary described herein, if the City Council makes eaek any of the following findings:
1) The land proposed for receiving urban services, urbanized land uses, or inclusion within
the Urban Restriction Boundary is immediately adjacent to areas developed in a manner
comparable to the proposed use;
2) Adequate public services and facilities are available and have the capacity and capability
to accommodate the proposed use;
3) The proposed use will not have direct, indirect, or cumulative adverse significant impacts
to the area's agricultural viability, habitat, scenic resources, or watershed value;
4) The proposed use will not adversely affect the stability of land use patterns in the area
(i.e., the parcel affected will not introduce or facilitate a use that is incompatible with
adjoining or nearby uses);
5) The land proposed for reception of public services, urbanization or inclusion within the
Urban Restriction Boundary has not been used for agricultural purposes in the immediately
preceding 2 years and is unusable for agriculture due to its topography, drainage, flooding,
adverse soil conditions or other physical reasons; and
6) The land proposed for reception of public services, urbanization or inclusion within the
Urban Restriction Boundary does not exceed mare- than - °aggregate,Qf 4$161 acres €5r a"
2
tot in any caienaar year.
D. The City Council following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant
and by the public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may amend the CURB
if the City Council makes each of the following findings:
1) Failure to amend the CURB would constitute an unconstitutional taking of a landowners
property for which compensation would be required or would deprive the landowner of a vested
right; and
2) The amendment and associated land use designations will allow additional land uses only
to the minimum extent necessary to avoid said unconstitutional taking of the landowner's
property or to give effect to the vested right.
E. The City Council following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant and by
the public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may place any amendment
to the Urban Restriction Boundary or the provisions of this initiative measurd%on the ballot pursuant to the
mechanisms provided by State Law.
F. The City Council may amend the CURB line location to encompass lands contemplated for
construction of public potable water facilities, public schools, public parks, or other government facilities,
all uses exempted from the provisions of this General Plan Amendment by the provisions of Section 8.3, but
only to the minimum amount reasonably necessary to accommodated said uses.
G. The City Council may reorganize, renumber or reorder the individual provisions of the General
Plan, including the provisions of this Section 8 sequence, in the course of ongoing updates of the General Plan
in accordance with the requirements of state law.
Section 4. Conforming Amendments.
In light of the General Plan Land Use Element amendments set forth above, the City of Moorpark
General Plan is hereby further amended as set forth below in order to promote internal
consistency among the various elements of the General Plan. Text to be inserted into the General
Plan is indicated in bold italic type while text to be stricken is presented in ;
text in standard type currently appears in the General Plan and remains unchanged by this initiative.
Occasionally, ellipses [ * * *] are introduced to indicate significant blocks of text remain unchanged within
a section. The language adopted in the following conforming amendments may be further amended as
appropriate without a vote of the people in the course of future updates and revisions to the General Plan
provided the same are not amended in such a manner as to create inconsistencies within the General Plan.
1. The last paragraph of Section 2.2 of the Land Use Element, at page 6 is amended as follows:
The future development of lands surrounding the City boundary outside of the City Urban
Restriction Boundary is to be discouraged and generally shall not be permitted in the absence a
VA
vote of the electorate. Other exceptions to this policy are found at Section 8.4. require that a4equate
of afty development proposals.
2. Policy 2.1 of the Land Use Element at page 11 is amended as follows:
The City shall strive to obtain and maintain sphere of influence boundaries consistent with the City
Urban Restriction Boundary. The planned tt+an area on Ote adopted 1;and Use Pla
3. Goal 11 of the Land Use Element at page 16 is amended as follows:
Identify and encourage the preservation of viable agricultural resources in the City and its Area of
Interest. Unless property has not been used for agricultural purposes in the immediately preceding
2 years and is unusable for agriculture due to its topography, drainage, flooding, adverse soil
conditions or other physical reasons, it shall be deemed viable.
4. Policy 11.1 of the Land Use Element at page 16 is amended as follows:
An agricultural land use designation should be retained for farmlands within the City's Area of
Interest, which have been identified as Prime and/or Statewide Importance unless the property has
not been used for agricultural purposes in the immediately preceding 2 years and is unusable for
agriculture due to its topography, drainage, flooding, adverse soil conditions or other physical
reasons. as long as eeoitomieally viable-.
5. Section 5.2 SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGNATION - SP, of the Land Use Element, at page 28, is
amended as follows:
Exhibits 3 and 4 of this document identify the location and the proposed land use mix of specific plan
areas 1, 2, 9, and 10, which are within the existing City limits and specific plan area 8, which is
within the unincorporated planning area. Specific plan area 3 (proposed within the city limits) and
specific plan areas 4, 5, 6, and 7 (proposed within the unincorporated planning area) were studied
but were found not to be appropriate for urban development for the foreseeable future the
time period eovered by this I:md 14se E4emerA (year 29 4 0 buildotto and were not approved.
Specific plan areas 1, 2, 8, 9, and 10 have been delineated based on ownership, landform, and
circulation considerations.
6. Planning Area Land Use Plan Map, City of Moorpark General Plan, Land Use Element Exhibit 4
is amended to demonstrate the Moorpark CURB line. , as well as to delete the __r _.._. es SP48,
eensideration of development of Speeifie Pim 8 is abandoned. See Exhibit "B" to this initia
7. Section 5.2 SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGNATION - SP, of the Land Use Element, at page 35, at the
subtitle "Planning Area Outside City Limits ", through page 37, comprising approximately 20
paragraphs, "Speeifie Plan 8" is amended as follows! is unchanged';4rid remains
in effect:
M
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11.Table 3 of the Land Use Element at pages 39 -40 is amended to refleet ex&tMg an
pjwposed developments thtwugh MtT, 4998; It is the purpose of this amendment to eonfoffti.
the table to the Wiwved and penAtg ehanges itt the Getteral Plan considered by this
amendment to ehwwo.
11
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111111.
11.Table 3 of the Land Use Element at pages 39 -40 is amended to refleet ex&tMg an
pjwposed developments thtwugh MtT, 4998; It is the purpose of this amendment to eonfoffti.
the table to the Wiwved and penAtg ehanges itt the Getteral Plan considered by this
amendment to ehwwo.
11
10. Section 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION, of the Land Use Element, at Implementation Measure 16, at
page 44, is amended as follows:
16. Ensure that all applications submit wt appheatiea to the Ventura County Local Agency
Formation Commission (LAFCO) to amend the City's Sphere of Influence boundary, are
consistent with the approved Land Use Plan, and in particular the Moorpark City Urban
Restriction Boundary, to allow for proper planning within of the probable, ultimate
physical boundaries and service area of the City.
•R
• •
• _ _ _ _ _ ® + . _ _ _ _ ------ _ _ _ _
t i 6
Section 5. Insertion Date
A. f4pan the effeetive date of This measure Vie, 4 shall be deemed inserted as Section 8.0, et
seq. of the Land Use Element of the City of Moorpark's General Plan as an amendment thereof, and the
Conforming Amendments of Section 4 shall be appropriately inserted in the General Plan replacing the
amended provisions exeept,
by state law for any given ealendar year have already been utilized in 1998, prior to the effeetive date of this
. ifiative, this General Plan amendment shall be deemed inset4ed in the Gity's General Pla on
3anttar-y July 1, 1999.
B. The City of Moorpark General Plan in effect at the time the Notice of Intention to circulate this
initiative measure was submitted to the City Clerk of Moorpark, and that General Plan as amended by this
initiative measure, comprise an integrated, internally consistent and compatible statement of policies for the
City. In order to ensure that the City of Moorpark General Plan remains an integrated, internally consistent
and compatible statement of policies for the City as required by state law and to ensure that the actions of the
voters in enacting this initiative measure are given effect, any provision of the General Plan that is adopted
between the submittal date and the date that this initiative measure is deemed inserted into the General Plan,
shall, to the extent that such interim - enacted provision is inconsistent with the General Plan provisions
adopted by section 3 of this measure, be amended as soon as possible and in the manner and time
required by State law to ensure consistency between the provisions adopted by this initiative measurp;and
other elements of the City's General Plan. In the alternative, such interim- enacted inconsistent provision shall
12
be disregarded.
Section 6. Severability.
This initiative measure shall be interpreted so as to be consistent with all federal and state laws, rules,
and regulations. If any section, sub - section, sentence, clause, phrase, part, or portion of this initiative measure
is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision
shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this initiative measure. The voters hereby declare
that this initiative measure, and each section, sub - section, sentence, clause, phrase, part, or portion thereof
would have been adopted or passed even if one or more sections, sub - sections, sentences, clauses, phrases,
parts, or portions are declared invalid or unconstitutional. If any provision of this initiative measure is
declared invalid as applied to any person or circumstance, such invalidity shall not affect any application of
this initiative measure that can be given effect without the invalid application. This initiative measure shall
be broadly construed in order to achieve the purposes stated in this initiative measure. It is the intent of the
voters that the provisions of this initiative measure shall be interpreted by the City and others in a manner that
.........:.......:.
facilitates the confinement of urban uses thereby protecting agricultural, open space and rural lands, and
preventing urban sprawl.
Section 7. Amendment or Repeal.
Except as otherwise provided herein, this initiative rne°asare may be amended or repealed only by the
voters of the City of Moorpark at an election held in accordance with state law.
Section 8. Competing Measures.
In the event there are competing measures on the same ballot with this measure that purport to address
the same subject matter of this measure, the following rules shall apply: If more than one such measure
passes, then both measures shall go into effect except to the extent that particular provisions of one initiative
measure are in direct, irreconcilable conflict with particular provisions of another initiative measure. In that
event, as to those conflicting provisions only, the provisions of the initiative measure which received the most
votes shall prevail.
13
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF MOORPARK
a651 9(a0l
ITEM 10e (00 J
IUOndurn
TO: The Honorable City Council
/11-VI 4411—
FROM: Nelson Miller, Director of Community Developmen
DATE: June 17,1998 (For City Council Meeting of June 17,1998)
SUBJECT: Agenda Item 10 G - Council Ad Hoc Committee /Soar - Proposed Ballot
Measures (Second Addendum)
Attached is an annotated copy of the proposed Green Belt preservation and Urban Growth Boundary
measure which indicates how this proposed measure differs from the proposed SOAR Initiative. It
is generally presented in legislative format with strikeouts for deletions and highlighting for
additions, with some additional notes. This proposed measure followed the same general format as
the SOAR Initiative, but was modified to expand the boundary to include the proposed Specific Plan
8 project, language was modified to be more consistent with existing goals and policies of General
Plan, and to reflect the recommendations of the County of Ventura Agriculture Policy Working
Group (APWG) recommendations
Attachment: Annotated Draft Measure
CAM \CCRPTS \SOARRPT
DRAFT
CITY OF MOORPARK
GREEN BELT PRESERVATION
AND URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY MEASURE
The people of the City of Moorpark do hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Title.
This initiative measure shall be known as the Moorpark Save Greenbelt Preservation and Urban
Growth Boundary Agnettitural Resettrees, or Moorpark SEMR, initiati measure.
Section 2. Purpose and Findings.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this initiative measure -is to adopt for the City of Moorpark an Urban
Restrietierz Growth Boundary. The Moorpark City Urban Restrietien Growth Boundary (Moorpark FUR-GB)
line has the following objectives:
1. Green belt preservation and enhancement through the careful analysis of land use
proposals that seek to extend urban boundaries or services into. areas of general open space or
historical agricultural use."
2. Incorporate the Tierra Rejada Green belt as a protected green belt area within the
Moorpark geographic. planning area shown in the City's Area of Interest boundary.
3. To promote stability in long term planning for the City by establishing a
policy within the General Plan designating the geographic limits of long term urban development
and allowing sufficient flexibility within those limits to respond to the City's changing needs over
time;
44- To encourage efficient growth patterns and protect the City of Moorpark's quality of life
by concentrating future development largely within existing developed areas or areas contiguous to
those areas consistent with the ability to provide twitilability of infrastructure and services;
5.3. EncourapTe- promote on lands outside the Moorpark EURGB lire but within the area
of interest ongoing natural resource and open space uses as defined in Government Code section
65560(b), such as preservation of natural resources, public and private outdoor recreation, uses that
Page 1 of 18
foster public health and safety, and productive investment for farming enterprises;
6. Reaffirm policies within the Land Use Element of the City of Moorpark General Plan
adopted May 13, 1992, regulating urban growth.
7. Complement circulation, housing, and infrastructure needs of the city necessary to
provide a quality lifestyle for residents, current and future.
B. Findings.
1. Uncontrolled, unregulated Gentintied urban encroachment into open space, watershed,
viewshed, or agricultural areas could create unwanted will threaten the publie health,
water problerng, s"eh as pailtt+ien, depletiort, and sedimentation of W"ilabie water resettrees me"*
fo, +e City but for its jurisdietionai neighbors and severely impacts. the viability of adjaeen
s- &m+ Urban encroachment which could create would eventually reself ill both the
conflicts between
urban, agricultural and open space uses should be controlled through the administration of General
Plan Goals, Policies and Implementation Strategies. The adoption of an urban growth boundary
policy within the General Plan reenforces the community commitment to the protection of green belt
and open space uses as vital land -use considerations, while balancing needs for urban growth.
2. The unique character of the City of Moorpark and quality of life of City residents depend
on the presevattplion pmteetien of it substantial ame of natural open space, recreational
open spacaj4hwal and agricultural lands, and of green belt areas. and their asseeiated visa '
wildlife, f
impertant Adopting a geegraghie tnbart- growth hm4 boundary line around the City of Moorpark
wetrl promotes the formation and continuation of a cohesive community by using comprehensive
planning techniques to defineing the such boundaries and by helping to reduce pressure for urban
expansion in noncontiguous areas: h a boundrry would This promotes
efficient municipal services and facilities by confining urban development to defined deveiarmen t
readily developable areas.
Page 2 of 18
3. The protection of existing open- space, watershed, viewshed and agricultural lands, within
and surrounding the City of Moorpark is aferitieal an importantee land use policy contained in the
General Plan to benefit to present and future residents of the City of Moorpark. Viable 24&griculture
has been and remains a-majo an important contributor to the economy of the Moorpark area and
County of Ventura, diteefly and indireetly creating employment for many people and generating
substantial tax revenues for the City. and its surrounding area.
5-4. This initiative ensures that the Goals and Pokeies relating to Agriettiftwe (Goal 1 i nnd
Peheies 11.4 through 11.3) and Preser-I afEnviremental Qtmhtly (Goal 14 and 45) and Poheies
144 through 14.6 and Paheies 15.1 threegh 15.3, 15.5, and 15.8 afthe Genent! Plan are invielable
tery short term politieft! deeisions and that agriettiturni, watershed and open spftee lands
without publie debate and a vote of the people. Aeeordingly, the initiative requires thm until
Deee.YL__ 31, 29:0, The City of Moorpark shall, with ruiner exceptions, limit the provision of urban
services, and creation of urban uses, other than in certain circumstances and according to specific
procedures set forth in thise initiative measure, to within the Gay Urban Restrietion Growth
Boundary created by thise initietivemeasure.
6: 5. Althetigh established in the same leeation as 0te Sphere of htfittertee hine its it exists
as of 4ftnttM 1, , Tthe City of Moorpark Urban Growth Boundary EURB is not intended to and
shall in no way inhibit the Local Agency Formation Commission from changing or altering the
Sphere of Influence line in accordance with state law. The two hnes,
eeterminetts as of one Mint in fitne tire independent one frorn the ather in legal signifteanee
ptirpose. While the Sphere of infittenee line mey be altered by +e Leen! Agertey Formation
Gammissi__, and addresses the issue of __ emotion Tthe Gity Urban Restriction Limit Boundary
provided is eoterminus with the corporate boundary established, by LAFCO upon incorporation plus
all lands within the boundaries of SP -8 (Messenger) contiguous to the city.
Section 3. General Plan Amendment,
The Moorpark Uthan Growth Boundary measure is inserted as SE)AR Initiative hereby insetis as
"Section 8.0 ", et seq., to the Land Use Element of the City of Moorpark General Plan. the - %flowing.-
"8.0 MOORPARK C-1 URBAN RESTR4G44 GROWTH BOUNDARY'
Introduction
Thezleetvrate people of the City of Moorpark have, through the initiative ballot process, adopted
an urban growth boundary line denerninated called the Moorpark G-ity Urban Restrietien Growth Boundary
Page 3 of 18
(Moorpark EMURGB). Its purpose, principals, implementation procedures, and methodologies for
amendment are set forth in this Section.
8.1 PURPOSE
The City of Moorpark and surrounding area is one of the most desirable places to live in eastern
Ventura County. with its unique eembination efseils, miere elimate and hydtalegy, has beeerne one afthe
partiettlar prodeetiort ..om the soils and silt from the �dffroya Simi, the emire Galleguag watershed, the �F
Pcejada Valley, and alittvial plains adjaeent to the Gity have aehie-ved international aeelairn, enhaneing
Git,y's eeanemy and re.
The purposes of the Moorpark CURB Urban Growth Boundary 4g -are:
A. -To Promote stabihty -in long term planning for the City by establishing it eemerstene policy
within the General Plan designating the geographie limits of long -term urban development and
allowing sufficient flexibility within those limits to respond to the City's
changing needs over time;
B. To Encourage efficient growth patterns and protect the City of Moorpark's quality of life by
concentrating future development largely within existing developed areas or contiguous areas
consistent with the availability or development of infrastructure and services;
C. To Promote on lands otitside the Moorpark GURB line protection and conservation of ongoing
natural resource and open space uses as defined in-Government Code section 65560(b), such as
preservation of natural resources, public and private outdoor recreation, uses that foster public health
and safety, and productive investment for farming enterprises on properly defined lands within
recognized agricultural production areas,;
D. To Manage the City's gmwth in a rnarmer thm festen ftnd preteets the "small town" and
Encourage appropriate economic development consistent
with the goals, policies; and° strategies of the adopted General Plan which recognizes in gt a -wee
with -the City's unique local conditions;
E. To allewt a Continue to meet its reasonable housing needs for all economic segments
of the population, especially low and moderate income households, by encouraging direeting the
development of housing into areas where services and infrastructure are mote can be `more
efficiently dveloped;
a vote of the people. To incorporate.the°:Tierra Rejada Green belt as a portion of the General Plan
Land Use Element as a protected, preserved green belt area. within the Moorpark geographic
planning area shown, in ficCiWs Area of interestboundaryi
Page 4 of 18
8.2 PRINCIPLES.
A. , watershed and agriettitttral areas wi44
its benefieisai titility. By diminishing sueh benefieial uses, urban eneroaehment also diminishes the
assoeiated air pollution, alterettion of sensitive lands in flood plains and tiftily seiotts water
problems, stieh as pailution, depietion, and sedimentMien of available water resattrees not only f'OL the C-it'y
of Mearretrk but f;5r its jurisdietional neighbors. Stieh urban VrikW! wettid event-dally restAt in both the
open speee agriettifural uses. ,
Uncontrolled, unregulated C-entintted tt encroachment into open space,
watershed, viewshed, or agricultural areas could create unwanted will threaten the publie health,
problems, stteh as paHtttian, depletion, and sedimp-tation Rf ailable water resattrees not only f;5r the G4y
but for its jurisdietional neighbors and severely impacts. Stteh
Urban encroachment which could create weeld eventually resuit in both the emeeessary,
conflicts between urban, agricultural and open space uses
should be controlled through the administration of General Plan goals, policies and implementation strategies.
The adoption of an urban growth boundary policy within the General Plan demonstrates the community
commitment to the protection of greenbelt and open space uses as vital land use considerations affecting the
community lifestyle and quality of life, while balancing needs and demands for expansion of urban services
and growth.
B. The enique eimeeteref the City of Nleerpffl4f and quality of life efC-ity residents depend on the
lands through the implementation of this General Plan Amendment by initiative not Only ensures the
As import&ntly, adopting a Gity Urban Restrietion Boundary around the Gity of Moexpark will prornate the
urban sprawl. Stteh a Gity Urban Restrietion Betmdwy will promote effieient nftmieipal serviees and fteilities
by eenfining urban deveiepment to defffted development areas .
The unique character of the City of Moorpark
and quality of life of City residents depend on the preservation or creation preteetien of
of natural open space, recreational open space, and agricultural lands.
resettrees. The preteetion of 9tteh lands not only ensttres the eentinued -viability of agriettitere, but also
Adopting a
geographic urban limit line around the City of Moorpark would promotes the formation and continuation of
a cohesive community by c m ftprehensive planning techniques to def neing the such boundaries and by
helping to red e f I'atft-'expansion in noncontiguous areas. rarwl
would Thispromote efficient municipal services and facilities by confining urban development to defined
develeptnent readily developablc;areas.
8.3 IMPLEMENTATION OF GURRUGB
A. The City of Moorpark hereby establishes and adopts a Moorpark City Urban men Growth
Boundary (UGB)dine. Tthe C4ty Urban Restrietien Growth Boundary
Page 5 of 18
the issue of land uses and shail not be ehanged emeept as herein provided is coterminus with the corporate
boundary established by LAFCO upon incorporation plus all lands within the boundaries of SP -8 (Messinger)
contiguous to the city. Re Moorpark GURB U7EB shall be established eaterminetts with and in the 9
loeation as the Sphere of Influenee line established by the Loeal Ageney Formation G&
as 4 4anttary 1, 1998, or as altered or rnedified pursuant to the Amendment Neeedur set fi5rth below-
Graphic representation of that line is shown at Exhibit "A ".
B r4ntil Beee ber 41, 2029, The City of Moorpark shall restriet limit urban services (except
temporary mutual assistance with other jurisdictions) and urbanized uses of land to within the Moorpark City
Urban Restrietion Growth Boundary, except as provided herein. and exeerptt- for the i9tirrese of eemj5leftifm
.......... ........... .. Y »....— Y". ».,.� .. ...�. ...— .....�,,, Y »., ..— .,..........., Y »., .. r........ �. v.a a..a bv.a.a uaaauu aa�.uacn.T
9ther than fe. the emeeptions provided herein, tipen the effeeti Ye date of this G elLeL a! Plan Amendment The
City and its departments, boards, commissions, officers and employees shall not grant, or by inaction allow
to be approved by operation of law, ,
any other ministerial or discretionary entitlement, which is
inconsistent with the purposes of this Section.
Seel:_- 8
+w�rrs�ewr�a�r*s�+svwww
G.M.
1} C. The Moorpark City Urban Restrietien Growth Boundary may not be amended, altered, revoked
or otherwise changed prior to December 31, 242-42009, except by a majority vote of the people or by the City
Council pursuant to an advertised public hearing to consider such change subject to the procedures set forth
in Section 8.4.
E. Implementation of this initiative measure does notcia - rte way preclude the Moorpark City
Council from making land use decisions regarding lands inside ors abuttingthe Moorpark Gity Urban
Restrietieri Growth Boundary for,zlueh w specific plan or entitlements- application-has been filed prior to the
effective date of this measure.
8.4 AMENDMENT PROCEDURES
Un�! Deeember 31, 2020, the foregoing ThePurposes, Principles and Implementation provisions of
this Section of the Land Use Element may be amended e* by a vote of the people commenced pursuant to
a duly constituted municipal election, or pursuant to the procedures set
forth below:
A. The City Council may amend the Gity► Urban Restrietion GrovAlrBoundary if it deems it to be
in the public interest, provided that the amended boundary =- within __ sive ...:.,. be consistent with
the purposes set forth herein.
B. The City Council, following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant and by
the public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may amend the City Urban
Page 6 of 18
n> ti Growth Boundary in order to comply with State regulations regarding the provision of housing
for all economic segments of the community, provided that me mem than 10 nees of land may be bratight
within the GURB for this puMese in any ealendar year. Such amendment may be adopted only if the Gity
C-outteil makes eae subject to any of the following findings:
1) The Gity is in A violation of State regulations regarding its fair share of housing stock
could occur.
2) The land is immediately adjacent to existing eempstibly developed areas and the
applicant for the inclusion of land within the Urban Restrietion Growth Boundary has
provided to the City evidence that the Fire Department, Police Department, Department of
Public Works, the Community Services Department, applicable water and sewer districts,
and the School District with jurisdiction over such land have adequate capacity to
accommodate the proposed development and provide it with adequate public services; smd
3) 4) That there is no reasonably developable land existing residential! or designated for
housing programs land ttvailable within the Urban Restrietien Growth Boundary to
accommodate the proposed development; std
C. The City Council following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant and by
the public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may amend the Urban
Restrieti o -rr Growth Boundary described herein, subject to the following
findings:
1) The land proposed for reeeiving urban services, urbanized land uses, or inclusion within
the Urban Restrietion Growth Boundary is immediately adjacent to areas developed in a
manner eempsreble compatible to the proposed use;
2) Adequate public services and facilities are available and have the capacity and capability
to accommodate the proposed use; '
/h The proposed use will not adversely affect the stability of land use patterns in the area
(i.e., the parcel affected will not introduce or facilitate a use that is incompatible with
adjoining or nearby uses);
Page 7 of 18
6) The land proposed for reception of public services, urbanization or inclusion within the
Urban Restrietion Growth Boundary has not been used for viable economic agricultural
purposes in the immediately preceding 2 years. and is ttrittsable for agriettiture dtte to
tapagraphy, drainage, t466ding, ltdVeMe Sail eandifietts or other physieal reasons, and
h,6) The land proposed for reception of public services, urbanization or inclusion within the
Urban Restrietien Growth Boundary does not exceed in any
calendar year. _a ___ property . not similarly _ ,
u vale. l'
, and r� � �_� ` OL11111411 ,' vv 1
more
than an aggregate of 164 acres in any one calendar year.
D. The City Council following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant
and brthe public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may amend the
GUI-GB subject to the following findings:
1) Failure to amend the C-URB UGB would constitute a an tmeanstitutional taking of a
landowners property for which compensation would be required or would deprive the landowner
of a vested right or entitlement; and
2) The amendment and associated land use designations will allow additional land uses only
to the minimum extent necessary to avoid said a 1 taking of the landowner's
property or development rights .
E. The City Council following at least one public hearing for presentations by an applicant and by
the public, and after compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, may place any amendment
to the Urban Restrietien Growth Boundary or the provisions of this measure initiative on the ballot pursuant
to the mechanisms provided by State Law.
F. The City Council may amend the EURB UGB line location to encompass lands contemplated for
construction of public potable water facilities, public schools, public parks, regional parks or other
government facilities; sal and uses exempted from the provisions of this General Plan Amendment by the
provisions of Section 8.3, but only to the minimum amount reasonably necessary to accommodated said uses.
G. The City Council may reorganize, renumber or reorder the individual provisions of the General
Plan, including the provisions of this Section 8 sequence, in the course of ongoing updates of the General Plan
in accordance with the requirements of state law.
Section 4. Conforming Amendments.
In light of the General Plan Land Use Element amendments set forth above, the City of Moorpark
General Plan is hereby further amended as set forth below in order to promote internal
consistency among the various elements of the General Plan. Text to be inserted into the General
Plan is indicated in bold italic type while text to be stricken is presented in she- +&ettgh -"e;
text in standard type currently appears in the General Plan and remains unchanged by this initiative measure.
Occasionally, ellipses [ * * *] are introduced to indicate significant blocks of text remain unchanged within
a section. The language adopted in the following conforming amendments may be further amended as
Page 8 of 18
appropriate without a vote of the people in the course of future updates and revisions to the General Plan
provided the same are not amended in such a manner as to create inconsistencies within the General Plan.
1. The last paragraph of Section 2.2 of the Land Use Element, at page 6 is amended as follows:
The future development of lands surrounding the City boundary outside of the C4'!r Urban Best kdon
Growth Boundary is to be discouraged and generally shall not be permitted in the absence of
provision of 8.4.
reqttire that adequate public services and infrastructure. be extended to these ateas in eenj . ttnet4an with
Policy 2.1 of the Land Use Element at page 11 is-amended as follows:
The City shall strive to obtain and maintain sphere of influence boundaries consistent with the
policies for Oty Urban Reslri -deem Growth Boundary declaration. Re Flamed wbon area an
adepted 1=w44 -see N.M.
,.Goal 11 of the Land Use Element at page 16 is amended as follows:
Identify and encourage the preservation of economically viable agricultural resources in the City and
its Area of Interest. Unless Pproperty Iran not beery used for agricultural purposes in the
immediately preceding 2 years, and is unusable for agriculture due to its topography, drainage,
flooding, adverse soil conditions or other physical reasons, it shall be deemed not viable.
olicy 11.1 of the Land Use Element at page 16 is amended as follows:
To the extentpossible under any proposed'speci}ic plan, economically viable Aft agricultural land
Page 9 of 18
use designatiett should be retained for farmlands within the City's Area of Interest, which have been
identified as Prime and/or Statewide Importance unless the property has not been used for
agricultural purposes in the immediately preceding 2 years and is unusable for agriculture due
to its topography, drainage, flooding, adverse soil conditions or other physical reasons. as4eng
�'/ Policy 11.2 of the Land Use Element at page 16 is amended as follows:
Policy 11.2: When new residential de-velopment is adjeeent to existing agriettitural uses, a 200 feet
In order to minimize compatibility conflicts between
urban projects and abutting agricultural uses, a transitional buffer zone which uses project area open
space or fuel modification zones as the buffer, and/or which provides a minimum 200 foot separation
from residential units to the agricultural use shall be imposed as a condition of all development
projects. "
�,X. Policy 11.3 of the Land Use Element at page 16 is amended to read as follows:
Policy 11.3: Agricultural uses in buffer areas between Moorpark and adjacent communities shall be
eneouraged preserved ad Tlhe City shall take an active role in the support of creation, expansion,
protection and preservation, the -ese of Green belt areas within its area of interest and sphere of
influence including entering into binding agreements or joint powers agreements. with other
abutting jurisdictlonsto preserve agricultural land uses.
_2.6 Section 5.2 SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGNATION - SP, of the Land Use Element, at page 28, is
amended as follows:
Page 10 of 18
Exhibits 3 and 4 of this document identify the location and the proposed land use mix of specific plan
areas 1, 2, 9, and 10, which are within the existing City limits and specific plan area 8, which is
within the unincorporated planning area contiguous to the city boundary. Specific plan area
3(proposed within the city limits) and specific plan areas 4, 5, 6, and 7 (proposed within the
unincorporated planning area) were studied but were found not to be appropriate for urban
development through year 2020,
1:;and�49e Element (year 2919 beiideto) and were not approved.
Specific plan areas 1, 2, 8, 9, and 10 have been delineated based on ownership, landform, ar,4
circulation and logical extension ofpublic services considerations.
Planning Area Land Use Plan Map, City of Moorpark General Plan, Land Use Element Exhibit
4 is amended to demonstrate the Moorpark CURB Urban Growth Boundary. line, its well as to delete
. "Exhibit 4" to the Land Use Element is
amended to reflect tkat consideration of future urban extension and development. of-Sp°"i i2-PI
8 is abandened. See Exhibit "B" to this initiative.
cj 14.4- Section 5.2 SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGNATION - SP, of the Land Use Element, at page 35, at
the subtitle "Planning Area Outside City Limits ", through page 37, comprising approximately 20
paragraphs, addressing primarily "Specific Plan 8" is amended as follows:
Planning Area Outside City Limits
As noted on the Land Use Plan, one specific plan area utside of the existing
City of Moorpark limits (Specific Plan No.8), within the area proposed for expansion of the City's
sphere of influence, has been designated within the, Urban Growth Boundary. This specific plan
designates 59% of its gross land area to natural open space use. , and must address
Specific plan areas 4, 5, 6, and 7 and (proposed within the unincorporated planning area) were
analyzed in conjunction with the updating of the Land Use Element in 1992, but were found f&-be
not to be appropriate for urban development prior to the year 201 and were,
therefore, not approved.
Thn i °Malley, Thousand Oaks and the County of Ventura adopted the
Tier" , _ , mutual-resolution in 1984.
The ~7TWmAr eda Green Bell constitutes-an area ofover 2600 acres
(4 square miles),
Page 11 of 18
All lands within the Tierra Reje Greenbelt are within the City o
future Sphere of Influence. a City desires that these lands be protected qnd of or
agricultural and open space uses compatible with topography, geology, hydrology and visual
conditions of the area Accordingly, the Tierra Rejeda Valley Green Belt is reflected in this
element, and policy is established as a guide for future decisions related to this area or
consideration of additional green belts, for
i
Specific Plan 8 MWeMdKand Use Element discussion dated Arta
reference.) y 13, 1992 is incorporated by
Page 12 of 18
15. S- Section 6.0 of the Land Use Element, LAND USE PLAN STATISTICAL SUMMARY, at
page 38, is amended as follows.
As identified on Table 3, a combined total of up to 15,17a!4,911 12;5H dwelling units could be
constructed in the overall planning area, based on maximum density estimates. The resulting buildout
population for the Moorpark planning area wetrld couldbe approximately (a.) 41,544 40,,856 34 8
persons, based on the County's 2.74 population dwelling unit factor for the year 2010. AYete- heowver
there The resulting buildout for the Moorpark planning area oro could be approximately 40 (b.)
50,68341 --7-99 persons, based on the California Department of Finance Demographic Research
Unit's Ventura County Population and Housing Estimates for Moorpark which average 3.341
persons per household for the years 1994 -1997 inclusive; or,* (c.) 49,4544$ -783 persons based
on the "VCOG 2020 Population Per Dwelling Unit Ratio Forecast "for the City of Moorpark (3.26
persons per dwelling unit). The table 3 buildout figures were calculated using the smaller county-
wide ratios and are considered a conservative population estimate for the City.
16.9 -Table 3 of the Land use Element at pages 39-40 is amended below to "
its asseeietted 4u, and pepulation reftect`existing and proposed developments through May
1998 It is the purpose of this amendment to conform the table to the approved and pending changes
Page 13 of 18
• i • : _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ i • _ i
OR
! _ My
VMW
Tipff
K
J
i
Page 14 of 18
TABLE 3
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE STATISTICAL SUMMARY
Land Use Designation
City Area
Unincorporated Area
Planning Area
RL- RURAL LOW
(1 du/5 acres maximum)
1,668 ac.
334 du
- - -- - --
1,668 ac.
334 du
RH- RURAL HIGH
(1 du/acre maximum)
208 ac.
208 du
- -- --
208 ac.
208 du
L- LOW DENSITY
(1 du/acre maximum)
168 ac.
168 du
- -- - --
168 ac.
168 du.
M - MEDIUM DENSITY
(4 du/acre maximum)
1,174 ac.
4,696 du
- -- - --
1,174 ac.
4,696 du
H - HIGH DENSITY
(7 du/acre maximum)
343 ac.
2,401 du
- -- - --
343 ac.
2,401 du
VH - VERY HIGH
DENSITY
(15 du/acre maximum
161 ac.
2,415 du
- -- - --
161 ac.
2,415 du
SP SPECIFIC PLANS
SP -1 LEVY
285 ac.
(620) 613 du
- -- - --
285 ac.
(620) 613 du
SP -2 JBR
445 ac.
(712) 653 du
- -- - --
445 ac.
(712) 653 du
SP -3+
N/A
N/A
N/A
SP -4+
N/A
N/A
N/A
SP -5+
N/A
N/A
N/A
SP -6+
N/A
N/A
N/A
SP -7+
N/A
N/A
N/A
SP -8 MESSENGER
- --
- --
4,322 ac. 3,221 du
4,322 ac
3,221 du
SP -9 MUSD
25 ac
(120) 12 du
- -- - --
25 ac.
(120) 13 du
SP -10 SCHLEVE
71 ac
(231) 217 du
- -- - --
71 ac
( 231) 217 du
BOLLINGER PROJECT
- --
( 216) 85 du
- --
(216) 85 du
CARLSBERG PROJECT
- --
(552) 147 du
- --
(552) 147 du
C -1 NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL
(.25 FAR)
9 ac
- -- - --
9 ac
Page 15 of 18
C -2 GENERAL
194 ac
- -- - --
194 ac
COMMERCIAL
(.25FAR)
I -1 LIGHT
263 ac.
- -- - --
263 ac
INDUSTRIAL (.38 FAR)
I -2 MEDIUM
285 ac
- -- - --
285 ac
INDUSTRIAL (.38 FAR)
AG -1 AGRICULTURE 1
45 ac 1 du
- -- - --
45 ac 1 du
(1 du/10 -40ac)
AG -2 AGRICULTURE 2
- -- - --
- -- - -_
___
(1 du/40 ac)
OS -1 OPEN SPACE 1
16 ac 1 du
- -- - --
16 ac 1 du
(1 du/10-40 ac)
OS -2 OPEN SPACE 2
1,080 ac 27 du
- -- - --
1,080 ac 27 du
(1 du/40 ac)
S - SCHOOL
357 ac
- -- - --
357 ac
P - PARK
197 ac
- -- - --
197 ac
U - UTILITIES
47 ac
- -- - --
47 ac
PUB - PUBLIC/
16 ac
- -- - --
16 ac
INSTITUTIONAL
FRWY -R/W
291 ac
- -- - --
291 ac
FREEWAY RIGHT -OF-
WAY
TOTAL ACRES*
7348 ac
4,322 ac
11,670 ac
TOTAL DWELLING
11,949
3,221
15,170
UNITS"
TOTAL
32,718
8,826
41,544
POPULATION***
+ Deleted from land plan.
* Adjustments to acreage figures in all land use categories will be adjusted upon approvals of specific plans.
** Residential density calculations for specific plans or residential master subdivision projects are based upon
maximum density. Section 5.2 of the Land Use Element allows the City Council to approve a density exceeding
the maximum density, up to an identified density limit, if public improvements, public services, and/or financial
contributions are provided that the City Council determines to be of substantial public benefit to the community.
The unit counts in parenthesis reflect maximum buildable units. Numbers adjacent to parenthesis reflect the
net gain above allowable inits under previous zoning standards applicable to the project site.density limit is
approved for SPs 1, 2, 9, 8, and 10, the total dwelling units would increase from 14,911 to 16,291 and the total
population would increase from 40,856 to 44,637 (these density limit estimates were used as the basis for
determining the significance of impacts in the Final Environmental Report and the Findings required by Section
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15091 of CEQA).
* ** Based on 2.74 persons per dwelling unit.
Section 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION, of the Land Use Element, at Implementation Measure 16,
at page 44, is amended as follows:
16. Ensure that -d Aapplications sttbmit anappheation to the Ventura County Local Agency
Formation Commission (LAFCO) to amend the City's Sphere of Influence boundary, are should
be consistent with the approved Land Use Plan, and in- partiettlar the Moorpark C4t-y Urban
Restrietien Growth Boundary policies, to allow for proper planning within of the probable,
ultimate physical boundaries and service area of the City.
• -
.:
Section 5. Insertion Date
A. Upon the effective date of this initiative measure, it shall be deemed inserted as Section 8.0, et
seq. of the Land Use Element of the City of Moorpark's General Plan as an amendment thereof, and the
Conforming Amendments of Section 4 shall be appropriately inserted in the General Plan replacing the
amended provisions, except, if the four amendments of the mandatory elements of the general plan permitted
by state law for any given calendar year have already been utilized in 1998, prior to the effective date of this
initiative, this General Plan amendment shall be deemed effective and inserted in the City's General Plan on
January 1, 1999.
Section 6. Severability.
This measure shall be interpreted so as to be consistent with all federal and state laws, rules, and
regulations. If any section, sub - section, sentence, clause, phrase, part, or portion of this measure is held to be
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MA r."FirvA.
Pon
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low"
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Section 6. Severability.
This measure shall be interpreted so as to be consistent with all federal and state laws, rules, and
regulations. If any section, sub - section, sentence, clause, phrase, part, or portion of this measure is held to be
Page 17 of 18
invalid or unconstitutional by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not
affect the validity of the remaining portions of this measure. The voters hereby declare that this measure, and
each section, sub - section, sentence, clause, phrase, part, or portion thereof would have been adopted or passed
even if one or more sections, sub - sections, sentences, clauses, phrases, parts, or portions are declared invalid
or unconstitutional. If any provision of this initiative measure is declared invalid as applied to any person or
circumstance, such invalidity shall not affect any application of this measure that can be given effect without
the invalid application. This irritiatiYe measure shall be broadly construed in order to achieve the purposes
stated in this initiatiYe measure. It is the intent of the voters that the provisions of this measure shall be
interpreted by the City and others in a manner that facilitates the - nfine ant - °urban uses or developments,
consistent with CEQA analysis, which may help to thereby protecting agricultural, open space and rural lands,
and preventing urban sprawl.
Section 7. Amendment or Repeal.
Except as otherwise provided herein, this initiative measure may be amended or repealed onirby a
vote of the City Council of the City of Moorpark. the Hers of the Gity of Nloorpark. at an eleetien held i-
Section 8. Competing Measures.
In the event there are competing measures on the same ballot with this mess •re that purporting to
address the same subject matter, of this menstir , the following rules shall apply:
(1) If more than one such measure shall receive sufficient votes to passes, then all bath measures
shall go into effect.
(2) e3teept To the extent that particular provisions of one initiative measures are in direct,
irreconcilable conflict with particular provisions of another irtitiatrve- measure . in thm event-,
as to these eenflieting pro-visions e4y; the provisions of the initiative measure which received
the most votes shall prevail.
Cpy \soarinitiative Page 18 of 18