At its next meeting Wednesday, the Ukiah Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss a proposed new zoning designation for the city of Ukiah called Open Space.
In the agenda report prepared for the Jan. 8 meeting of the Planning Commission, planning staff note that “the city of Ukiah’s Open Space land-use designation is intended to align with the purpose and allowances of Mendocino County’s Open Space zoning district, (and) is designed to identify lands unsuitable for development or those most valuable in their undeveloped state:
Constraints limiting development may include unstable soils, high fire hazard, remote locations, poor access, or susceptibility to flooding. Valuable natural areas could include habitats for rare and endangered species, wildlife corridors, riparian zones, areas with creeks or other water features, and designated scenic resources. Typical uses could include activities such as agriculture, conservation and development of natural resources, mineral extraction, recreation, and essential utility installations, depending on the type of open-space activities desired. Additionally, the city could consider more comprehensive approaches to open-space management, such as identifying groundwater recharge as an allowed or permitted activity to support sustainable water management and enhance climate resilience.”As background, city planning staff explain that in November, the “Mendocino LAFCo voted unanimously to approve the city’s annexation and sphere of influence amendment request, (which) involved the annexation of 27 assessor parcels, totaling approximately 791 acres (732 acres city-owned), and a sphere amendment for one parcel along the city’s existing boundary in the Western Hills.”
Staff describe the intent of the annexation as an attempt “to preserve open space, provide public access and allow limited residential development. Previously, the city identified and annexed a number of city-owned properties in the Ukiah Valley, some of which are identified for conservation or resource protection, including portions of the Vichy Hills Landfill, the Doolin Creek headwaters, as well as land-banked agricultural parcels north of the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant.”
And while staff also explain that the city’s “Land Use Element and Environment & Sustainability Element provide a strong foundation for preserving open space in (those areas) … to fully realize the General Plan’s vision and effectively protect these valuable lands, the creation of an Open Space zoning district could be useful, (because) establishing this zoning designation would enable the city to further implement its goals for habitat conservation, recreation, and natural resource management, ensuring the long-term preservation and regulation of open-space parcels under the city’s jurisdiction, (noting that) particular attention will be given to the recently annexed Western Hills .. a priority area for conservation and open space management (which) are currently under study for protection through the Western Hills Watershed Protection Area Management Plan.”
Suggested topics for the discussion include:
Defining Open Space Goals: Establishing primary objectives for the Open Space designation, such as habitat preservation, recreational opportunities, and wildfire resilience, as well as other resources to inform the ‘Intent’ and purpose of the OS zoning designation. Zoning Standards and Boundaries: Identifying appropriate criteria for designating Open Space areas, with an emphasis on the recently annexed Western Hills and other valuable natural resources. Management and Implementation: Exploring strategies for long-term stewardship and integration with existing General Plan policiesThe meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, held both in-person at the City Council Chambers at 300 Seminary Ave., and online.
To participate virtually, go to the following link: us06web.zoom.us/j/91264543193
To view the meeting (without participating), go to: www.cityofukiah.com/meetings/
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