HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPPX-E_V8-Ag-Plan_05-00-13Agricultural Plan
Appendix E
AGRICULTURE PLAN
Otay Land Company Village 8 West
Otay Ranch, Chula Vista, California
November 7, 2011
DRAFT
Project Sponsor/Applicant
OTAY LAND COMPANY, LLC
1903 Wright Place, Suite 220
Carlsbad, CA 92008-6528
(760) 918-8200
Contact: Jeff O’Connor
INTRODUCTION
The 1993 Otay Ranch Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) requires the
preparation of an agriculture plan concurrent with the processing and approval of a
Sectional Planning Area (SPA) plan where existing or future onsite agricultural uses may
affect contemplated development. The Findings of Fact require that the agricultural plan
indicate the type of agriculture activity allowed as an interim use and that it includes
guidelines designed to minimize land use interface impacts related to noise, odors, dust,
insects, rodents, and chemicals that may be produced or used by agricultural activities
or operations.
Historical agricultural uses within Village 8 West included farming as well as cattle and
sheep ranching. Crop production was limited to the “dry farming” of hay and grains due
to the lack of water.
CURRENT AGRICULTURAL USE
The portion of Village 8 West outside of the Preserve is currently dry farmed. Each
winter the site is tilled in preparation for the seeding of small grains. This tilling also
controls invasive vegetation which otherwise may become a safety or access issue.
There are no cattle grazing activities on site.
Because there is no farming or ranching activity within the Preserve, there is no
administration associated with the Resource Management Plan (RMP). Because there is
no grazing on site, there is no need to manage the site in conformance with the Range
Management Plan.
PERMITTED AGRICULTURAL USES
The Development Code for Village 8 West permits crop farming, tree farming and
nursery production as permitted interim uses in any zone, provided the area in which
the use will occur has not been subdivided or plotted into any parcels less than one
acre in size. Any associated buildings including but not limited to farm buildings,
packing sheds, and nursery greenhouses shall be subject to a conditional use permit.
Cattle grazing activities are not permitted in Village 8 West.
All agricultural uses will be incrementally phased out during the course of development.
PHASED ELIMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL USES
The Otay Ranch General Development Plan (GDP) and the Village 8 West SPA provide
for interim agricultural uses as noted above and their phased elimination. The following
agricultural standards will be employed during the interim period:
• A minimum 200-foot buffer shall be maintained between developed property
and any ongoing agricultural operations. Use of pesticides shall comply with
federal, state and local regulations.
• In areas where agricultural related pesticides will be applied, vegetation shall be
utilized to shield adjacent urban development (within 400 feet) from these
agricultural activities.
• The responsible farmer or land owner shall notify adjacent property owners
(those within 400 feet) of pending pesticide application through advertisements
in newspapers of general circulation or other approved manner such as by mail.
• To ensure the safety of area residents, appropriate fencing shall be utilized
where necessary.