General Plan Update Review Committee Draft Elements Part 2 For ...

Mineral Resources
The most economically significant mineral resources
in Tulare County are sand, gravel, and crushed stone,
used as sources for aggregate (road materials and
other construction). The two major sources of aggregate
are alluvial deposits (river beds, and floodplains),
and hard rock quarries. Consequently, most Tulare
County mines are located along rivers at the base of
the Sierra foothills.
Surface mining in California is regulated through the
Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), a
State law adopted in 1975 to address the dual goals
of protecting the state’s need for a continuing supply
of mineral resources, while protecting public and
environmental health. SMARA mandates that land
be reclaimed after mining has ceased. Reclamation
plans often restore land for agricultural uses or as
wildlife habitat.
SMARA requires that all cities incorporate into their
general plans mapped mineral resource designations
approved by the State Mining and Geology Board.
The Visalia Planning Area contains three former sand
and gravel mines, but no currently operating mines
and no designated Mineral Resource Zones.
Objectives
OSC-O-9 Protect agricultural land from premature
urban development.
Policies
OSC-P-24 Work with Tulare County to prevent urban
development of agricultural land outside of
the current Urban Development Boundary
and to promote the of use agricultural
preserves, where they will promote orderly
development.
Note: this policy is in the Draft Land Use
Element, and will be removed there if it is
preferred here.
OSC-P-25 *Adopt the County’s Right-to-Farm ordinance
to support continued agricultural
operations at appropriate locations within
the City limits, with no new provisions.
This ordinance should not limit urban development
contemplated by the General Plan.
OSC-P-26 Note: this policy is in the Draft Land Use
Element, and will be removed there if it is
preferred here. *Adopt an Urban Agriculture
Ordinance, reflecting “best practices,”
to support community gardens and other
activities.
This ordinance will be prepared in consultation
with the Farm Bureau and other interested
organizations and individuals.
OSC-P-27 Note: this policy is in the Draft Land Use
Element, and will be removed there if it is
preferred here. To allow efficient cultivation,
pest control and harvesting methods,
require buffers and transition areas
between urban development and adjoining
or nearby agricultural land.
OSC-P-28 Require new development to implement
measures, as appropriate, to minimize soil
erosion related to grading, site preparation,
landscaping and construction.
DRAFT ELEMENTS
For General Plan Update Review Committee
AUGUST 2012 6-17