Julian agricultural subdivision gets commissioners’ OK

County planning commissioners unanimously approved a tentative map for a 24-lot agricultural subdivision on Hoskings Ranch in Julian after a Feb. 5 hearing during which about 10 area residents opposed the project.

The land, located near the intersection of Highway 78/79 and Pine Hills Road, is owned by Genesee Properties Inc. of Colorado Springs and is under a Williamson Act contract, which states the land must be used for agricultural purposes in exchange for tax breaks.

The project calls for 24 lots in the southeast section, near Pine Hills Road, with lot sizes ranging from 40 to 196 acres, and 85 percent of the land set aside for protected open space. An amendment is required to change the Williamson Act contract’s minimum acreage from 160 to 40 acres.

County staff said the project has been downsized since it was proposed in 2006 with 33 lots. In keeping with the agricultural requirement of the Williamson Act, each property owner could decide on an agricultural use, such as an apple orchard or vineyard. About 50 head of cattle graze on the land and that will continue to be allowed.

Among residents’ concerns were the possibility of nearby wells going dry, traffic, views and impacts to the golden eagles that forage on the land.

“This is a residential development. It should not be approved under the Williamson Act,” said Julian resident Brian Kramer.

Several living in the area said they had not learned of the project until about two months ago.

Commissioners said more property owners in the area should have been notified and asked staff to look into it. They also discussed wildlife concerns.

Commissioner Michael Beck said the staff position to approve is consistent with the provisions of the Williamson Act, and 85 percent of open space is “about as good as it gets.”

To protect wildlife, Commissioner David Pallinger moved to support the project with two caveats for the applicants: include a resource management plan for golden eagle monitoring, and a condition for Depredation Permit training.