Title
HEARING - To consider the recommendation for approval from the Planning Commission on General Plan Amendment GPA25-0003/Conservation and Open Space Element Update; and recommending the Board take the following actions:
1) Adopt the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Addendum to the El Dorado County’s General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR), certified in May 2003 (State Clearinghouse 2001082030) demonstrating that the analysis in that EIR adequately addresses the potential physical impacts associated with implementation of the proposed project and the proposed project would not trigger any of the conditions described in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 calling for the preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration based on the analysis prepared by staff (Attachment C);
2) Approve General Plan Amendment GPA25-0003 amending the General Plan to incorporate amendments to the Conservation and Open Space Element Update based on Findings as presented by staff; and
3) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 048-2026 to amend the County General Plan to incorporate amendments to the Conservation and Open Space Element (Attachment B).
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Conservation Element and the Open Space Element are two of the seven mandatory elements that must be included in a General Plan. The El Dorado County (County) 2004 General Plan combined these two elements into one single element creating a more comprehensive and integrated framework for the protection of the County’s natural resources. The purpose of the Conservation and Open Space Element is to address the management, preservation, and conservation of natural resources and open space in the County, ensuring the availability of those resources to future generations. The Conservation and Open Space Element should work in coordination with the Land Use Element to guide conservation and development balancing community needs with environmental preservation.
Senate Bill 1425 (SB 1425) directs cities and counties to review and update their local open space plans to address all of the following: 1) Access to open space for all residents in a manner that considers social, economic, and racial equity; 2) climate resilience and other co-benefits of open space; and 3) rewilding opportunities. Staff, using guidance from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, drafted targeted amendments to the existing Conservation and Open Space Element with the goal of complying with the State’s SB 1425 directive while still maintaining reasonable and achievable goals and policies for the County.
On December 11, 2025, (Legistar file 25-1986), staff presented the Conservation and Open Space Element Update to the County General Plan (General Plan Amendment GPA25-0003) to the Planning Commission. Following closure of the public hearing and deliberation, Planning Commissioner Frega made a motion to approve staff’s recommendation that the Planning Commission forward a recommendation to the Board to approve the General Plan Amendment, with a second by Commissioner Hansen. The Planning Commission motion (5-0 vote for approval) recommends that the Board: 1) Adopt the Addendum to the El Dorado County General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR), certified in May 2003 (State Clearinghouse No. 2001082030); and 2) Approve General Plan Amendment GPA25-0003 amending the General Plan to incorporate amendments to the Conservation and Open Space Element.
The full recommendation from the Planning Commission is summarized in the Planning Commission meeting minutes from December 11, 2025 (Legistar file 25-1986). Planning Commission agenda and materials are available at County of El Dorado - File #: 25-1986 <https://eldorado.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7761755&GUID=FBA7DF2F-5B6F-4E6A-8D50-C6B153C9DBE3>.
ALTERNATIVES
State law requires that counties review their Conservation and Open Space Elements to comply with California Government Code Section 65564 as updated by Senate Bill (SB) 1425.
The Board may choose not to approve the amendments to the Conservation and Open Space Element or suggest additional revisions to the element. However, such an action would place the County out of compliance with Section 65564 of the California Government Code.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
On July 19, 2004, the Board adopted the Conservation and Open Space Element as a part of the El Dorado County General Plan with the purpose of addressing the management, preservation, and conservation of natural resources and open space in El Dorado County assuring the availability of those resources to future generations and the realization of their full economic potential.
On October 10, 2017 (Legistar file 12-1203) the Board approved amendments to the Conservation and Open Space Element as a part of the General Plan Biological Resources Policy Update, Oak Resources Management Plan, and Oak Resources Conservation Ordinance.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
El Dorado Water Agency
American River Conservancy
El Dorado County Fire Protection District
Wilton Rancheria
United Auburn Indian Community
Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost associated with this item. Funding for the staff time associated with this element update has been included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair's signature on the Resolution.
2) Clerk of the Board will forward one (1) certified copy of the signed Resolution to the Planning and Building Department, Long Range Planning, attention of Chris Smith.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Thea Graybill, Planning Manager, Long Range Planning Unit
Planning and Building Department