June 13, 2006

Mariposa County Board of Supervisors

5100 Bullion Street

Mariposa, CA  95338

RE:  Request for Parcelization Moratorium on Western-lying Lands of Mariposa County

Attached you will find the following documentation:

• A Petition for the Adoption of a Moratorium on Parcelization of Western-lying Lands in Mariposa County.  The petition identifies the parcelization activities covered under the moratorium.

• Nearly 500 signatures from Mariposa County residents and landowners in support of the moratorium.

• Background information that elaborates on the health, safety and welfare issues that pose a potential threat to landowners and residents in the absence of an updated General Plan, an adopted community plan for Catheys Valley and an up-to-date community planning effort for Hornitos.

• A copy of Amador County's Resolution 05-477 imposing a similar moratorium.

The Government Code Section 65858 states that a valid moratorium may be imposed pending adoption of a general plan, specific plan or zoning proposal that will protect the public from threat to public health, safety or welfare.

The adoption of a Mariposa County General Plan Update is anticipated within the next few months.  The General Plan Update and the Catheys Valley Community Plan dated November 18, 2003, but not yet adopted, offer health, safety and welfare protections not available in the 25-year-old 1981 General Plan.  The Hornitos community desires to have a voice in planning for their own health, safety and welfare, and no advisory committee has yet been approved for that community.  There are no development impact fees in place on new development to further protect the health, safety and welfare of residents and landowners.

We, therefore, request that the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors schedule a public hearing within thirty (30) days of this request. 

Sincerely,

Rita C. Kidd, Chairperson