Commissioners approve two conservation-easement purchases and associated TDRs

The Board of County Commissioners approved two separate purchase agreements for conservation restrictive-use easements and associated transferable development rights.

County Manager's Office staff explained both parcels were previously approved as sending sites, appraisals have been completed and the landowners accepted the appraisal amounts. The first agreement covers APN 006-092-27 (approximately 193.9 acres with 155.32 acres of water rights) with 252 TDRs allocated; staff said title transfer is pending a death certificate and the county will not record the easement until the title is clear. The second agreement covers APN 006-092-16 (approximately 72.53 acres with 58.27 acres of water rights) for 88 TDRs; staff said funding is available in the Conservation Easement Fund for both agreements.

A motion to approve the Peel-family easement and the associated 252 TDRs carried on a voice vote; a separate motion to approve the CNA Rentals easement and 88 TDRs also passed. Commissioners asked staff about timing for recording and title transfer; staff said recording will wait until title is properly transferred and that funds are reserved for the current fiscal year.

Why it matters: the purchases protect agricultural acreage and water rights and create tradable development credits the county can use in growth-management programs. The board accepted both agreements and staff will proceed with post-approval steps (title, recording and escrow) as conditions are met.

The county will prepare the final recorded documents when title transfer is complete and report back on recording and fund status.