Report on Proposed Rural Zoning Amendments in Santa Clara County and Their Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction

Santa Clara County is reviewing proposed amendments to its rural zoning ordinances, which aim to introduce new development limitations and mitigation requirements for the conversion of agricultural land. These changes are intended to align land use policy with key principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning food security, sustainable land management, and economic development. The proposal seeks to balance environmental preservation with the economic vitality of rural enterprises, including the local wine industry.

2.0 Key Objectives of the Proposed Amendments

The proposed Rural Zoning Amendments are designed to create a more sustainable and predictable framework for rural development. The core objectives directly support several SDGs:

• Preservation of Agricultural Land (SDG 2, SDG 15): By requiring mitigation for the conversion of five or more acres of farmland, the ordinance directly supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by protecting food production capacity and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by preventing land degradation.
• Establishment of Objective Development Standards (SDG 16): The amendments aim to replace subjective “local-serving” provisions with clear, objective standards, such as a maximum building coverage parameter for non-agricultural uses (ranging from 7,500 to 12,500 square feet). This promotes transparent and accountable institutions, in line with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• Clarification of Land Use (SDG 11): The proposal seeks to clarify where non-agricultural projects can be built, contributing to sustainable land-use planning as outlined in SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

3.0 Restructuring of Agricultural Use Classifications

A significant change involves simplifying agricultural use classifications, which has direct implications for local economic structures and sustainable production models.

1. Consolidation of Uses: The number of agricultural use classifications will be reduced to two: “Ag Processing” and “Ag Sales and Events.”
2. Elimination of “Winery” Classification: The specific “Winery” use classification will be removed. Its various functions (grape production, processing, tasting rooms, events) will be categorized under the new, broader classifications. This aims to extend opportunities for sales and events to other agricultural operations, potentially fostering diversified and resilient rural economies (SDG 8).
3. Restrictions in Exclusive Agriculture Zones: In areas zoned as Exclusive Agriculture, non-agricultural uses will be restricted to promote long-term agricultural viability, reinforcing the commitment to SDG 2.

4.0 Stakeholder Concerns and Socio-Economic Implications

The proposed amendments have generated significant feedback from various community stakeholders, highlighting the tension between environmental goals and socio-economic stability.

4.1 Impact on the Local Wine Industry (SDG 8)

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, an industry that attracts over 500,000 visitors annually and employs nearly 600 residents, has raised concerns related to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

• Economic Viability: Operators fear that new permit fees and potential retrofit requirements could force smaller, family-owned wineries to close, threatening local jobs and sustainable tourism.
• Lack of Transparency: Industry representatives have called for greater public outreach and clarity on whether existing operations will be grandfathered, a key component of inclusive decision-making (SDG 16).

4.2 Concerns from Community and Religious Organizations (SDG 11)

Faith-based and community organizations operating on agricultural land have expressed concerns that the new building limits will hinder their ability to expand community-oriented services. This challenge relates to SDG 11’s goal of creating inclusive and resilient communities, as these organizations provide vital social infrastructure, including:

• Food relief programs
• Youth and senior support
• Cultural and educational services

4.3 Property Rights and Land Use (SDG 15)

Concerns were raised regarding the potential infringement on property rights for landowners in Exclusive Agriculture zones. The restriction of previously permitted development options was described as a potential “taking,” highlighting the challenge of implementing land conservation policies (SDG 15) while respecting individual economic rights.

5.0 Next Steps and Public Consultation Process

The county is proceeding with a structured timeline for review and public engagement, reflecting principles of participatory governance (SDG 16).

1. The 45-day public comment period for the draft environmental impact report concluded on September 4.
2. The draft zoning ordinance is scheduled for public release in early September.
3. Public outreach meetings will be conducted through October to gather further feedback.
4. Final approval by the Board of Supervisors is anticipated by December 2025.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• The article addresses SDG 2 by focusing on the preservation of agricultural land. The proposed zoning changes aim to prevent the “unmitigated losses of viable farmland” and ensure “long-term agricultural viability,” which are crucial for maintaining food production capacity.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• This goal is relevant as the article discusses the economic impact of the proposed ordinances on local businesses, particularly wineries. The winery industry is highlighted as a significant economic contributor, attracting “more than 500,000 visitors annually” and employing “nearly 600 residents.” The potential closure of these businesses due to new regulations poses a threat to local economic growth and employment.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The article connects to SDG 11 through its central theme of land-use planning. The county’s effort to create new rural zoning ordinances is a direct example of “sustainable human settlement planning.” The process involves managing development in rural areas to balance agricultural preservation with other uses, reflecting the goal of creating sustainable and resilient communities.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• SDG 15 is addressed through the article’s focus on protecting land resources. The proposed requirement for property owners to “preserve farmland elsewhere when converting five or more acres of important local farmland” is a direct measure to combat land degradation and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The article relates to SDG 16 by describing the county’s effort to create more effective and transparent governance. The aim to “replace subjective ‘local-serving’ provisions with objective development standards” is intended to ensure rules are applied more “equitably.” Furthermore, the mention of a “45-day public comment period” and planned “public outreach meetings” demonstrates a commitment to participatory and inclusive decision-making.

Identified SDG Targets

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices… that progressively improve land and soil quality. The article’s focus on preventing the conversion of “viable farmland” and ensuring “long-term agricultural viability” directly supports this target by seeking to protect the land resources necessary for food production.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. The article highlights the local winery industry as a key driver of tourism and employment. The concerns raised by winery operators about the new rules potentially forcing them to close directly relate to the sustainability of this local tourism sector.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning. The proposed rural zoning ordinance is a form of regional development planning aimed at managing the relationship between rural agricultural land and non-agricultural development, thereby strengthening the planning framework for the entire county.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil… and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. The proposed mitigation strategies, such as requiring the creation of a “conservation easement” or an “in-lieu fee” when converting farmland, are direct actions to counteract the loss of productive land, aligning with the goal of preventing land degradation.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The county’s move to establish “objective development standards” and “clear expectations for development” instead of subjective provisions is a direct effort to make its planning and zoning institutions more transparent and accountable.
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. The article mentions a public comment period, the submission of over 500 comments from community groups, and planned public outreach meetings, which are all mechanisms for ensuring a participatory decision-making process.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

SDG 2 & 15: Zero Hunger & Life on Land

• Indicator: Area of agricultural land converted to non-agricultural use. The article implies this can be measured by tracking conversions of “five or more acres of important local farmland,” which triggers mitigation requirements.
• Indicator: Implementation of a farmland mitigation plan. Progress can be measured by the development and application of mitigation strategies like “conservation easement” or “in-lieu fee” programs.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Indicator: Number of tourism-related jobs in the rural sector. The article provides a baseline of “nearly 600 residents” employed by wineries.
• Indicator: Annual number of visitors to rural attractions. The article states that wineries attract “more than 500,000 visitors annually.”
• Indicator: Number of small agricultural businesses (e.g., wineries) in operation. The concern that “many wineries that would be forced to close” makes this a key metric for economic impact.

SDG 11 & 16: Sustainable Communities & Strong Institutions

• Indicator: Adoption of objective development standards. This can be measured by the formal approval and implementation of the new zoning ordinance, including the “maximum building coverage parameter” (e.g., 7,500 to 12,500 square feet).
• Indicator: Level of public participation in the planning process. This is implied through the mention of the “45-day public comment period,” the number of comments received (“More than 500”), and the planned “public outreach meetings.”

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: morganhilltimes.com