Cloverdale voters will decide The future of the forested hills on the city’s west sidea densely forested area with few zoning areas that city officials eventually tried to control.

If approved, Measure CC would bring the area known as the Western Hills to the city’s “urban growth limit,” paving the way for the 1,329 acres to one day come under Cloverdale’s jurisdiction. This would pave the way for the city to nearly double its surface area if it eventually brought that land to the city limits.

The measure is supported by Mayor Todd Lands, Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Neena Hanchett and Cloverdale Police Chief Chris Parker.

“By voting yes, you are taking a proactive step to preserve Cloverdale’s natural beauty, maintain control over development, and ensure our city’s growth aligns with the values ​​and priorities of our residents.” In their arguments they wrote in favor ballot measure.

The county’s zoning of the land allows for 40 different land uses, including agriculture, housing and recreation. However, water availability limits many of these development opportunities.

If the land were transferred to the city, Assistant City Manager Kevin Thompson said the city would rezone the area as a rural residential area, which “is much more restrictive than what the county currently allows.”

For at least ten yearsCity officials wanted to control growth in the western hills.

“This measure is not about approving or authorizing any new development,” supporters wrote in their arguments for the measure. “This is about ensuring that any potential future development in the western hills is carefully managed and controlled by our city, not the county.”

Approval of the ballot measure does not trigger immediate annexation. Several steps would need to be taken first, including the city working with county officials to expand Cloverdale’s “sphere of influence,” or any land it wants to annex in the future. Such a move would require approval from the county government.

The urban growth boundary, a foothills that extends beyond city limits, is drawn by city officials but requires a stamp of approval from voters. Boundaries typically last 20 years but can be changed early with voter approval.

Cloverdale’s urban growth boundary It was adopted in 2010 and will not expire until January 1, 2030. A yes vote on Measure CC would extend that deadline to 2050. A no vote would keep the current, much smaller growth plan intact, as well as the 2030 expiration date. .

City leaders turned to voters well ahead of the urban growth limit’s current expiration date because Clearwater Farm CommunityAn assisted living facility for young adults with disabilities is seeking annexation to Cloverdale. The property, which covers 84 acres, is located on the rugged western edge of the city limit. The annexation of Cloverdale would potentially move it into the city’s sewer and water system.

While there is no official opposition to the measure, former defense director Teri Shore Sonoma County Green Belt AllianceHe told The Press Democrat that he suspects the city might have other ideas for Western Hills other than preservation.

“It seems to me that if the city wants to expand and develop a new retirement facility and rezone for rural housing that generally allows for homes and other development, it would make sense to describe it that way to voters,” he wrote. an email.

Amie Windsor is The Press Democrat’s Community Journalism Team Leader. He can be reached at [email protected] or 707-521-5218.