A. The provisions of this chapter are established to implement the goals of the City of Visalia General Plan and address the conversion of prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance through the adoption of an agricultural land preservation program. The intent of the agricultural land preservation program is to establish a process for the required preservation of agricultural land through the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements or the payment of an in-lieu fee for projects subject to the provisions of this chapter.
B. The provisions of this chapter shall only apply to the extent that their application would not violate the constitution or laws of the United States, or of the State of California. The City of Visalia shall apply the chapter to avoid such unconstitutionality or illegality.
C. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to abridge or narrow the City of Visalia's police powers. The City Council retains its full power and discretion in its ability to deny a proposed conversion on the basis that the proposed conversion is inconsistent with the public health, safety, or welfare because of the loss of agricultural land or otherwise, which the City is tasked with safeguarding.
(Ord. 2023-02 (part), 2023)