The Madera County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 9 adopted a general‑plan amendment to shift the southern boundary of the O’Neil’s area plan to better align with the State Route 41/145 corridor and approved a draft negative declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Jamie Backs, director of Community and Economic Development, described the change as a boundary adjustment that does not alter zoning or general‑plan land‑use designations; the intent is primarily to correct mapping and reflect recent development patterns along the corridor. The public hearing produced no on‑topic public testimony and the board approved the amendment and the accompanying negative declaration by roll‑call vote (5–0).

In a separate land‑use item, the board considered proposed agricultural preserve inclusions and Williamson Act contracts for 2026 (listed as preserves 1760–1763). Backs noted the notices and APNs were on the agenda and that the planning commission recommended approval. Brian Glover, county assessor, briefly explained how Williamson Act valuation uses an income‑approach (lease assumption and Prop. 13 comparison) and estimated the parcels in the packet would reduce property‑tax yield by about $22,000 this year. After brief questions, the board authorized the 2026 preserves and rezones and directed county staff to execute the contracts (vote 5–0).

Why it matters: The actions keep agricultural land‑conservation tools available under the Williamson Act and resolve a mapping discrepancy in the O’Neil’s area plan without changing permitted land uses. The assessor’s explanation clarifies that Williamson Act enrollments reduce assessed values using a specific income approach and that county fiscal impacts vary by parcel.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the resolutions, record the contracts and, where required, file the negative declaration under CEQA. Any future entitlements affected by the boundary change will return to the planning process under existing zoning and general‑plan rules.