The ordinance amends the 1994 orderly growth initiative and updates provisions to the general plan regarding agriculture, open space and land use policies.
The county's 2008 general plan makes minor amendments to the orderly growth initiative and protects working farms, ranches and watershed areas.
It will limit the Board of Supervisors' ability to change the designation of "agriculture" or "open space" lands through 2028 and updates density standards on those lands through 2028 to prevent poorly planned growth in the county's unincorporated areas.
County officials say the amended ordinance maintains the current development strategy of city-centered growth, protects agriculture as an important component of the county's economy and quality of life and encourages limited industrial development.
The 1980 general plan divided the county's agricultural area into two large regions identified as extensive agriculture and intensive agriculture. The 2008 general plan identifies 10 distinct agricultural regions based on soil types and farming practices and established unique development policies for each region, county officials said.
If approved for the Nov. 4 ballot, the ordinance will need majority approval of the voters to pass.
The board meets at 675 Texas St. at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
