PROJECT REVIEW COMMITTEE
CONSULTATION AND FACT SHEET
Project Number: PRC 25-028 Today’s Date: May 20, 2025
Applicant/Address: Smee Homes, 444 N. Prospect Suite A, Porterville, CA 93257
Phone: (559) 788-0525
Email: [email protected]
Property Owner: Michael L. Keener, Allen and Sharon Wilson Trust, Cathy Fox
Microsoft Teams Virtual PRC Meeting
Meeting Date: June 12, 2025
Please Respond by June 6, 2025
Agent: N/A
Planner: Mr. Sandy Roper Email: [email protected] Phone: (559) 624-7101 Consultation List:
Vanesa Sandoval, Public Works/Eng. Michael Washam, Associate Director Kevin Bangsund, Environmental Health Aaron R. Bock, Assistant Director Hector Ramos Jr., Code Compliance Gary Mills, Chief Environmental Planner Mark Phillips, Fire Department Kevin Sullivan, Building Division Jason Garcia-LoBue, CALUP Alida Verduzco Silva, Economic Development Manager Other (City, Town Council, etc.): Javier Cisneros, Economic Development City of Visalia, Tulare County Farm Bureau, RWQCB & SJVAPCD Project Description: The request is to change the zoning from the AE -20 (Exclusive Agricultural – 20 Acre Minimum Parcel Size ) Zone to the R -1 (One Family) Zone and subdivide 29.79 acres into 127 lots (ranging in size from 5,000 square feet to 12,500 square feet). The north and east sides of the Project are contiguous with the boundary of the City of Visalia. The Project site is located within the Visalia Urban Area Boundary (“UAB”).
The Project site is within the Sphere of Influence (“SOI”) for the City of Visalia. Figure 2-2 (Land Use Diagram) of the Visalia General Plan shows that Project site is within the Low Density Residential Land Use Designation.
Figure 2-3 of the Visalia General Plan shows that Project site is within Urban Growth Boundary Tier 3. If the City of Visalia requires annexation, then all applications would be processed by the City of Visalia instead of the County.
I
f the City of Visalia does not require annexation, the n a Zone Change (PZC) and Tentative Subdivision Map (“TSM”) Application would need to be submitted to Tulare County . The TSM would need to be approved by the Tulare County Planning Commission and the PZC would need to be approved by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. PZC filing fees and Tentative Subdivision Map (“TSM”) filing fees to subdivide the property depend on the number of parcels proposed and are as follows:
• The
re is an initial deposit of $6,451 for PZC. If the initial deposit for the PZC is depleted, then there is an additional charge of $115 per hour.
• There is an initial deposit of $ 11,422 for a TSM with more than 100 parcels, plus $17 per parcel over 100 parcels. The TSM for the proposed 127 lot subdivision would have an initial deposit of $ 11,881 [$11,422 + (27 X $17) = $ 11,881]. If the initial deposit for the TSM is depleted, then there is an additional charge of $115 per hour.
Please note that there is an additional charge of $669 for a Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map and $1,085 for any exceptions that are requested. In addition to the fees listed above, the following fees would also need to be submitted with the applications when they are filed:
• $58 to file the CEQA Notice of Determination for the Project. • $150 to Record the TSM Resolution adopted by the Planning Commission. • $3,043 for the Initial Deposit for County Preparation of MND. If the initial deposit is depleted, then the applicant is billed $115.00 per hour for the preparation of the MND. If a consultant prepares t he M
ND, then there is an Initial Deposit of $2,743 for the Environmental Planning Division to peer review the consultant prepared MND. If the initial deposit is depleted, then the applicant is bill ed $115.00 per hour for the preparation of the MND.
• 2,698.75 for the 2025 California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Fee for a MND. Please note that if the Project is approved in 2026, then the difference between the 2025 CDFW Fee and the 2 026 C
DFW Fee would need to be paid prior to recording the TSM. CDFW Fees change each year on January 1st.
The processing time for applications that are categorically exempt from environmental review is approximately 3 months from the date of submittal. However, since this project will require the preparation of a MND by either a consultant or the Tulare County Resource Management Agency Environmental Planning Division, if the City of Visalia does not require annexation, the processing time will depend on how long it takes to prepare the MND.
Location: Located on the southwest corner of Visalia Parkway and South Center Drive, in the unincorporated area of Tulare County (APN: 121-610-001).
General Plan Designation and
Consistency Finding
The Project site is located within the Visalia Urban Area Boundary and the Land Use Designation is “Valley Agriculture.”
The proposed project is consistent with General Plan Policy PF -4.19 because the Rural Valley Lands Plan (RLVP) is only advisory within County Adopted City Urban Area Boundaries (CACUABs).
PF-4.21 states that as an exception to the County policies that the RLVP is only advisory within CACUABS, the County may work with an individual city to provide that the requirements of the RLVP will apply to applications for special use permits, variances, or divisions of land within a CACUAB except in those areas that overlap with a County UDB, an HDB, or Corridor Plan area. The City of Visalia is being sent a copy of this Consultation and Fact Sheet to give them the opportunity to comment on PRC 25- 028 and participate in the PRC meeting.
It is noted that the County has a severe shortage of housing within the Unincorporated portions of the County under the 2012 General Plan Update (2030) and cannot meet the requirements of the Housing Element Update’s (2023) housing attainment goals for the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (“RHNA”).
Regional Housing Needs Assessment: The current RHNA, adopted on December 12, 2023, is the sixth Housing Element cycle and covers a 8 .5- year projection period (June 30, 20 23 – December 15, 203 1). The Tulare County RHNA recommends that the County provide land use and zoning for approximately 9,243 units in the unincorporated portion of the County (1,155 units per year over the 8.5-year RHNA planning period).
Staff Comment: This Project’s 127 single- family dwelling units will provide approximately 1.37% of the projected housing need for the County by December 15, 2031.
The proposed Project is consistent with the following applicable Tulare County General Plan Policies; (a) PF- 1.3 Land Uses in UDBs/HDBs; (b) LU-3.1 Residential Developments; (c) LU-1.10 Roadway Access; (d) ERM-
5.2 Park Amenities; (e) ERM -5.3 Park Dedication Requirements; (f) ERM -
5.5 Collocated Facilities; (g) ERM-5.6 Location and Size Criteria for Parks; (h) Housing Guiding Principle 1.1; (i) Housing Guiding Principle 2.2; (j) Housing Policy 2.21; (k) TC -1.2 County Improvement Standards; (l) AG -
1.14 Right-to-Farm Noticing; (m) WR -3.3 Adequate Water Availability; (n) PFS-1.4 Standards of Approval; (o) PFS -2.4 Water Connections; (p) PFS -
3.2 Adequate Capacity; and (q) PFS-3.3 New Development Requirements.
Plan Area and Boundary Type: The project site is located within the Visalia UAB.
Development subject to MOU
with city?
Development of the project site is subject to a MOU with the City of Visalia.
Entitlement, Zoning Designation
and Consistency Finding:
The Project site is in the AE-20 (Exclusive Agricultural – 20 Acre Minimum Parcel Size) Zone and if the Board of Supervisors approves a Zone Change to R-1, then the proposed subdivision would be consistent with the Zoning Ordinance. Section 6.F. of the Tulare County Zoning Ordinance (TCZO) requires every main building shall have a lot area of not less than six thousand (6,000) square feet per family. An Exceptions Application, to allow lot areas of less than 6,000 square feet , will need to be submitted along with the TSM Application since the subdivision proposes to create 127 parcels ranging in size from 5,000 square feet to 12,500 square feet.
The next step following the PRC meeting would be to submit an Application for a Zone Change and a Tentative Subdivision Map to Tulare County, if the City of Visalia doesn’t require annexation.
Agricultural Preserve/Contract? The property is not restricted by a California Land Conservation Act (Williamson Act) Contract.
Preliminary Environmental
Review Determination:
An environmental review document [Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)] is required to be prepared in order to be consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines.
Subdivision Ordinance/
State Map Act Consistency:
A Tentative Subdivision Map would be required to be approved by the Planning Commission and a final map would be required to record in order to comply with the Subdivision Map Act. Section 7- 01-2645 of the Tulare County Subdivision Ordinance allows (1) Lot Exceptions for area, frontage, width, depth, width to depth ratio and (2) Road Exceptions for width (graded), width (paved), radius of curvature, cul -de-sac length, radius of cul-de-sac paved or graded, design speed, and other road exceptions. Any Exception may be granted subject to any reasonable conditions, which are deemed necessary to effectuate the purposes of the Tulare County Subdivision Ordinance (reference Section 7- 01-2645). Creating parcels that are less than 6,000 square feet in size would require the approval of a Lot Exception for area.
Other Facts: (history of site,
flood zone, airport, hazard
zones, water test for wells, etc.
Approximately the eastern 23.52 acres of the Project site are within Zone X (0.2 percent Annual Chance Flood Hazard) as shown on the National Flood Insurance Program, Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number 06107C093 7E, for Community Number 065066 (Tulare County Unincorporated Areas), dated June 16, 2009. Construction of buildings within a Zone X (0.2 percent Annual Chance Flood Hazard) requires no specific flood mitigation measures; however, it is recommended that all finished floor levels be elevated one (1) foot above adjacent natural ground.
Approximately the western 6.27 acres of the P roject site are within Zone AE (Special Flood Hazard Area) as shown on the National Flood Insurance Program, Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number 06107C0937E, for Community Number 065066 (Tulare County Unincorporated Areas), dated June 16, 2009. An elevation certificate and associated flood hazard mitigation measures will be required on all proposed buildings within a FEMA Zone A. The subject parcel is located in a federally identified Special Flood Hazard Area as depicted on said plat.
Individual site plan approval is required for any parcel located within or partially within a special flood hazard area prior to the issuance of any permits. The location of a structure within the special flood hazard area
shall require compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the special provisions of the Tulare County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
• Soils on the northeast 2.9 acres of the Project site are Grangeville sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes [Class Wet I and Class Dry IV c] Prime, which is rated moderate for sewage disposal with a low shrink- swell potential.
• Soils on the southeast 12.4 acres of the Project site are Tagus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes [Class Wet I and Class Dry IV c] Prime, which is rated moderate for sewage disposal with a low shrink-swell potential. • Soils on the remaining portion of the Project site are Nord fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes [Class Wet I and Class Dry IVc] Prime, which is rated severe for sewage disposal with a low shrink -swell potential.
• Visalia Unified School District – Area 7.
• A1602205 Building Permit for water line connection for crop irrigation.
Please review this proposal and forward electronically any comments and/or recommendations, along with any suggested development requirements, conditions of approval, design criteria, and/or improvement standards that you feel are necessary and/or relevant to this proposal prior to June 6, 2025, so that the information can be included for discussion at the PRC meeting.
Attachments: Application
Operational Statement
Site Plan
APN Map
Aerial Image
PRC 25-028 Firmette
PRC 25-028 Soil Report
LAFCO – Mura Map – City of Visalia
Visalia General Plan Figure 2-2 Land Use Diagram
Visalia General Plan Figure 2-3 Proposed Development Footprint by Tier
TULARE COUNTY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Reed Schenke, Director
Sandy Roper, Chief Planner
Special Projects Division
Economic Development and Planning Branch
May 20, 2025
Date
PRC 25-028 (Smee Homes)
The request is to change the zoning from the
AE-20 (Exclusive Agricultural – 20 Acre Minimum
Parcel Size) Zone to the R-1 (One Family) Zone
and subdivide 29.79 acres into 127 lots (ranging
in size from 5,000 square feet to 12,500 square
feet). Located on the southwest corner of Visalia
Parkway and South Center Drive, in the
unincorporated area of Tulare County
(APN: 121-610-001).
2000 ft
N➤➤
N
National Flood Hazard Layer FIRMette
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000250
Feet
Ü
SEE FIS REPORT FOR DETAILED LEGEND AND INDEX MAP FOR FIRM PANEL LAYOUT
SPECIAL FLOOD
HAZARD AREAS
Without Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
Zone A, V, A99
With BFE or Depth Zone AE, AO, AH, VE, AR
Regulatory Floodway
0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, Areas
of 1% annual chance flood with average
depth less than one foot or with drainage
areas of less than one square mile Zone X
Future Conditions 1% Annual
Chance Flood Hazard Zone X
Area with Reduced Flood Risk due to
Levee. See Notes. Zone X
Area with Flood Risk due to LeveeZone D
NO SCREEN Area of Minimal Flood Hazard Zone X
Area of Undetermined Flood Hazard Zone D
Channel, Culvert, or Storm Sewer
Levee, Dike, or Floodwall
Cross Sections with 1% Annual Chance
17.5 Water Surface Elevation
Coastal Transect
Coastal Transect Baseline
Profile Baseline
Hydrographic Feature
Base Flood Elevation Line (BFE)
Effective LOMRs
Limit of Study
Jurisdiction Boundary
Digital Data Available
No Digital Data Available
Unmapped
This map complies with FEMA's standards for the use of
digital flood maps if it is not void as described below.
The basemap shown complies with FEMA's basemap
accuracy standards
The flood hazard information is derived directly from the authoritative NFHL web services provided by FEMA. This map was exported on 5/20/2025 at 10:54 PM and does not
reflect changes or amendments subsequent to this date and time. The NFHL and effective information may change or
become superseded by new data over time.
This map image is void if the one or more of the following map elements do not appear: basemap imagery, flood zone labels, legend, scale bar, map creation date, community identifiers, FIRM panel number, and FIRM effective date. Map images for unmapped and unmodernized areas cannot be used for
regulatory purposes.
Legend
OTHER AREAS OF
FLOOD HAZARD
OTHER AREAS
GENERAL
STRUCTURES
OTHER
FEATURES
MAP PANELS
8 B 20.2
The pin displayed on the map is an approximate
point selected by the user and does not represent
an authoritative property location.
1:6,000
119°19'47"W 36°17'34"N
119°19'10"W 36°17'5"N
Basemap Imagery Source: USGS National Map 2023
United States
Department of
Agriculture
A product of the National
Cooperative Soil Survey,
a joint effort of the United
States Department of
Agriculture and other
Federal agencies, State
agencies including the
Agricultural Experiment
Stations, and local
participants
Custom Soil Resource
Report for
Tulare County,
W
estern Part,
California
PRC 25-028
Natural
Resources
Conservation
Service
May 19, 2025
Preface
Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas.
They highlight soil limitations that af
fect various land uses and provide information
about the properties of the soils in the survey areas. Soil surveys are designed for many different users, including farmers, ranchers, foresters, agronomists, urban planners, community officials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers.
Also, conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the surveys to help them understand, protect, or enhance the environment.
Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may impose special restrictions on land use or land treatment. Soil surveys identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or land treatment decisions.
The information is intended to help the land users identify and reduce the ef fects of
soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner or user is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations.
Although soil survey information can be used for general farm, local, and wider area planning, onsite investigation is needed to supplement this information in some cases. Examples include soil quality assessments (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/ portal/nrcs/main/soils/health/) and certain conservation and engineering applications. For more detailed information, contact your local USDA Service Center (https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs) or your NRCS State Soil Scientist (
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/contactus/? cid=nrcs142p2_053951).
Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are too unstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to basements or underground installations.
The National Cooperative Soil Survey is a joint effort of the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State agencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has leadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey
.
Information about soils is updated periodically. Updated information is available through the NRCS W
eb Soil Survey, the site for official soil survey information.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color
, national origin, age, disability,
and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require 2 alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's T
ARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice
and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
3 Contents
Preface.................................................................................................................... 2 How Soil Surveys Are Made..................................................................................5 Soil Map.................................................................................................................. 8 Soil Map................................................................................................................9 Legend................................................................................................................10 Map Unit Legend................................................................................................ 11 Map Unit Descriptions.........................................................................................11 Tulare County, Western Part, California..........................................................13 122—Grangeville sandy loam, drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes....................13 130—Nord fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes..................................... 14 137—Tagus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes.....................................................16 References............................................................................................................18 4 How Soil Surveys Are Made
Soil surveys are made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous areas in a specific area. They include a description of the soils and miscellaneous areas and their location on the landscape and tables that show soil properties and limitations af
fecting various uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length, and shape of the slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops and native plants; and the kinds of bedrock. They observed and described many soil profiles. A soil profile is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The profile extends from the surface down into the unconsolidated material in which the soil formed or from the surface down to bedrock. The unconsolidated material is devoid of roots and other living organisms and has not been changed by other biological activity.
Currently, soils are mapped according to the boundaries of major land resource areas (MLRAs). MLRAs are geographically associated land resource units that share common characteristics related to physiography
, geology, climate, water
resources, soils, biological resources, and land uses (USDA, 2006). Soil survey areas typically consist of parts of one or more MLRA.
The soils and miscellaneous areas in a survey area occur in an orderly pattern that is related to the geology
, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the area. Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind of landform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area and relating their position to specific segments of the landform, a soil scientist develops a concept, or model, of how they were formed. Thus, during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict with a considerable degree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific location on the landscape.
Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as their characteristics gradually change. T
o construct an accurate soil map, however, soil
scientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only a limited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented by an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to verify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries.
Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied. They noted soil color
, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of rock fragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enable them to identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determining their properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units).
Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soil characteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis for comparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic classification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character of soil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soil 5 scientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared the individual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so that they could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience and research.
The objective of soil mapping is not to delineate pure map unit components; the objective is to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. Each map unit is defined by a unique combination of soil components and/or miscellaneous areas in predictable proportions. Some components may be highly contrasting to the other components of the map unit. The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The delineation of such landforms and landform segments on the map provides suf ficient information for the
development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.
Soil scientists make many field observations in the process of producing a soil map.
The frequency of observation is dependent upon several factors, including scale of mapping, intensity of mapping, design of map units, complexity of the landscape, and experience of the soil scientist. Observations are made to test and refine the soil-landscape model and predictions and to verify the classification of the soils at specific locations. Once the soil-landscape model is refined, a significantly smaller number of measurements of individual soil properties are made and recorded.
These measurements may include field measurements, such as those for color ,
depth to bedrock, and texture, and laboratory measurements, such as those for content of sand, silt, clay, salt, and other components. Properties of each soil typically vary from one point to another across the landscape.
Observations for map unit components are aggregated to develop ranges of characteristics for the components. The aggregated values are presented. Direct measurements do not exist for every property presented for every map unit component. V
alues for some properties are estimated from combinations of other properties.
While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the area generally are collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil scientists interpret the data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed characteristics and the soil properties to determine the expected behavior of the soils under dif
ferent uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field tested through observation of the soils in different uses and under different levels of management.
Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions, and some new interpretations are developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled from other sources, such as research information, production records, and field experience of specialists. For example, data on crop yields under defined levels of management are assembled from farm records and from field or plot experiments on the same kinds of soil.
Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also on such variables as climate and biological activity
. Soil conditions are predictable over
long periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example, soil scientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will have a high water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict that a high water table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date.
After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in the survey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs and Custom Soil Resource Report
6 identified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields, roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries accurately .
Custom Soil Resource Report
7 Soil Map
The soil map section includes the soil map for the defined area of interest, a list of soil map units on the map and extent of each map unit, and cartographic symbols displayed on the map. Also presented are various metadata about data used to produce the map, and a description of each soil map unit. 8 9
Custom Soil Resource Report
Soil Map
4018260 4018340 4018420 4018500 4018580 4018660 4018740 4018820 4018260 4018340 4018420 4018500 4018580 4018660 4018740 4018820 290990 291070 291 150 291230 291310 291390 291470
290990 291070 291 150 291230 291310 291390
36° 17' 31'' N
119° 19' 38'' W
36° 17' 31'' N
119° 19' 19'' W
36° 17' 11'' N
119° 19' 38'' W
36° 17' 11'' N
119° 19' 19'' WN
Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 11N WGS84 0 150 300 600 900
Feet
0 45 90 180 270
Meters
Map Scale: 1:3,120 if printed on A portrait (8.5" x 11") sheet.
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Unit Polygons
Soil Map Unit Lines
Soil Map Unit Points
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Local Roads
Background
Aerial Photography
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at
1:24,000.
Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale.
Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map
measurements.
Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey URL:
Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate calculations of distance or area are required.
This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of the version date(s) listed below
.
Soil Survey Area: Tulare County, Western Part, California Survey Area Data: Version 18, Aug 30, 2024
Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000 or larger
.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Mar 16, 2022—May 30, 2022
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably dif
fers from the background
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.
Custom Soil Resource Report
10 Map Unit Legend
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI 122 Grangeville sandy loam,
drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes
2.9 10.2%
130 Nord fine sandy loam, 0 to 2
percent slopes
12.8 45.5%
137 Tagus loam, 0 to 2 percent
slopes
12.4 44.3%
Totals for Area of Interest 28.1 100.0%
Map Unit Descriptions
The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in a soil survey represent the soils or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions, along with the maps, can be used to determine the composition and properties of a unit.
A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one or more major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and named according to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomic class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the landscape, however
, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have the
characteristic variability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some observed properties may extend beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class.
Areas of soils of a single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without including areas of other taxonomic classes. Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils or miscellaneous areas for which it is named and some minor components that belong to taxonomic classes other than those of the major soils.
Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in the map unit, and thus they do not af
fect use and management. These are called
noncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in a particular map unit description. Other minor components, however, have properties and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require different management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They generally are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the scale used. Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identified by a special symbol on the maps. If included in the database for a given area, the contrasting minor components are identified in the map unit descriptions along with some characteristics of each. A few areas of minor components may not have been observed, and consequently they are not mentioned in the descriptions, especially where the pattern was so complex that it was impractical to make enough observations to identify all the soils and miscellaneous areas on the landscape.
The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure taxonomic classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or Custom Soil Resource Report
11 landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. The delineation of such segments on the map provides suf
ficient information for the
development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, however, onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.
An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions.
Each description includes general facts about the unit and gives important soil properties and qualities.
Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except for dif
ferences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.
Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity
, degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis of such differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown on the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase commonly indicates a feature that af
fects use or management. For example, Alpha
silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpha series.
Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.
These map units are complexes, associations, or undif
ferentiated groups.
A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps.
The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all areas. Alpha-Beta complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, is an example.
An
association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils or miscellaneous areas that are shown as one unit on the maps. Because of present or anticipated uses of the map units in the survey area, it was not considered practical or necessary to map the soils or miscellaneous areas separately . The
pattern and relative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar. Alpha-Beta association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
An undifferentiated group is made up of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas that could be mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similar interpretations can be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform. An area can be made up of only one of the major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made up of all of them. Alpha and Beta soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
Some surveys include miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil material and support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example.
Custom Soil Resource Report
12 Tulare County, Western Part, California
122—Grangeville sandy loam, drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: hp4s
Elevation: 190 to 400 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 8 to 12 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 63 to 64 degrees F
Frost-free period: 250 to 275 days
Farmland classification: Prime farmland if irrigated and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season
Map Unit Composition
Grangeville and similar soils: 90 percent
Minor components: 10 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Grangeville
Setting
Landform: Alluvial fans, flood plains
Landform position (two-dimensional): Footslope, toeslope Landform position (three-dimensional): Base slope
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Convex, linear
Parent material: Alluvium derived from granitic rock sources Typical profile
Ap - 0 to 16 inches: sandy loam
Bg - 16 to 27 inches: sandy loam
2C - 27 to 67 inches: stratified loamy sand to silt loam Properties and qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained
Runoff class: Negligible
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): High (2.00 to 6.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: Rare
Frequency of ponding: None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content: 5 percent
Gypsum, maximum content: 1 percent
Maximum salinity: Nonsaline to very slightly saline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm) Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum: 4.0
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: Moderate (about 6.6 inches) Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): 1
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 4c
Hydrologic Soil Group: A
Ecological site: R017XY906CA - Non-Alkali San Joaquin Valley Desert Hydric soil rating: Yes
Custom Soil Resource Report
13 Minor Components
Yettem
Percent of map unit: 3 percent
Landform: Flood plains, alluvial fans
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: No
Tujunga
Percent of map unit: 3 percent
Landform: Flood plains
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: No
Grangeville, saline-sodic
Percent of map unit: 2 percent
Landform: Alluvial fans, flood plains
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: Yes
Nord
Percent of map unit: 1 percent
Landform: Alluvial fans, flood plains
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: No
Hanford
Percent of map unit: 1 percent
Landform: Alluvial fans, flood plains
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: No
130—Nord fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: hp51
Elevation: 190 to 520 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 8 to 12 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 64 degrees F
Frost-free period: 250 to 275 days
Farmland classification: Prime farmland if irrigated and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season
Map Unit Composition
Nord and similar soils: 85 percent
Minor components: 15 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Custom Soil Resource Report
14 Description of Nord
Setting
Landform: Alluvial fans, flood plains
Landform position (two-dimensional): Footslope, toeslope Landform position (three-dimensional): Base slope
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Convex, linear
Parent material: Alluvium derived from mixed
Typical profile
Ap - 0 to 11 inches: fine sandy loam
C1 - 11 to 38 inches: stratified sandy loam to loam
C2 - 38 to 50 inches: stratified loamy coarse sand to coarse sandy loam 2Btb - 50 to 72 inches: stratified sandy loam to silt loam Properties and qualities
Slope: 0 to 1 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches; More than 80 inches Drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: Negligible
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.60 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: Very rare
Frequency of ponding: None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content: 4 percent
Maximum salinity: Nonsaline to very slightly saline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm) Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum: 10.0
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: Low (about 4.9 inches) Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): 1
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 4c
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Ecological site: R017XY906CA - Non-Alkali San Joaquin Valley Desert Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components
Grangeville, saline-sodic
Percent of map unit: 3 percent
Landform: Alluvial fans, flood plains
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: Yes
Hanford
Percent of map unit: 3 percent
Landform: Alluvial fans, flood plains
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: No
Tujunga
Percent of map unit: 3 percent
Landform: Flood plains
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: No
Custom Soil Resource Report
15 Tagus
Percent of map unit: 2 percent
Landform: Fan remnants
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: No
Akers
Percent of map unit: 2 percent
Landform: Fan remnants
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: No
Colpien
Percent of map unit: 2 percent
Landform: Fan remnants
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: No
137—Tagus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: hp58
Elevation: 230 to 400 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 9 to 12 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 63 to 64 degrees F
Frost-free period: 250 to 300 days
Farmland classification: Prime farmland if irrigated and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season
Map Unit Composition
Tagus and similar soils: 85 percent
Minor components: 15 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Tagus
Setting
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Shoulder
Landform position (three-dimensional): Side slope
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Parent material: Alluvium derived from granitic rock sources Typical profile
Ap - 0 to 17 inches: loam
Bk1 - 17 to 40 inches: loam
Bk2 - 40 to 63 inches: loam
Properties and qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Custom Soil Resource Report
16 Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: Low
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.60 to 2.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: Very rare
Frequency of ponding: None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content: 10 percent
Maximum salinity: Nonsaline to very slightly saline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm) Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum: 12.0
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: Moderate (about 8.4 inches) Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): 1
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 4c
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components
Tujunga
Percent of map unit: 5 percent
Landform: Flood plains
Hydric soil rating: No
Hanford
Percent of map unit: 5 percent
Landform: Alluvial fans, flood plains
Hydric soil rating: No
Grangeville
Percent of map unit: 3 percent
Landform: Alluvial fans, flood plains
Ecological site: R017XY907CA - Aridic Alkali Desert
Hydric soil rating: No
Colpien
Percent of map unit: 2 percent
Landform: Fan remnants
Ecological site: R017XY907CA - Aridic Alkali Desert
Hydric soil rating: No
Custom Soil Resource Report
17 References
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). 2004. Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods of sampling and testing. 24th edition.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2005. Standard classification of soils for engineering purposes. ASTM Standard D2487-00.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS-79/31.
Federal Register. July 13, 1994. Changes in hydric soils of the United States.
Federal Register. September 18, 2002. Hydric soils of the United States.
Hurt, G.W., and L.M. Vasilas, editors. Version 6.0, 2006. Field indicators of hydric soils in the United States.
National Research Council. 1995. Wetlands: Characteristics and boundaries.
Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 18. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_054262
Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436. http:// www
.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053577 Soil Survey Staff. 2010. Keys to soil taxonomy. 11th edition. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. http:// www
.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053580 Tiner, R.W., Jr. 1985. Wetlands of Delaware. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, W etlands
Section.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. W
aterways Experiment Station Technical
Report Y-87-1.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National forestry manual. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053374
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National range and pasture handbook. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ detail/national/landuse/rangepasture/?cid=stelprdb1043084 18 United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/detail/soils/scientists/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/? cid=nrcs142p2_053624
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1961. Land capability classification. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 210. http:// www
.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_052290.pdf Custom Soil Resource Report
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