This division shall be known and may be cited as the Santa Clara Valley Open-Space Authority Act.
Chapter 1General Provisions
Section § 35100
This law is officially titled the "Santa Clara Valley Open-Space Authority Act." This means any references to this division can simply use this name.
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Section § 35101
This law highlights the importance of preserving open spaces in Santa Clara County to prevent these areas from being overtaken by urban development. The law states that open-space preservation and creating a greenbelt are urgent priorities to maintain the county's quality of life and support agriculture. Due to rapid loss of open land, the county is urged to establish a funding program to secure and maintain open spaces. This funding must exceed current levels, which are insufficient. To facilitate efficient preservation efforts, the Santa Clara Valley Open-Space Authority is recommended to manage decisions about acquiring and maintaining open spaces. Additionally, it acknowledges that all property owners benefit from access to these open spaces.
The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:
(a)CA Public Resources Code § 35101(a) In Santa Clara County, open-space preservation and creation of a greenbelt are immediate high priorities needed to counter the continuing and serious conversion of these lands to urban uses, to preserve the quality of life in the county, and to encourage agricultural activities.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 35101(b) In order to deal in an expeditious manner with the current serious loss of these properties, the county needs to develop and implement a local funding program involving properties occupied for urban purposes which give rise to the need for open-space preservation
that goes significantly beyond current existing funding
that is not adequate to resolve these losses.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 35101(c) It is in the public interest to create the Santa Clara Valley Open-Space Authority so that local open-space preservation and greenbelting decisions can be implemented in a timely manner to provide for the acquisition and maintenance of these properties.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 35101(d) All persons owning developed parcels enjoy the privilege of using, and benefit from, the availability of open space.
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Section § 35102
This section defines 'agricultural activity' by referencing the same meaning as provided in another law, specifically under subdivision (e) of Section 3482.5 of the Civil Code.
In essence, this means that any terms related to agricultural operations, facilities, or related structures are to be understood as they are explained in that section of the Civil Code.
“Agricultural activity” has the same meaning as “agricultural activity, operation, or facility, or appurtenances thereof” as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 3482.5 of the Civil Code.
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Section § 35103
This section defines the term "Authority" as the Santa Clara Valley Open-Space Authority, which is established according to the rules in this division and operates within Santa Clara County.
“Authority” means the Santa Clara Valley Open-Space Authority created pursuant to this division in the County of Santa Clara.
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Section § 35105
This law specifies that whenever the term "County" is used in this context, it specifically refers to Santa Clara County.
“County” means the County of Santa Clara.
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Section § 35106
The term "governing board" refers to the group of people who have the authority to make decisions for an organization or authority.
“Governing board” means the governing body of the authority.
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