Stanislaus Audubon Society, Inc. v. County of Stanislaus

Appellant Stanislaus Audubon Society, Inc., appeals from the judgment denying its complaint and petition for writ of mandate which challenged approval by respondent County of Stanislaus (County) of a proposed project by real party in interest Willms Ranch (Willms) to construct a golf course and attendant facilities. Appellant argues the County’s certification of a negative declaration for the proposed project and its finding the project is compatible with a Williamson Act land contract designation constitute prejudicial abuses of discretion.

Two primary issues are submitted for resolution by this court: First, whether there is any credible evidence in the administrative record which indicates that the proposed golf course may have a significant impact on the environment; second, whether the board’s determination that the golf course was compatible with the purposes of the Williamson Act is supported by substantial evidence in the record. Our affirmative conclusion on the first issue obviates discussion of the second.

In this opinion, we hold that appellant met its burden of establishing that the record contains substantial evidence sufficient to support a fair argument…