Minor Modification – MIM 26-006 to PSP 25-033

Tulare County is considering a minor modification to Special Use Permit No. PSP 25-033, which currently permits a bioenergy facility on a 5.28-acre parcel within the AE-20 Exclusive Agricultural Zone that converts almond shells into biochar. The requested modification, designated MIM 26-006, seeks to authorize a land division that complies with Section 9.6.E.20 of the Tulare County Zoning Ordinance, allowing for subdivision of parcels under 20 acres that host agricultural-related industries or services. This adjustment would enable the property owner and applicant, Sitos Treehouse Plant, LLC, to reconfigure the land while maintaining the permitted use of the biochar facility. The modification is intended to provide flexibility in land use management without altering the core purpose of the original permit, and the project remains consistent with the intent of supporting agricultural-based economic activities within the designated zone. The primary point of contact for the modification is Gary Mills, Chief Planner, with additional support from Jessica Wills, Environmental Planner, and Emily Gage, Project Planner, all within the Tulare County government. The applicant, Sitos Treehouse Plant, LLC, is also listed as a point of contact and will be directly involved in the review and implementation process. The notice was posted on July 3, 2026, under a forecast classification, indicating this is a preliminary notice for potential future action rather than an active solicitation. No NAICS code or set-aside information is provided, and all interactions are governed by local zoning authority under California state jurisdiction. The project's success hinges on compliance with county land division regulations and the continued authorization of agricultural-industrial activity on a parcel smaller than the standard 20-acre minimum.