*PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PL-SPP-2022-016)

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scale, commercial agricultural uses permitted within the State Land Use Agricultural District. Despite the preceding, the applicant has established a permaculture farm and cultivates small-scale agriculture, including two acres of fruit trees and 7,000 square feet of vegetable gardens. However, based on the property's poor soil quality, the land upon which the proposed use is sought is unsuited for agricultural uses beyond the small-scale currently established by the applicant. (F) The use will not substantially alter or change the essential character of the land and the present use. While a moderate increase in traffic of a maximum of 20-25 daily vehicular trips to the property will occur, the applicant has proposed several ways to mitigate the impact of traffic flow. Namely, traffic will occur during off-peak hours and the applicant will provide guests transportation with a 15-passenger van as well as provide on -site parking for 30 vehicles. Additionally, according to the applicant, retreat guests will primarily remain on -site for the duration of the retreat. Thus, while traffic flow will moderately increase, it is not expected to change the character of the land. Current agricultural uses on the land will not be diminished by the proposed use given that the applicant has proposed to maintain existing orchards and crops and integrate agricultural activities into the operations of the center, such as by preparing and serving food grown on the property to retreat participants. In addition, the property has been used as a retreat center for several years, albeit without proper permits. With the submittal of the subject application, the applicant intends to legitimize the existing use. Thus, the proposed use will not substantially alter or change the essential character of the land or its present use. (G) The request will not be contrary to the General Plan, Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) and other documents such as Design Plans. The Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map component of the General Plan is a representation of the document's goals and policies to guide the coordinated growth and development of the County. It reflects a graphic depiction of the physical relationship among the various land uses. The LUPAG Map establishes the basic urban and non -urban form for areas within the County.