Two watchdog groups on Feb. 28 announced a formal challenge to Measure J, the county-voter-approved initiative to allow commercial development of local rancher Ernie Dalidio's property.

Citizens for Planning Responsibly (CPR) and the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo County filed a petition asking the San Luis Obispo Superior Court to determine the measure's legality.

CPR representatives allege the initiative, which passed with 65 percent of the county vote in November, will allow "the largest commercial development in the county's history to sidestep the normal planning review process and zoning laws."

The group had previously announced plans for the action with the hiring of a San Francisco law firm that specializes in environmental issues.

Calls to the county counsel's office and Dalidio were not returned as of press time. Last week, Warren Jensen, chief deputy county counsel, said the county was following the matter.