Agritourism ordinance

Local agricultural producer who says the ordinance will help him stay in farming by providing a separate source of income.

Asked whether the agritourism ordinance includes low-impact camping, whether the county has such an ordinance, and questioned parking for 50 people on a one-acre parcel.

A second-generation wine grape farmer urged an affirmative vote, saying it would help small producers and county tourism; asked about ministerial vs. discretionary permits.

Speaking for Foothill Conservancy, urged that events over 50 people require a full discretionary use permit with neighbor notice and environmental review, and asked about wedding venues.

A grower noted the winery ordinance's setback and property-size framework as a possible model, while noting her operation isn't on a preferred road.

Assistant manager of Shake Ridge Ranch (vineyard, no winery) voiced strong support, saying the use permit path makes the ordinance workable and that 25 alone wouldn't sustain a vineyard career.

Cattle rancher on 650 acres near Plymouth asked the Board to add weddings as an explicit permitted use, raise the cap to 50 for large parcels, and lower permit costs.

Fiddletown R-1A resident said 25 people per day is too low for seasonal u-picks and arena events and supported raising the number.

Story Ranch owner (vineyard, no winery) said 25 is too low — her family birthday parties hit 40 — and wants a cheaper, streamlined permit path.

Caterer and lodging owner argued events under 25 people lose money, urged a 50-person threshold, and proposed a special event permit category.

Proposed tiered caps: under 10 acres = 25 people; 10–100 acres = 50; larger parcels more flexibility.

Foothill Conservancy endorsed the ordinance as a balance protecting farmland and the ag economy, but opposed adding weddings as not ag-related; supported the 25-person use-permit trigger.

Said residents in affected zones weren't notified during the holidays, raised fire-safety concerns about campfires near uncleared vacant lots, and asked the board to postpone for more public review.

Described how insurance jumped from $40,500 to $18,000-plus and grape income collapsed, urging the county to allow permit amendments without restarting the full six-month, $9,000 process; also described plans for a small luxury RV facility with history tours.

Co-representative of Kirkland Ranch supporting the permit amendment testimony.

Foothill Conservancy representative voiced support for the ordinance, urging the board keep the full use permit requirement for events over 25 people.