Board adopts ordinance exempting certain agricultural structures from building permits
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Summary
Supervisors approved an ordinance to exempt specified agricultural structures such as hoop houses and wood storage from building permit requirements while instituting a letter-of-intent process and requiring electrical permits when applicable.
The Trinity County Board of Supervisors on June 4 adopted an ordinance amending county code to add building-permit exemptions for certain agricultural structures, including hoop houses and basic greenhouses. The board approved the measure on second reading by unanimous roll call.
Cody Smith, Building Official, told the board the ordinance is aimed narrowly at agricultural structures such as unfooted PVC hoop houses and simple wood storage buildings, and includes a required letter of intent to verify compliance with zoning and to confirm the intended agricultural use.
Smith said structures that include electrical systems, lighting, fans, or other installations will not be fully exempt from permitting: electrical work will still require a permit. "When we talk about greenhouses...that's where now, okay, the structure itself is gonna be exempt through the process. However, those additional aspects are now gonna require a permit for the electrical," Smith said.
Why it matters: The change is intended to remove paperwork hurdles for small-scale agricultural structures while keeping safety protections for electrical systems and reducing fire risk. Supervisors voiced support for the balance between agricultural flexibility and safety; one supervisor noted that trimming or packaging structures with frequent human occupancy remain subject to standard permitting and ADA rules.
Vote and implementation: The board approved the ordinance by unanimous roll call (5-0). Staff said the letter-of-intent process will assist zoning compliance checks and that the building division will continue outreach so landowners understand when a permit is still required.
Ending: The ordinance takes effect as provided by law; staff will implement the letter-of-intent process and advise agricultural operators about electrical-safety requirements.
