Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission reviews development updates, AFD committee backs broad 'bona fide agriculture' definition
Summary
Staff reported a Sojourners site plan ready for approval, discussed Wood Park subdivision questions and summarized an Agricultural and Forest District committee recommendation to retain a broad definition of 'bona fide agriculture' and remove the 'subordinate' test from local code.
Commissioners received updates on development activity and agricultural protections during the meeting. Staff reported a Sojourners site plan for a 10‑unit first phase is ready for approval though not yet submitted; the developer is also considering a larger phase of about 50 units.
The Agricultural and Forest District (AFD) committee recommended the county adopt a broad, inclusive interpretation of 'bona fide agriculture,' saying meeting any one of the committee’s 12 criteria should qualify land for AFD status. Committee members also recommended eliminating the word 'subordinate' from the code, citing confusion in distinguishing which agricultural activities are 'subordinate' to others.
Commissioners discussed the implications of that recommendation and noted examples such as timber harvesting that produce revenue at long intervals and specialty uses (wineries, event centers) that occupy agricultural land while supporting farm incomes. Staff said the AFD recommendations will be brought to the board for consideration.
Commissioners also raised private road standards and setback concerns, noting that a road can become a private road when a third house is built and that minimal gravel/shoulder standards are desirable to avoid nonconforming situations later.
The meeting closed after routine minutes approval and adjournment.
