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Commission reviews ag and forestry implementation measures: agritourism, density transfers and local food efforts
Summary
The commission reviewed implementation measures in the Ag & Forestry element of the 2035 General Plan, discussing agritourism and farm‑stay rules, transfer‑of‑density criteria, agricultural permit processing, farm‑to‑school programs, and timber/biomass policies; staff noted some measures need further work and possible consultant support.
Planning staff led commissioners through implementation measures in the Agricultural and Forestry element of the 2035 General Plan, including policies on agritourism/farm stays, transfer of density between parcels to enable clustered development, limits on non‑agricultural development in agricultural zones, coordination with LAFCO on service boundaries, and steps to support local food markets and value‑added processing.
Staff explained that implementation measure 5(a) directs the department to work with interested parties on adaptive uses of agricultural properties (including agritourism and farm stays) while 5(b) calls for development of criteria for transfer of density; staff said no formal criteria exist today and that developing them would be part of the general plan implementation work. Commissioners discussed how transfer‑of‑density could allow clustering of residential units on fewer parcels while preserving productive agricultural land elsewhere and noted infrastructure constraints (septic, wells) must be considered.
Other specific measures discussed included establishing agricultural permit processing procedures, outreach and collaboration with local agricultural organizations (Plumas Sierra Farm Bureau, Resource Conservation Districts, California Cattlemen’s Association), exploration of a farm permit coordinator position, promotion of local markets and farm‑to‑school programming, and encouragement of value‑added wood products and timber management to reduce wildfire risk.
Commissioners also took public input on agricultural matters (Leila Levi participated online to comment about the Williamson Act and compatibility rules). Staff said it would follow up with a memorandum to the property owner and a broader outreach/press release so landowners understand rules about farm stays and miscellaneous compatible uses under the Williamson Act protections.
Next steps: staff will note priorities that commissioners want to retain in the plan, prepare criteria where requested (transfer of density), and continue outreach to agricultural partners and potentially explore consultant support for ordinance and implementation work.
