Agriculture advisory committee focuses work plan on farmworker housing, farm‑stand rules and outreach

The San Mateo County Agriculture Advisory Committee spent the bulk of its July 13 meeting refining a work plan that would push the county to pursue practical steps on farmworker housing, farm‑stand rules and community outreach.

Acting Chair Peter Markey opened discussion on Item 2 and members outlined a series of actionable proposals. Daniel Feobold summarized four priorities the subcommittee recommends the AAC pursue: designate a county permitting liaison for farm issues; consider allowing multiple homesteads or a second dwelling on agricultural parcels to support multigenerational farms; develop a simple county “farm stamp” or certification to ease roadside and farm‑stand sales; and explore creative farmworker housing models including tiny homes and serviced RV pads that workers could occupy or own.

The recommendations grew from concerns that current rules and processes inhibit small farms’ ability to house workers and sell direct to consumers. Feobold said the county should “have one particular person with the department who handles all, permanently, and specifically regarding the entire quarter,” arguing a single staff contact would streamline permitting. He also described the multiple‑homestead idea as a way “to actually allow them multi‑generational housing on the farm to ensure that the farmers survive long term.”

Committee members and public commenters debated details and tradeoffs. Supporters said moveable tiny homes and serviced RV pads could provide quick, lower‑cost options; critics raised safety, septic and permitting concerns and asked who would hold long‑term liability if occupants defaulted on loans or units fell into disrepair. One member noted Moon Ridge and MidPen Housing changes have reduced dedicated farmworker allocations at existing developments, and asked that MidPen be invited to explain policy changes.

Public commenter Carrie Berg raised a separate land‑use example: she told the committee an application on West Arrow Creek Road plans to abandon an existing well and drill a replacement, and said the project is proceeding with many conditions, “about 93 conditions,” that will govern subsequent development and permitting.

On outreach, the committee’s community engagement subcommittee proposed holding mini‑workshops and inviting farmers to present needs annually; the group recommended the AAC coordinate with partners such as the resource conservation district, Farm Bureau and county planning staff. Staff asked members to send draft ideas and materials to the planning liaison so staff can assemble a consolidated work plan for the committee’s next review.

The AAC did not adopt new regulations at the meeting; members asked staff to incorporate the subcommittees’ proposals into a practical, time‑bound draft and return with clearer action items and responsible partners.