Title
Opt-In Phase II Criteria Discussion 2/8/17 and 3/8/17, Continued from March 8, 2017
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Opt-In Phase II
In March 2012 and again in July 2013, the County, in conjunction with the El Dorado County Farm Bureau, mailed over 3,000 letters asking property owners who met certain criteria if they preferred agricultural zoning or residential zoning for their parcels as part of the Zoning Ordinance update. The County received over 700 requests for agricultural zoning.
On December 15, 2015, following the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance update, the Board discussed initiating a subsequent process to give property owners with existing commercial agricultural operation, or who have plans to develop lands for agriculture, the opportunity to “opt-in” to agricultural zoning.
This second “opt-in” would provide for enhancement of agri-tourism opportunities. To initiate the Ag-Opt In Phase II process, a criteria for identifying parcels selected for the Opt-In Phase II process is required. The criteria should provide sufficient parameters ensuring that only the parcels selected will best achieve the project’s objective of enhancing agri-tourism opportunities.
Agri-tourism: A commercial enterprise at a working farm, ranch or other agricultural business conducted for the enjoyment of visitors that generates supplemental income for the owner/operator. Agri-tourism may include, but is not limited to, outdoor recreation such as horseback riding or hiking, educational experiences that feature the farm, ranch or natural environment, local food or wine tasting, agricultural homestays and guest ranches, agricultural lodging, and on-farm or ranch direct sales. Defined by the County Zoning Ordinance