To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Agricultural Access Pass Program
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Humboldt County Sheriff to establish an agricultural access pass program for the purpose of issuing identification documents granting any qualifying agricultural producer access to the qualifying producer’s property during local emergencies.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund (1100), Office of Emergency Services (OES) (221800)
DISCUSSION:
Assembly Bill 1103 (AB 1103) authorizes, upon approval of a county board of supervisors, the establishment of a livestock pass program for the purpose of issuing identification documents granting any qualified livestock producer or managerial employee of the qualifying livestock producer, access to the qualifying livestock producer’s ranch property during or following a flood, storm, fire, earthquake, or other disaster. A program such as this has existed in Humboldt County since 2021, however, AB 1103 imposes a new duty on a county board of supervisors to approve the livestock pass program. In Humboldt County, this program allows for qualifying agricultural producers, livestock operators and commercial cannabis cultivators to access their property to tend to crops and animals when access is deemed safe and granted by emergency response personnel.
In order to qualify for an agricultural access pass, applicants must first complete a training that at a minimum provides education regarding basic fire behavior, communications during a disaster emergency, and incident command structure. Additionally, applicants must provide the county agency administering the program with documentation sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant is a bona fide agricultural producer, including, but not limited to any of the following:
Traditional Agriculture and Livestock applicants:
A. An operator identification number issued by a county agricultural commissioner.
B. Parcel Number associated with the business.
Or two of the following:
C. An Internal Revenue Service Schedule F (Form 1040) attesting to the applicant’s Profit or Loss From Farming.
D. Assessor’s parcel numbers confirming agricultural zoning for the property or properties upon which access is sought.
E. Agricultural land lease documentation.
F. Documentation attesting to the applicant’s enrollment in a Williamson Act contract as authorized pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 51200) or Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5 of the Government Code.
G. Documentation from the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency attesting that the applicant is a commercial livestock producer.
H. Current registration of a livestock brand with the Bureau of Livestock Identification.
Commercial Cannabis Applicants:
A. Humboldt County issued Cannabis Cultivation Permit Number
B. Parcel Number associated with the business
Additionally, an applicant for an agricultural access pass will need to furnish a description or map of all lands owned or managed by the applicant for which access is sought.
Approved program activities are limited to:
1. Evacuating, transporting, sheltering, feeding, watering, administering veterinary care to livestock.
2. Irrigating crops.
3. Fueling emergency generators or providing auxiliary support to peace officers and emergency personnel (such as identifying access roads and water points).
Activities not currently allowed include harvesting or sowing crops, food processing, and facility repairs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The financial impact to administer this program is limited to staff time reviewing applications and determining status, and material costs associated with printing physical access passes and outreach materials.
STAFFING IMPACT:
This program is facilitated utilizing existing staff in OES, Planning & Building Department, Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, and Information Technology.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Framework.
Core Roles: Enforce laws and regulations to protect residents
New Initiatives: Provide community-appropriate levels of service
Strategic Plan: 3.1 - Improve the economy of Humboldt County
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to authorize this program, however, this could potentially impact numerous agricultural businesses and contribute to increased economic loss during local/regional emergencies.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Assembly Bill 1103 text
2. 2024 Humboldt County Agricultural Access Pass Program Overview
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A