Skip to main content
File #: 25-821    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Informational Report Status: Initiated by Board Member
File created: 6/17/2025 In control: Board of Supervisors
On agenda: 6/24/2025 Final action:
Title: Letter of Opposition Unless Amended to Assembly Bill (AB) 518 (Ward) Regarding Low-Impact Camping Areas Unless Amended to Address Safety and Agricultural Protection Concerns
Sponsors: Mike Wilson
Strategic Framework: 9999 - Core Services / Other
Attachments: 1. Staff Report, 2. Letter of Opposition - AB 518 V 3, 3. AB 518, 4. Public Comment J.2, 5. Public Comment J. 2 (2), 6. Public Comment J. 2 (3), 7. Public Comment - J.2 (4)
To: Board of Supervisors

From: Supervisor Mike Wilson

Agenda Section: Initiated by Board Member

Vote Requirement: Majority

SUBJECT:title
Letter of Opposition Unless Amended to Assembly Bill (AB) 518 (Ward) Regarding Low-Impact Camping Areas Unless Amended to Address Safety and Agricultural Protection Concerns end

RECOMMENDATION(S):Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt a position of oppose unless amended to California AB 518 regarding low-impact camping areas unless amended to address safety and agricultural protection concerns; and
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board to sign the attached letter of opposition unless amended to AB 518; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to send the attached letter of opposition to AB 518 unless amended to the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee; and
4. Direct staff to coordinate with the California State Association of Counties and Rural County Representatives of California in advocating for the recommended amendments to AB 518; and
5. Authorize the Chair of the Board to support AB 518 if amended to include on-site hosting requirements, proper infrastructure standards and agricultural land protections; and
6. Authorize staff to continue advocacy on this issue and submitting letters consistent with the Board's position throughout the life of AB 518.

Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors' Strategic Plan:

Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other

DISCUSSION:
Background
California Assembly Bill 518 (AB 518) would authorize property owners to establish low-impact camping areas accommodating up to nine separate camping sites per property. AB 518 allows for unhosted camping operations where property owners need only to maintain phone contact availability rather than physical presence on-site. While positioned as supporting recreational access, AB 518 lacks adequate safety, en...

Click here for full text