To: Planning Commission
From: Planning and Building Department
Agenda Section: Special Presentation
SUBJECT:
title
Synthetic Netting Use in Cannabis Operations
Assessor Parcel Numbers: All Parcels
Record No.: LRP-2024-19099
Humboldt County
A special presentation on the use of synthetic netting for cannabis cultivation related activities and a discussion on effective regulation of the activity.
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Planning Commission:
1. Provide guidance on the preparation of a resolution governing the use on synthetic netting in cannabis cultivation.
Body
DISCUSSION:
Background
Synthetic netting (e.g. plastic or nylon) also referred to as monofilament netting, is a type of trellis frequently used for cannabis cultivation and other agricultural activities. This type of netting is characterized by a single strand or thread welded at the joints of intersecting strands, providing a durable and mildew resistant netting to support growing cannabis plants. It is also sometimes used for fencing.
The use of synthetic netting for cultivation is not addressed in either of the County's commercial cannabis land use ordinances, however conditions of approval in many cannabis permits restrict the use of synthetic or monofilament netting.
The restriction on this netting is generally imposed as a condition of approval for permits to address concerns raised in referral responses from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), where they typically provide the following request:
"To minimize the risk of wildlife entrapment, CDFW requests, as a condition of approval, the prohibition of synthetic netting (e.g., plastic or nylon) including photo or biodegradable plastic netting for the purpose of cultivation operations and/or erosion control. Geotextiles, fiber rolls, and other erosion control measures shall be made of loose weave mesh such as jute, hemp, coconut (coir) fiber, or other products without welded weaves."
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