Dear Vintners,
On Tuesday, September 14th, the Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing that starts at 9am that includes two issues that impact vintners:
1) To provide direction to Planning and Development Department staff to reshape the Cannabis ordinance, including possible CUPs to proposed cannabis grows in the Sta. Rita Hills
The Sta. Rita Hills AVA has experienced a disproportionate amount of cannabis, which is often found within close proximity to tasting rooms or vineyards. On Tuesday, the Board is addressing changes that would better regulate grows in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. They will discuss imposing the requirement of a Conditional Use Permit, rather than Land Use Permit, for grows in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.
One of the key issues that will be debated at the September 14th hearing is the cutoff acreage amount. Supervisor Hartmann has pushed for a 20 acre cap, while 1st District Supervisor Das Williams has signaled he prefers a 40 acre cap. This issue will likely require 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson to supply the 3rd vote. 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino has stated he prefers cannabis operations to be larger. 2nd District Supervisor Gregg Hart has been noncommittal.
This is an opportunity as a wine community to request some tools to address the concentration of cannabis grows in one of our most prominent AVAs. If this concerns you, please attend or call in (details below) to comment on:
- A preferred 20 acre cap
- Conditional Use Permits
- Stricter odor abatement plans
- Better enforcement throughout the Valley
2) Covid-19 Regulation Extension
The Board of Supervisors will also discuss extending the Covid-19 regulations through October of 2023, allowing outdoor dining to continue, etc. Multiple industries support this extension and it is expected to pass.
To participate in either portion of the agenda, please follow the instructions below.
Apologies for the late notice. I have recently been on vacation and fell a bit behind. Thanks for your understanding.
Best,
Alison Laslett
alison@sbcountywines.com
310.463.0262
Santa Barbara Vintners
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If you wish to provide public comment, the following methods are available:
- Distribution to the Board of Supervisors - Submit your comment via email prior to 5:00 PM on
the day prior to the Board meeting. Please submit your comment to the Clerk of the Board at:
sbcob@countyofsb.org. Your comment will be placed into the record and distributed appropriately.
- Attend the Meeting In-Person - Individuals are allowed to attend and provide comments at the
Board meetings in-person. Please note: If you attend the Board meeting in-person, you will be required to wear a face covering or mask at all times regardless of vaccination status.
- Attend the Meeting by Zoom Webinar - Individuals wishing to provide public comment during the
Board meeting can do so via Zoom webinar by clicking the below link to register in advance.
Register in advance for this meeting (link is forthcoming. Click here as meeting approaches). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing important information about joining
the webinar.
Please DO NOT call or join until the item you want to speak on is being discussed.
1. Once the Chair has announced the item you want to comment on, please join the meeting with the information provided in the registration confirmation email.
2. You will be placed on mute until it is your turn to speak. You will be able to hear the Board meeting live after calling in, so you can turn off your TV or the webstream.
3. The Clerk will call you by name. When removed from mute, you will hear a notification that your line has been unmuted. If you are using a touchtone phone, you may need to press *6.
4. Each person may address the Board for up to three minutes at the discretion of the Chair.
5. When your time is up or you have concluded your comments, please hang up.
If you have any questions, please contact the Clerk of the Board's Office at (805) 568-2240.
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