Title
REF190027 - INDUSTRIAL HEMP PILOT PROGRAM
Public hearing to consider amending Chapter 21.49 of Title 21 of the Monterey
County Code to extend the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program through December 31,
2022, and amend the Sectional District Maps to add the Industrial Hemp Zoning
Overlay District ("HMP" District) to portions of parcels that are outside of the rural
center and community area buffers.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution recommending that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Find that the ordinance represents a minor alteration in land use limitations and applies for a limited term for the purposes of collecting information on industrial hemp cultivation which is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15305 and 15306 and none of the exceptions listed in Section 15300.2 apply; and
2. Adopt an ordinance to amend Chapter 21.49 of Title 21 of the Monterey County Code (non-coastal zoning) extending the industrial hemp pilot program through December 31, 2022, and amending the Sectional District Maps to add the Industrial Hemp Zoning Overlay District ("HMP" District) to portions of parcels that are outside of the rural center and community area buffers.
SUMMARY:
The Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance Number 5314 in July 2019, which established a one-year pilot program for industrial hemp cultivation and processing. (Exhibit A). The purpose of the pilot program ("Program") is to gather data and information related to industrial hemp cultivation and processing to enable the County to evaluate the establishment of long-term regulations and to reduce the potential for negative impacts on the community and the environment for protection of public health, safety and welfare.
During the one-year pilot program, the Agricultural Commissioner's Office was asked by the Board of Supervisors to track and evaluate implementation of the Program and to recommend cha...
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