The farm-worker housing bill currently has provisions against abuse, said County Councilman Jay Furfaro: • Farmers would have to show receipts of $35,000 from gross sales for two consecutive years. This level would have to be maintained each year in
The farm-worker housing bill currently has provisions against abuse, said County Councilman Jay Furfaro:
• Farmers would have to show receipts of $35,000 from gross sales for two consecutive years. This level would have to be maintained each year in order to keep qualifying;
• The land would have to already have a county agriculture dedication. Currently, no parcel under five acres can have an ag dedication;
• Only certain crops would qualify, with tree and turf farms excluded. Those crops have had a history of abuse under the ag-dedication program, he said;
• Farmers must have viable commercial plans;
• Farmers must appear before the Planning Commission;
• Only current CPRs can apply;
• If a CPR property is amended to be a qualifying property, the permit is rendered invalid;
• In case of sale or transfer of land, the Planning Commission must be notified and the permit reviewed;
• Annual filings and regular inspections will ensure compliance;
• Structures, which will sit on stilts, must be removed within six months of non-compliance;
• Possible fines and liens could bring stiff financial repercussions.
