Compliance Specialists
Farmer Feedback
CHANGES TO MENDOCINO COUNTY AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT’S RULES!
GOOD NEWS – The Agricultural Department has removed the NCRWQCB Enrollment requirement by June 3oth! You can continue to apply for a cultivation license once you have applied to the NCRWQCB’s Order #R1-2015-0023. And we can help you fill out the paperwork! Let us guide you to an accurate submittal for both the Water Quality Control Board and Mendocino Agricultural Department – Both agencies are taking applications up to December 31st, 2017!
NEEM OIL USERS – YOU NEED AN OPERATOR ID # TO APPLY NEEM AND NEEM PRODUCTS!
If you are using Neem in any way, you need to call the Mendocino County Agricultural Department and ask for Matt, Andy or Erin to set up an appointment to get your Operator ID #. ALL NEEM USERS MUST HAVE AN OPERATOR ID #. Once you have your Operator ID#, you get a webuser ID and report your usage online the 10th of the month following your use. If you do not do this, you will be out of compliance! Call 707-234-6830 to make your appointment today for your Operator ID!
NCRWQCB and CVWQCB Water Resource Protection Plans Are Due!
Many of our clients have chosen to work with the Water Quality Boards on their own, without a 3rd Party. We’ve been keeping track of when your Water Resource Protection Plans(WRPP) are due. Now is your time to act and get your WRPP prepared. Our Senior Biologist (Certified Wetland Scientist and Army Core of Engineers experienced) is ready to work with you to prepare your Water Resource Protection Plan! We’ll need 30 days, so for those of you who enrolled in January this year with the Water Quality Board, ACT NOW!! Call us today 707-489-0996 to get your WRPP in place and sent to the NCRWQCB. We also provide the annual monitoring!
Mendocino County Permitting/Application Process for Cultivation Clarification:
The Mendocino County Agricultural Department issued their first Cultivation permit June 2oth! Inspectione have begun. If you want us out on your site during your Agricultural Department inspection, schedule your appointment today!
COUNTY OF MENDOCINO CULTIVATION PROGRAM UPDATES
The following steps are required to submit an application for processing:
- Applicants must make an appointment with the Department of Agriculture to submit an application package, including the following:
- Proof of prior cultivation and a current picture of your garden (two things)
- Copy of your well permit or 1600 form or your water right.
- Copy of your enrollment in the NCRWQCB Order #R1-2015-0023.
- Copy of the Cortesie List search that proves you are not on it.
- If you have unpermitted buildings, a copy of the permit application or an engagement letter with an engineer if you are doing Class K (WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW COMMERCIAL ACITIVITY).
- The Department of Agriculture staff will review the Initial Cultivation Application and complete an Initial Application Review Checklist
- Applicants must sign the Initial Application Review Checklist and take it to the Treasurer/Tax Collectors Office to make a payment of a non-refundable application fee
- Applicants must submit proof of payment of the application fee to the Department of Agriculture. Once proof of payment has been verified by the Department of Agriculture, applications will be accepted for processing
Please note that the Treasurer/Tax Collectors office will not receive payment for any cultivation permit application fees without having evidence of the completed and signed Initial Application Review Checklist from the Department of Agriculture.
Please note that permit applications are only being accepted for cultivation sites within zoning districts of the Inland Zoning Code. The current permit program does not address cultivation in the Coastal Zone. No more than two permits may be issued to a person or entity pursuant to section 10A.17.070 (D) of the Mendocino County Medical Cannabis Cultivation Ordinance.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES: If you have a for-profit or non-for-profit business that originated prior to January 1, 2016, that organization CAN apply for a permit in it’s name. If your organizational structure originated after January 1, 2016, that organization CAN NOT apply for a permit in it’s name, and you must apply in your name for a permit. This just in from the CEO’s office via Mendocino County Counsel! LLC is now being accepted again!
GREAT NEWS! The Mendocino County Building and Planning Department Amnesty has been extended to December 31, 2017! Thank you Mendocino County Supervisors and Building and Planning.
If you have unpermitted buildings on your property, now is the time to permit them without any violation fees. There are two ways to do this:
- Class K – Which does not allow commercial activity
- Regular Permitting – Which does allow commercial activity
We can help you expedite and/or acquire the permits needed for existing structures and greenhouses. Please note that hoop-houses no larger than a 1,000 square foot foot print are exempt from building permits in Mendocino County. Any hoop-house larger than this or any greenhouse needs a permit. Now is the time to get them. And we know how to do it, so you can too!
Sonoma County Farmers – we can help you comply and help with your paperwork!
Just give our office a call to set up an appointment. We are in Sonoma County doing pre-inspections weekly!