Coastal Coalition of Family Farmers California Coastal Commission Long Beach, CA March 12, 2014...

Coastal Coalition ofFamily Farmers

California Coastal CommissionLong Beach, CAMarch 12, 2014

Presentation made by Schmitz & Associates5234 Chesebro Road, Suite 200, Agoura Hills, CA, 91301

818-338-3636

Summary of Presentation

Agricultural use and production in the Santa Monica MountainsCoastal Act prioritizes agricultural use 1986 Malibu LUP prioritizes agricultural use2014 Santa Monica Mountains LCP PROHIBITS agricultural useExamples of Agricultural Use in the Santa Monica MountainsConclusion

Agricultural use has had a long history in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Historical Agricultural Use

Coastal Act Prioritizes Agricultural Use

Section 30106 defines development in pertinent part as: “The removal or harvesting of major vegetation other than for agricultural purposes.”

Section 30241 provides that: “The maximum amount of prime agricultural land shall be maintained in agricultural production to assure the protection of the area’s agricultural economy.”

Section 30242 provides that all other lands suitable for agricultural use shall not be converted “to nonagricultural use unless continued or renewed agricultural use is not feasible.”

Section 30222 provides that “The use of private lands suitable for visitor-serving commercial recreational facilities designed to enhance public opportunities for coastal recreation shall have priority over private residential, general industrial, or general commercial development, but not over agricultural…industry.”

1986 Malibu LUP Encourages Agricultural UseAll local Land Use Plans and Local Coastal Programs must abide by the Coastal Act.Specific policies can help to further emphasize agricultural use as a priority use.Land Use Policies P266 through P270 protect agricultural use:

P266 & P267 provide the strongest encouragementP266: Encourage agricultural uses in nonurban areas as long as they remain economically viable. P267: Encourage agricultural uses with limited land requirements such as greenhouses and nurseries.

2014 Santa Monica Mountains LCP PROHIBITS agricultural use

2014 Santa Monica Mountains Land Use Plan policies CO-102 through CO-106 pertain to agriculture.

CO-102 New crop, orchard, vineyard, or other agricultural use is prohibited. Existing, legally-established agricultural uses shall be allowed to continue.

Vineyards & Orchards

Over 50 Vineyards & Orchards in the Santa

Monica Mountains

Wineries

Wine Tours, Limo Companies

Wine Tours & Limo CompaniesPlay a Major Role in maintainingThe Heritage & Lifestyle in the

Santa Monica Mountains

Equestrian Centers and Livestock Farms

Additional Equestrian Centers & Farms

Equestrian Centers and Livestock Farms

Permaculture & Organic Farming

Farmers Markets

ConclusionThe Santa Monica Mountains are filled with diverse, successful and thriving agricultural operations.Sections 30241 and 30242 of the Coastal Act prioritize agricultural lands and protects them from being taken out of circulation.Section 30222 provides that agricultural use is THE priority use over all other uses.The 2014 Santa Monica Mountains LCP PROHIBITS all new agricultural uses.

Thank You