SBAFA Releases Recommended Ag Land Buffer Ordinance
In the transmittal letter for the proposal the group noted: “This Draft is the culmination of many months of work by the members of our AFA, involving research, field studies, and hours of deliberation. It is the hope of the AFA that by developing and distributing this Draft, there will be momentum started which will result in the successful implementation of an Ag Buffer Policy in Santa Barbara.”
An Ag Buffer Policy is intended to benefit agriculturalists that have operations adjacent to a proposed development project, such as a residential neighborhood or commercial center. The Ag Buffer will help ensure growers and ranchers that future conflicts are avoided with their future urban neighbors by requiring developers to create protective areas in their projects that will provide buffers from noise, dust, light, and odor that are generated from ordinary agricultural operations. The buffers will also provide the agricultural operations further protection from trespass, litter, pets, and pests generated by the urban uses.”
The Alliance’s proposal for creating buffer zones around productive agricultural grounds was noted in the press! Check out these links for coverage:
- Press Release from the Alliance on the Buffer Zone Proposal
- The Santa Barbara Independent, March 31, 2010
- Santa Maria Times, March 23, 2010
- Santa Inez Valley Journal 4/15-4/21