The county Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday unanimously to draft an ordinance that would allow low-impact camping on private land as a way to bolster agricultural tourism and recreation opportunities in rural communities. Supervisor Joel Anderson’s measure directs county staff to evaluate state Assembly Bill 518, the Low-Impact Camping Areas Act, and return to the board within 180 days with options that also consider:
— lessening potential fire concerns in coordination with County Fire and other public safety agencies;
— supplemental income opportunities for farmers, ranchers and rural landowners;
— potential revenue impacts, such as permit fees and Transient Occupancy Tax collections from authorized low-impact camping;
— reducing unauthorized or unmanaged camping on public and private lands; and
— supporting county rural economic development and agritourism goals.
During the Wednesday meeting, Anderson noted the state law was authored by Assemblyman Chris Ward, D-San Diego, and took effect this year. According to Anderson’s board letter, the law doesn’t require county participation “but instead provides counties with the option to establish a local regulatory framework that includes permitting, registration and enforcement while maintaining statewide minimum health and safety standards.” “Our county’s farm, ranches, vineyards and other agricultural businesses are a vital part of our regional economy, and contribute to the rural character that make San Diego County such a special place to live,” Anderson said Wednesday.
However, financial pressures “make it more difficult for them to maintain their operations and preserve their working lands,” he said…