Supporting Sustainable Agriculture
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture: The Role of Septic Systems in the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance
Understanding the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance
Santa Barbara County’s proposed Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance might pave the way to ensure that our rich agricultural culture is not lost to urban development. The County’s website says, “The Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance is set to significantly change the County Land Use and Development Code (LUDC) and the Coastal Zoning Ordinance to accommodate a variety of uses incidental to and compatible with agricultural activities on lands zoned Agricultural II (AG-II). This ordinance aims to support and encourage the continuation of farming and ranching while broadening the economic base for farmers and ranchers by allowing supplementary enterprises such as where feasible and appropriate.
As Supervisor Joan Hartmann said in a recent Santa Barbara Independent article, “Before the pandemic, food service was not allowed at wineries. To help wineries safely re-open under state rules during COVID, the county passed a temporary ordinance requiring food service. As such, the third opportunity under the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance (AEO) could allow for food service at wineries to become permanent. Wineries found that visitor experiences greatly improved when food is served.”
How Does This Relate to Septic Systems?
As experts in septic design and consultation, we understand the importance of ensuring agricultural enterprises have the appropriate infrastructure to support any new activities. With the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance permitting various supplemental uses, including small-scale agricultural processing, farm stands, rural recreational activities, and more, there may be an increased need for septic systems to accommodate these activities. However, it's important to note that installing septic systems under the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance may come with specific challenges, such as ensuring proper waste management and avoiding contamination of agricultural lands. Our team is well-equipped to handle these challenges, ensuring your project's success.
Ensuring Compliance and Environmental Health
Standard Septic does more than just septic system design, we can consult on your restaurant operation too! Before owning Standard Septic, Joel Schwartz, REHS, was a Santa Barbara County Environmental Health restaurant plan checker. That means we can get you through the Health Department permitting process, helping you navigate their requirements toward your goals. As a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (#8867), you can trust that Standard Septic deeply understands environmental health regulations and industry best practices. Our expertise ensures that every septic installation and consulting project we undertake is executed to the highest standards, meeting both regulatory requirements and the needs of our clients.
Our Commitment
At Standard Septic we pride ourselves not only on providing top-notch septic design, percolation testing, backflow testing, and restaurant design consultation services but also on our commitment to environmental stewardship. With over seven years of experience in the industry, we have encountered various challenges and honed our skills to handle any project with precision. As environmental enthusiasts, we prioritize eco-friendliness and sustainability in our septic system designs, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximizing system efficiency.
Embracing Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture
The Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance represents an exciting opportunity for innovation and sustainability in agriculture. By supporting diverse agricultural enterprises and rural recreational activities, the ordinance contributes to the economic viability of farming and ranching while preserving our agricultural heritage. For instance, the ordinance encourages the use of sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming and water conservation, which align with our commitment to environmental stewardship. We are excited to be part of this movement towards a more sustainable agriculture sector.
Moving Forward Together
As the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance progresses through Planning Commission and adoption hearings, Standard Septic remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture. We are here to provide our septic design, consultation, and testing services, ensuring that your agricultural enterprise can thrive in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
If you have any questions about how the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance may impact your agricultural enterprise's septic needs, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you navigate the complexities and ensure your project's success.