*IMPORTANT* Rural Zoning Amendments

MEETINGS
Community members informed us of very important zoning amendments coming to our County. Please join us in attending the Zoom meeting this Tuesday at 5pm: https://sccgov-org.zoom.us/j/86385233277 and the in-person meeting that specially pertains to Ag uses next Tuesday, October 14th at 10am at the Santa Clara County Animal Services Shelter.

PETITION
Here is a link to sign the petition: https://chng.it/fHtgMVWR5q opposing the changes to how horses, boarding and equine business are categorized. These amendments would keep horse stables from operating in Ag zoning and remove recognition of horses, horse stables, and horse breeding operations as agriculture as well as to the small businesses that support equine care and management.

PUBLIC COMMENT
You can make a public comment before the meeting on Tuesday by writing a letter to the planning office about your concerns regarding the zoning amendments to: Charu Ahluwalia, Senior Planner: planning2@pln.sccgov.org. You can also send that same email to the Board of Supervisors: 

district1@bos.sccgov.org, district2@bos.sccgov.org, supervisor.lee@bos.sccgov.org, supervisor.ellenberg@bos.sccgov.org

district5@bos.sccgov.org, Leza.Mikhail@pln.sccgov.org, Charu.Ahluwalia@pln.sccgov.org, joanna.wilk@pln.sccgov.org

jfmorris@ucanr.edu

California law recognizes horses as livestock (California Code of Regulations Title 3 § 830(18)). By amending this definition, Santa Clara County would:

• Jeopardize long-standing family businesses and equine facilities,

• Displace hundreds of horses and risk forcing them into unsafe living conditions,

• Undermine youth development programs such as 4-H and FFA, veteran and handicap programs,

• Threaten the rural character and agricultural heritage of Santa Clara County.

To review the amendments for yourself, click on this link for the County Department of Planning and Development: https://plandev.santaclaracounty.gov/programs-and-studies/planning-studies/rural-zoning-amendments

Every message, signature, and show of support counts. Please forward this petition to family, friends and neighbors. Together, we can protect horses, stables, and the rural character of our community.