California 2017-2018 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB441

Introduced
2/13/17  
Introduced
2/13/17  
Refer
2/27/17  
Refer
2/27/17  

Caption

Land use: zoning regulations: farm to table cafes.

Impact

The legislation potentially alters existing planning and zoning laws by ensuring that local governmental entities cannot restrict agricultural enterprises from diversifying into food service. This could empower farmers to increase revenue streams by tapping into the growing demand for locally sourced and sustainable food offerings. Furthermore, it may foster a stronger connection between consumers and local agriculture, enhancing community support for local food systems.

Summary

Assembly Bill 441, introduced by Assembly Member Frazier, addresses zoning regulations specific to agricultural producers in California. The bill aims to support local agriculture by prohibiting city or county zoning ordinances from preventing agricultural producers from operating farm to table cafes. This initiative encourages the establishment of such cafes directly on farms, allowing them to serve primarily farm products and value-added products, thereby promoting direct farm-to-consumer sales and enhancing local food systems.

Conclusion

Overall, AB 441 appears to prioritize the integration of local agriculture into the culinary landscape while potentially complicating the governance of land use. As this bill progresses, the discussions surrounding its implementation will likely reflect broader themes of local versus statewide authority in land use policy and economic opportunities for rural communities.

Contention

Notably, AB 441 reinforces agricultural interests over potentially conflicting urban zoning laws, which could lead to tensions between local governments and agricultural producers. Fast-tracking farm to table cafes may raise concerns regarding food safety and public health oversight, as local health departments may have less control over food safety regulations pertaining to these establishments. Stakeholders in urban planning and local governance may express concerns about maintaining local control and the implications of reduced zoning autonomy on community development.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA AB408

Climate-resilient Farms, Sustainable Healthy Food Access, and Farmworker Protection Bond Act of 2024.

CA AB98

Planning and zoning: logistics use: truck routes.

CA AB1409

Planning and zoning: zoning regulations.

CA AB1632

Planning and zoning: zoning regulations: nonconventional single-family residential dwellings.

CA AB2786

Certified mobile farmers’ markets.

CA AB2632

Planning and zoning: thrift retail stores.

CA AB1197

Agricultural Protection Planning Grant Program: local food producers.

CA AB2346

Organic waste reduction regulations: procurement of recovered organic waste products.

CA AB2430

Planning and zoning: density bonuses: monitoring fees.

CA AB1308

Planning and Zoning Law: single-family residences: parking requirements.

Similar Bills

HI SB1

Relating To Agricultural Lands.

HI HB845

Relating To Agricultural Lands.

HI HB884

Relating To Agricultural Lands.

HI SB2624

Relating To Agricultural Lands.

HI HB2541

Relating To Agricultural Lands.

IL SB2668

PROHIBITED PROP OWNERSHIP

IL SB1364

PROHIBITED PROP OWNERSHIP

TN SB2639

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43; Title 44; Title 47; Title 48 and Title 66, relative to property.