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• What rules and restriction apply?

  In accordance with State law, participation in the Ag Pass program is fully voluntary, and commercial livestock and agricultural eligible owners/operators cannot require employee involvement. 

  Ag Pass holders will not be permitted to perform other activities, including structural fire protection.

  Additionally, Ag Pass holders will be required to acknowledge the inherent risks and hazards associated with accessing restricted areas subject to official road closure as the result of a local emergency and agree to indemnify and hold the County of San Diego harmless from any potential liability.

  An evacuation order requires the immediate movement of people out of an affected area due to an imminent threat to health and safety. Even if an individual possesses an Ag Pass, they will be required to evacuate the area.

  After an evacuation, access back into the hazardous areas may be restricted by a soft or hard road closure. Only emergency personnel and law enforcement are allowed access to an area during a hard closure.

  During a soft closure, the Incident Commander/Unified Command and coordinating emergency agencies will monitor the affected area and to determine when conditions are safe enough to transition to a soft closure and allow Ag Pass holders into the affected area.

  If deemed safe, Ag Pass holders will receive a phone, text, and email notification that they may proceed to a law enforcement roadblock and present their pass.

  Individuals will only be granted access during daylight hours and are not permitted to stay overnight while an evacuation order remains in place.

  Access by Ag Pass holders and others will be guided by safety considerations, determined by fire and law enforcement officials.

  You cannot require employees to enter a restricted area.

• How do you use the Ag Pass?

  In an emergency, you need follow orders to evacuate. If firefighters decide it is safe for you to return to your property, we will contact you by phone, text or email. Go to the roadblock and show your Ag Pass.  

• What are the training requirements?

  If you have an Ag Pass, you must take a training each year.  Trainings are posted as they become available.

  The first training is four hours. The training covers fire safety and operations, how to evacuate, and how to avoid getting trapped.

  After the first year, you must take a one-hour refresher training each year

  After we accept your application, we will contact you to schedule a training.

• Who is a Managerial Employee?

  The Ag Pass is for employees with management responsibilities. Employees who enter must:

  ·         Have the manager’s authority to oversee care of livestock or crops.

  ·         Have manager responsibilities as part of their regular job. Their duties need to be in a job description written at least 90 days before the emergency.

  ·         Earn a salary at least double the state minimum wage for full-time employment.

   

• How do I apply for an Ag Pass?

  Fill out the Ag Pass Application (PDF)

  Provide the following information

  • Business name and applicant name
  • Contact info and address. Includes parcel number (APN) or latitude and longitude.
  • 2 forms of verification to show it is a commercial operation. 
  • Estimated acres or number of livestock.
  • If you are including a managerial employee, we need an emergency plan and insurance documentation.
  • Signed Waiver and Release Agreement

   Email the application to  Ag.Pass@sdcounty.ca.gov

  We will contact you when it is approved and schedule training.

• What are the parameters for accessing your property?

  Only fire and law enforcement can make the decision for entry, which will be based on fire behavior and safety for the pass holders.

  Holding a pass doesn’t authorize an individual to ignore evacuation orders and it doesn’t guarantee access.  Since conditions can quickly change, the final decision on access will be determined by law enforcement and fire personnel at each roadblock and within the evacuated area.

• What are the acceptable documents for proof of a commercial operation?

  Document examples:

  • Redacted tax forms or other business documentation (LLC/partnership/incorporation)
  • County Agriculture, Weights and Measures-issued Operator ID
  • Restricted Materials Pesticide Permit
  • Certified Producer Certificate
  • California State Organic Program Registration
  • California Department of Agriculture Livestock Identification Number
  • Industry Association Letter
  • USDA Documentation for Commercial Livestock Producer
  • USDA Farm Services Agency Farm Number
  • Permitted equestrian facility
  • Brand # and/or Brand Certification Documentation
  • USDA Documentation for Commercial Livestock Producer
• Who can apply?

  Any commercial agriculture or livestock operation in San Diego County’s unincorporated area.

• What time of day can you access your property?

  You can go to the property only during the day. You cannot stay overnight. 

• What you can do with an Ag Pass?

  You can enter the area only to do certain things.

  Livestock

  You can do these with livestock animals.

  ·         Shelter

  ·         Move or evacuate

  ·         Feed and water

  ·         Give veterinary care

  Agriculture

  You can work on:

  ·         Irrigation systems

  ·         Farm equipment

  ·         Other essential infrastructure

  You cannot enter to protect your home or other buildings.

• What information do I need on my application?
  • Business name and applicant name
  • Contact info and address (including APN or Lat/Long)
  • Estimated acreage or number of livestock (horses)
  • If you are including a managerial employee, we need an emergency plan and insurance documentation.
  • Signed Waiver and Release Agreement