VESCO Ordinance: Replant Pathway Amendments

At the Agricultural Workshop on June 2^nd, 2026, the Sonoma County Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures was directed by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to propose adjustments to the Vineyard and Orchard Site Development Ordinance (VESCO). Stakeholders are encouraged to review the document below and provide comments to the Department of Agriculture by July 2^nd, 2026. Please e-mail comments and questions to sonomaag@sonomacounty.gov with the subject line "Replant Pathway Comments".  The revised ordinance will go before the Board of Supervisors for  a hearing in August, with a tentative date of August 18^th, 2026.

• VESCO Replant Pathway Document for Review--download at this link: VESCO Replant Pathway Summary of Changes. 

Text that appears as strikethrough is proposed to be deleted, and text that is bold underlined is proposed to be added.

This proposed amended language is intended to allow for flexibility and a broader range of options for farmers to choose from while managing their cropland. Specifically, the revisions are designed to acknowledge that land already disturbed by prior cultivation qualifies for replant permitting for vineyard or orchard agriculture, as opposed to new development permitting. These proposed actions are indended to aid local farmers to diversify their production agricultural operations and adapt to current market fluctuations.

If you have additional questions or concerns you can reach the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures via e-mail at sonomaag@sonomacounty.gov or by calling (707) 565-2371.