Zoning change allows other uses for floricultural land

On May 4 the Half Moon Bay, Calif., City Council approved a zoning change to allow land exclusively designated for floriculture operations to be used for other compatible agricultural purposes. The council cited the decline in “the fiscal viability of the floriculture industry throughout San Mateo County” as a reason for this action. Reasons for the business decline, given by the council, include low returns, increased regulations and next generation owners leaving the industry.

The zoning change adds permitted uses for the propagation of and cultivation of plants for medicinal, horticultural, floricultural and/or agricultural purposes, including those associated with food, fuel and/or fiber production. It would also allow for development of facilities related to research and development. No retail sales are allowed.

John Muller, owner of Daylight Nursery in Half Moon Bay, is a member of the city council and chair of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board.