The new rules included restrictions on the number of containers allowed per parcel, the location, the color, and what can be stored in them. Within the last year, existing and potential conflicts with the code have surfaced, triggering the additional public review and possibly, amendments to the current sea-land container ordinance. At Tuesday afternoon’s workshop, supervisors heard from a number of ranchers and vineyard operators on the important role these containers play in agricultural operations.

 They use the containers to secure equipment, supplies, regulated pesticides, and more. Retroactive enforcement of the 2006 rule, for example, which limits 1 container to a parcel, would create a real burden for many commercial, industrial and ag owners who may have had several containers on their properties for years. Requiring permits on record for each container was also protested, since a public record of where these containers are located could lead to thefts. While the 2006 rules may be appropriate for residential and residential estate properties, said Amador County Farm Bureau president Jim Spinetta, applying a one-size-fits-all code to all properties just won’t work for ranching and vineyard owners. Staff from the county Land Use Planning Agency took detailed notes on all comments from the public and will incorporate that input into a recommendation for the Planning Commission to consider at future date.