RESTRICTED AREA ACCESS PASS PROGRAM

Restricted Area Access Pass Program

2023 application period is closed. Due to a high volume of last-minute applications and limited staffing, the processing and approval of passes will be delayed. Our office anticipates all remaining applications to be processed by August 31. 

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and Planning & Building Department have established a program through the issuance of a Restricted Area Access Pass, which may permit qualifying agricultural producers/cultivators and/or commercial livestock operators to gain entrance to evacuation zones, or other restricted areas, to provide feed, water, medical treatment, and other care to large scale commercial livestock, and/or to tend to crops.

The Restricted Area Access Pass does not grant authority to the applicant to stay at their residence and/or business when an evacuation order is issued.  Access will not be permitted if conditions are unsafe. Evacuation zones that are safe to enter will be determined by fire personnel in consultation with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) daily. 

To be issued an Access Pass, you must complete the pass application form by August 1, 2023. Please make every effort to apply prior to an emergency. The goal of this program is to have businesses/operations pre-register for access before an incident occurs.

At this time, the Restricted Area Access Pass will only be valid for agricultural operations located in Humboldt County. The passes are valid through the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2023). 

The passes will be administered and approved through the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, in partnership with the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and Planning & Building Department.

Traditional Agriculture and Livestock

Traditional agricultural producers and commercial livestock operators must apply for a Restricted Area AG Pass. Applications for 2023 will re-open in April. 

Cannabis Agriculture

Licensed commercial cannabis cultivators must apply for a Restricted Area CannAg Pass. Applications for 2023 will re-open in April. 


How it Works

Click on the tabs below to learn more about the Restricted Area Access Pass Program. 

Downloads:

  1. Application
  2. Approval and Access
  3. Terms and Conditions

Application Process

Requesters must fill out applications for their specific agricultural industry (traditional agriculture or commercial cannabis). Applications will be denied if there is missing or incomplete information in the submitted form, if the wrong form is submitted, or if the applicant is unable to confirm that their operation is a bona fide agricultural operation using the methods/information contained in the application form.  

Completion of the application online is recommended, however a hard copy of the applications can be download and submitted via U.S. Mail to the Humboldt County OES (826 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501) or in person at any Humboldt County Sheriff's Office station.

Required Documentation

Applicants must sign an attestation at the time of application, agreeing to the Terms and Conditions of access. Applicants must also submit a photo of the individual’s head and shoulders, similar to a passport photo, to be used for the Pass ID. We accept digital photos in .JPG format, not more than 500 KB in size. We are unable to accept non-electronic photos. Paper applicants can submit their photo to: oes@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Traditional Agriculture and Livestock Applicants

To become enrolled in the Restricted Area Access Pass Program (AG Pass), you need to provide contact information, APN(s) of your business/operation, and must be able to confirm that your operation is a bona fide agricultural operation by providing the following at the time of application:

  • Humboldt County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office-issued Operator Identification Number;
  • Parcel Number associated with your business (required).

Or two of the following:

  • A redacted “Schedule F” tax form
  • Agricultural land lease documentation
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Services Agency (FSA) Farm Number
  • California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Bureau of Livestock Identification registered brand
  • Proof of membership in local industry association (e.g., Farm Bureau, Cattlemen’s Association)

Commercial Cannabis Applicants

To become enrolled in the Restricted Area Access Pass Program (CannAg Pass), you need to provide contact information, APN(s) of your business/operation, and must be able to confirm that your operation is a bona fide commercial cannabis operation by providing the following at the time of application:

  • Humboldt County issued Cannabis Cultivation Permit Number;
  • Parcel Number associated with your business (required);
  • Description of Critical Need to access your property.
  1. Humboldt Alert Banner 1