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The Washoe County Board of Commissioners is considering how gardening hoop houses should be regulated — if at all.
Local farmers spoke at today’s County Commission meeting and asked that hoop houses, also called high tunnels, be exempt from code requirements.
Farmer Wendy Baroli said current regulations hamper the ability for small farmers to be profitable.
“We are considered a food desert state,” she said. “The more urban, rural and suburban ways that we are growing food in our local community, the better for everybody, and it’s good for our economy.”
The board also expressed concern, and Commissioner Marsha Berkbigler said the county should proceed cautiously with any regulations.
“We have to find a way to stop being so intrusive (with) these properties in the rural areas of the county,” she said.
Regulations will need to go through further review by commissioners before being approved.
