Ag Pass: Evacuation pass for farms and ranches

If you operate a commercial farm or ranch, you may need to evacuate in a wildfire or other emergency. An Ag Pass can let you back into the restricted area to care for crops and animals.

Law enforcement or fire officials will decide if it is safe for you to enter. An Ag Pass does not guarantee you can go in.

What you can do with an Ag Pass

You can enter the area only to do certain things.

Livestock

You can do these with livestock animals:

• Shelter
• Move or evacuate
• Feed and water
• Give veterinary care

Agriculture

You can work on:

• Irrigation systems
• Farm equipment
• Other essential infrastructure

You cannot enter to protect your home or other buildings.

Who can apply

The Ag Pass is for a commercial agriculture or livestock operation in San Diego County’s unincorporated area. You need documents to prove it is a commercial operation.

Training

If you have an Ag Pass, you must take a training each year. After we accept your application, we will contact you to schedule a training.  

The first training is four hours. The training covers fire safety and operations, how to evacuate, and how to avoid getting trapped.  

After the first year, you must take a one-hour refresher training each year. 

Who can use an Ag Pass

The Ag Pass is for employees with management responsibilities. Employees who enter must:

• Have the manager’s authority to oversee care of livestock or crops.
• Have manager responsibilities as part of their regular job. Their duties need to be in a job description written at least 90 days before the emergency.
• Earn a salary at least double the state minimum wage for full-time employment.

You cannot require employees to enter a restricted area.

How to apply for an Ag Pass

Application checklist

• Business name and applicant name
• Contact info and address. Includes parcel number (APN) or latitude and longitude.
• 2 documents that verify it is a commercial operation. Examples:
  • Redacted tax documentation, such as Schedule F Tax Form
  • Operator ID
  • Restricted Materials Pesticide Permit
  • Certified Producer Certificate
  • California State Organic Program Registration
  • Bee Where Annual Apiary Registration
  • Land Lease Documentation
  • Zoning or use permit, such as permitted agricultural zoning commercial horse stable
  • California Department of Agriculture Livestock Identification Number
  • Limited Liability Company/Partnership Documentation
  • Incorporation Documentation
  • Industry Association Letter
  • USDA Documentation for Commercial Livestock Producer
  • United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency Number
  • Proof of Veterinary Documentation for Livestock Producers
  • Brand # and/or Brand Certification Documentation

• Estimated acres or number of livestock.
• If you are including a managerial employee, we need an emergency plan and proof of liability insurance.
• Signed Waiver and Release Agreement

If you get an Ag Pass, you will need to recognize the risk of going into a restricted area. You will need to agree the County of San Diego is not responsible if you suffer any harm in the area.

Apply

Email the signed application to: Ag.Pass@sdcounty.ca.gov

Using the Ag Pass

In an emergency:

1. Follow orders to evacuate.
2. If firefighters decide it is safe for you to return to your property, we will contact you by phone, text or email.
3. After we contact you, go to the roadblock and show your Ag Pass.  

You can go to the property only during the day. You cannot stay overnight.