March 8,2000




Mr. William B. Philips, Esq.
PO BOX 186B
Healdsburg, CA 95448


RE: Gould vs. County of Mendocino


Dr. Mr. Phillips,


The purpose of this letter is to respond to questions recently raised by 
Ms. Barbara Gould and yourself regarding possible changes in the Gould's 
parrot operation.


I have recently (3/6/00) concluded a meeting with Raymond Hall and Irv Grant
in which we discussed an issue apparently raised previously by you or 
Ms. Mytling regarding the potential for the Goulds to modify their operation 
to eliminate the sale of parrots and/or their eggs.  I have also spoken to 
Ms. Gould over the telephone on 3/7/00 wherein she advised that she was 
contemplating raising free range turkeys, chickens, cows and goats and the 
construction of four 14x48 foot corrugated metal "poultry barns".  Ms. Gould 
requested information regarding the permits that would be required from this 
department for such an operation.

Because turkeys, chickens, cows and goats are specifically included in the 
Coastal Zoning Ordinance definitions of "Light Agriculture" and "General 
Agriculture" which are both allowed as permitted uses in the AG-60 zoning 
district, there would be no zoning restrictions applicable to the raising 
of such animals on the Goulds property.  The construction of the barns would 
be subject to the requirements for building permits and Coastal Development 
Permits.  An agricultural exemption for building permits may be available 
(see enclosed copy of Mendocino County Code Chapter 18.12 for details on 
agricultural exemptions), however, before making a determination regarding 
such exemption, I would request that you provide a clear written description
of the size, construction and purpose of any structures to be constructed.  
I continue to request such a written description, as I have done consistently, 
to insure an accurate record of communication regarding this case, given the 
communication problems that have previously occurred.

I must re-emphasize that the Board of Supervisors ordered that the parrots be
removed by December 31, 1999.  To my knowledge that still has not been done 
and I have not heard anything from you indicating that the parrots will be 
removed in the near future.  Parrots remaining on the property continue to be
in violation of the County land use and zoning regulations and the Board's order.
I recall that, in previous correspondence, you indicated that the condition of 
the access road due to winter rains would not permit the transportation of the 
parrots off the property.  However, if that remains the reason that the parrots 
have not been removed, I would question how the turkeys, chickens, goats and 
building materials for barns could be transported to the property.  While 
County Counsel has been, in my opinion, quite lenient in trying to work with 
you to resolve this violation, I do not know that we will be able to continue 
to show such leniency given the Board's clear directions and the lack of 
action to remove the parrots.  Could you please advise me in writing of the 
status of the parrots on the premises and your intentions regarding the 
disposition of those parrots?

Your response to the above request for information will be necessary for me 
to accurately respond to your questions.


Sincerely,

Alan R. Falleri
Chief Planner