County tells Hacienda, Monterey Mini Cow Company to halt unpermitted operations
By Brooke Kinebrew
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MONTEREY, California (KSBW) — Two popular Monterey County businesses, Hacienda in Carmel Valley and Monterey Mini Cow Company in Salinas, are being told by the county that some of their operations are not in compliance with local regulations.
Hacienda in Carmel Valley recently posted on social media that its line dancing events are not permitted under county rules.
“I’ve been looking for a place of community and belonging, and that’s really important to me, and I found that at the Hacienda,” said Adrian Almeida, a line dancer. “Really grateful to have the privilege to have danced there in the beginning and meet all the people that I have.”
The business stated it is still determining its next steps.
According to county officials, the property is only permitted as a hay and feed store, not an event space.
In 2022, the new owners applied for a special event permit, but it was denied.
Officials said they met with the owners and clarified that permits would be required, but the process was never completed.
The county also raised concerns about other activities at the property, including a barn converted into a coffee shop and market, animal feeding areas, and new structures and lights installed without permits.
“They’ll work with us on getting permits for things they want to keep, and we’ll work with them on not having fines as long as they’re pursuing the permits,” said Craig Spencer, director of housing and community development for Monterey County.
Meanwhile, Monterey Mini Cow Company in Salinas has also been notified that its public tours are not in compliance.
“They had a commercial business in a residential area, and so they would need a permit to do that,” Spencer said.
The company has paused public tours but continues to offer private events by appointment and remains active in breeding and selling mini cows.
County officials said the permitting process could take up to a year, depending on the type of permit required.
If the issues are not resolved, the businesses could face daily fines and possible legal consequences.
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