Right to Farm in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)
1 rule for unincorporated Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Agricultural Zoning Protection
Santa Cruz County's Agricultural Land Preservation and Protection ordinance, SCCC Chapter 16.50, shields a commercial farm from nuisance claims once it has operated for three years without complaint, so long as it follows accepted agricultural practices and all applicable laws. The Board of Supervisors adopted the policy to protect the county's agricultural sector from being squeezed out by nearby development.
Santa Cruz County Right-to-Farm Protection
Light RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 16.50.010(C) (Ord. 3336 § 1, 1982; Ord. 5424 § 1, 2022)
Accordingly, no agricultural activity, operation, or facility or appurtenances thereof shall be or become a nuisance, public or private, if it has been conducted and maintained for commercial purposes, and in a manner consistent with proper and accepted customs and standards as established and followed by similar agricultural operations, and in a manner consistent with all applicable Federal, S...
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