San Bernardino County, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- AG district minimum
- 100 acres
- RC district minimum
- 200 acres
- Crop production, orchards
- allowed by right
- Animal keeping
- needs Ch. 84.04 permit
- Zoning set via
- General Plan amendment, Ch. 86.12
Summary
San Bernardino County requires a minimum 100-acre parcel to establish the AG Agricultural zoning district under the Development Code, with crop production, livestock and community gardens allowed by right on qualifying land.
The agricultural and resource land use zoning districts shall be applied through the General Plan amendment process (Chapter 86.12) only to sites with the minimum areas indicated in Table 82-3. AG (Agriculture) 100 acres RC (Resource Conservation) 200 acres FW (Floodway) No Minimum Area Required OS (Open Space) No Minimum Area Required
Full Breakdown
The County's Development Code applies its AG (Agriculture) zoning designation only to General Plan amendment sites of at least 100 acres, and RC (Resource Conservation) at 200 acres, per Section 82.03.030. Once zoned AG, Table 82-4 in Section 82.03.040 allows crop production, orchards, community gardens and ponds by right, animal keeping and livestock operations require a Specific Use Regulations permit under Chapter 84.04, agritourism enterprises need a permit under Chapter 84.03, and produce stands under 200 square feet on lots of 10,000 square feet or more are allowed outright.
Violations & Fines
Developing or subdividing land in the AG or RC district without the required Site Plan, Minor Use, Conditional Use or Specific Use Permit is a zoning violation enforceable by County Code Enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders and citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I farm on any parcel in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
Do I need a permit to keep livestock on AG-zoned land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California right to farm overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.