Buena Park, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Overlay symbol
- "A" on Zoning Map
- Minimum lot size
- 14,000 sq ft
- Livestock structure setback
- 100 ft front / 30 ft side
- Governing section
- BPMC § 19.312.030
Summary
Buena Park's A-Overlay Zone permits farming, orchards, livestock, beekeeping and chickens on top of underlying zone uses, with a 14,000-square-foot minimum lot size.
Property located in an area shown on the Zoning Map with the symbol "A" may be used for the following agricultural activities in addition to the uses authorized for the underlying zone:
1. Horticultural production;
2. Plant nursery;
3. Orchards and tree crops;
4. Field crops, berry crops, bush crops, truck gardening;
5. Raising or keeping of livestock subject to the requirements of subsection C of this section;
6. Beekeeping, subject to the requirements of Section 19.348.050.C (Beekeeping);
7. Agricultural accessory uses and structures;
8. Raising or keeping of chickens subject to the requirements of Section 19.348.050.D (Chicken Keeping);
9. Employee housing consisting of no more than thirty-six (36) beds in a group quarter, or twelve (12) units or spaces designed for use by a single-family or household in compliance with Health and Safety Code Section 17021.6.
B. Lot Size. Notwithstanding the requirements of the underlying zone, the minimum lot size in the A - Agricultural Overlay Zone shall be 14,000 square feet.
C. Livestock. Raising or keeping of livestock shall be limited to domesticated animals such as rabbits, fowl, and not more than two (2) horses, mules, cows, goats, sheep, or similar large animals in any combination. Any animal keeping structure for such animals shall be located at least:
1. 100 feet from the front property line;
2. 30 feet from any other property line;
3.
Full Breakdown
Land mapped with the "A" symbol under Buena Park Municipal Code § 19.312.030 may be used for horticultural production, plant nurseries, orchards, field and berry crops, livestock, beekeeping, and chicken keeping in addition to whatever the underlying zone already allows. The Agricultural Overlay Zone requires a minimum lot size of 14,000 square feet regardless of the underlying zone's standard, and livestock structures must sit at least 100 feet from the front property line, 30 feet from other property lines, and 40 feet from any dwelling. This is a zoning overlay, not a nuisance-suit right-to-farm statute: it defines where agricultural uses are allowed in the city, not immunity from complaints.
Violations & Fines
Agricultural use outside a mapped A-Overlay parcel, or livestock/structures violating the setback distances, is a zoning code violation enforceable by the Community Development Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep livestock anywhere in Buena Park?
What is the minimum lot size for the Agricultural Overlay Zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park 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.
Agricultural Zoning Protection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle agricultural zoning protection.