Monterey County, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated area outside Coastal Zone only
- Livestock limit
- 1 horse/mule/cow/steer per 20,000 sq ft
- Accessory setback
- 50 ft front, 20 ft side/rear/dwelling
- Use Permit required
- Commercial kennels, riding academies (ZA)
- Coastal parcels
- Governed instead by Chapter 20.48, Title 20
- Violation penalty
- Misdemeanor or infraction, § 21.84.040
Summary
Monterey County's Limited Agricultural, or "A", combining district caps livestock density and steers intensive farming into suitable land, applying only in the unincorporated area outside the Coastal Zone under Title 21. It layers onto whatever base district it's combined with, permitting modest animal husbandry, crop and tree farming, plus product stands, while pushing commercial kennels and riding academies through a Use Permit.
21.48.030 - Uses allowed. 1.All uses permitted in the respective district with which the "A" District is combined;2.Animal husbandry and small livestock farming; provided, that not more than one horse, mule, cow, or steer or similar livestock shall be kept for each twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of area;3.Crop farming, tree farming, viticulture and horticulture;4.Stands for the sale of agricultural products grown on the premises having no permanent electricity, plumbing or paving;5.Other uses of a similar character, density and intensity to those listed in this Section. 21.48.050 - Special setbacks and distances between structures required. Barns, stables, chicken houses, or similar accessory structures, shall be not less than fifty (50) feet from the front property line, nor less than twenty (20) feet from any side or rear property lines, nor closer than twenty (20) feet from any dwelling on the same or adjacent property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
48 in Title 20. 030, the "A" District allows all uses permitted in the combined base district, animal husbandry and small livestock farming capped at one horse, mule, cow, steer or similar animal per 20,000 square feet, crop farming, tree farming, viticulture, horticulture, and unpowered farm stands selling produce grown on-site. 040). 050 imposes special setbacks for barns, stables, chicken houses and similar accessory structures: at least 50 feet from the front property line, 20 feet from side or rear lines, and 20 feet from any dwelling on the same or an adjacent parcel. 48 rule control. 84.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the livestock cap, building barns or stables inside the required setbacks, or operating a kennel or riding academy without a Use Permit is a violation of Title 21. Section 21.84.040 makes any unpermitted use or noncomplying structure a misdemeanor, chargeable as an infraction at the prosecutor's discretion, and Section 21.84.030 separately declares nonconforming structures and uses a public nuisance subject to abatement by the Director of Planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this "A" District rule apply in Big Sur or along the coast?
How many animals can I keep on "A" zoned land?
Do I need a permit to run a farm stand?
How close to my property line can I build a barn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey 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.