Hemet, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum buffer
- 20 ft from property line
- Landscaped portion
- At least 10 ft
- Applies to
- New homes next to farms (and vice versa)
- Approval
- Community development director
Summary
Hemet requires a minimum 20-foot buffer, at least half landscaped, between new residential development and existing farmland, and between new farms and existing subdivisions, to limit conflicts.
Agricultural buffers. Landscape setbacks and fencing shall serve as buffers between residential developments and agricultural uses to reduce potential conflicts. Any new residential development proposed adjacent to an existing long-term agricultural operation and any new agricultural operation proposed adjacent to an existing residential subdivision shall provide a minimum 20-foot setback from property line, of which ten feet shall be landscaped. Fencing at the property line shall be provided pursuant to this section. The agricultural buffer shall be approved by the community development director. (Ord. No. 1552, § 2, 1-28-97; Ord. No. 1581, § 2, 2-24-98; Ord. No. 1675, 10-8-02; Ord. No. 1884, § 1(Exh. A1), 5-27-14; Ord. No. 1957, § 2, 6-11-19)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 69 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
The city's agricultural-zone site development standards require landscape setbacks and fencing to buffer residential development from agricultural operations. Any new residential project next to an existing long-term farm, or any new farm next to an existing residential subdivision, must provide at least a 20-foot setback from the property line, with at least 10 feet landscaped, plus fencing at the line, subject to community development director approval.
Violations & Fines
Development approved without the required buffer setback, landscaping, or fencing is out of compliance and can be denied or conditioned by the community development director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hemet protect existing farms from encroaching subdivisions?
Who approves the agricultural buffer design?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hemet
California rules heatmap·Compare Hemet to another location·View the California right to farm overview
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Agricultural Zoning Protection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle agricultural zoning protection.