Medford, OR Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

360 creates the Exclusive Agricultural (E-A) overlay district specifically to allow preservation of agriculture and agricultural uses within an urban area through zoning. The City applies the E-A overlay to a parcel only at the request of the property owner, and only where the existing use is agriculture as the code defines it. Removing the overlay requires a Type III zone change and the owner must certify that all agriculture and agriculture-related uses not otherwise permitted by the underlying zoning have been terminated as of the removal application; once removed, those prior farm uses do not carry forward as legal nonconforming uses.

361 restricts by-right development on E-A land to agricultural buildings and improvements directly related to farming, property line adjustments, and construction or remodeling of one single-family dwelling plus one accessory dwelling unit per existing parcel. 362 allows additional activity only with a Conditional Use Permit: on-site farm product sales or small wineries need at least 15 contiguous acres growing or producing wine or farm products, must sit at least 100 feet from any property line where the neighboring parcel lacks the E-A overlay, and the sales/winery structure cannot double as a residence.

The same conditional-use track covers tastings, farm tours, classes, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hay rides, weddings, banquets, concerts, and an accompanying commercial kitchen. 1500's neighborhood commercial sign standards, excluding electronic message signs.