Monterey County, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

Chapter 21.48 exists, per its purpose clause, "to establish a district providing for some agricultural use of land while placing limits on the number of animals and intensity of agricultural uses in those areas which are not suitable by size, terrain, neighborhood uses or similar constraints for extensive agricultural use." Because Title 21 is, by its own general provisions (Section 21.02.010), "applicable only to the unincorporated areas outside of the Coastal Zone," this chapter governs rural parcels in places like the Salinas Valley and inland Carmel Valley, not Big Sur or other coastal-zoned land, which instead falls under the parallel Chapter 20.48 in Title 20.

Under Section 21.48.030, 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. Commercial kennels, riding academies, and farm stands with permanent electricity, plumbing or paving instead require a Use Permit heard by the Zoning Administrator under Chapter 21.74 (Section 21.48.040). Section 21.48.050 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.

Where any "A" District regulation conflicts with the base district it's combined with, Section 21.48.020 makes the Chapter 21.48 rule control. Violations of the Zoning Ordinance, including exceeding these livestock or setback limits, are enforced by the Director of Planning under Chapter 21.84.