Ridgecrest, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum site area
- 5 acres
- Minimum lot frontage
- 300 feet
- Dwellings per site
- One dwelling unit only
- Right-to-farm ordinance
- None: zoning only
Summary
Ridgecrest's PA Primary Agriculture District, in Kern County, California, reserves rural-scale parcels of at least five acres for one-family dwellings, limited commercial agriculture, and hobby livestock, rather than adopting a separate right-to-farm nuisance ordinance.
(a)Purpose and intent. This section applies to the PA Primary Agriculture District. To provide living areas which combine certain advantages of both urban and rural location by limiting development to very low-density concentration of one-family dwellings and permitting a limited number of animals to be kept for pleasure, hobbies, and of a commercial nature. This district is intended primarily for application of land in natural and scenic areas to:(1)Permit the opportunity of developing rural size parcels which because of their size cannot be economically accommodated within urban areas;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).
Full Breakdown
Ridgecrest City Code § 106-311 establishes the PA Primary Agriculture District to combine rural and urban living by limiting development to low-density, one-family dwellings on parcels of at least five acres with at least 300 feet of frontage. The district permits agricultural pursuits such as crop growing and a stand selling produce grown on-site, and, with a use permit, dairies, feed yards, and agricultural processing. Ridgecrest's code does not contain a separate right-to-farm statute protecting agricultural operations from nuisance suits; the protection here comes entirely from this zoning designation, not an anti-nuisance ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Developing or subdividing PA-zoned land below the five-acre minimum, or below the required 300-foot lot frontage, width, and depth standards, violates Ridgecrest City Code § 106-311(d)-(h) and is enforceable under § 106-63.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ridgecrest have a right-to-farm law protecting farmers from nuisance complaints?
What's the minimum lot size to farm in Ridgecrest?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ridgecrest
California rules heatmap·Compare Ridgecrest 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 Kern County handle agricultural zoning protection.