San Diego, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- AG-1-1 minimum lot
- 10 acres
- AG-1-2 minimum lot
- 5 acres
- AR-1-1 minimum lot
- 10 acres
- AR-1-2 minimum lot
- 1 acre
- Governing section
- SDMC § 131.0301
Summary
San Diego designates AG and AR base zones under Municipal Code Section 131.0301 specifically to accommodate agriculture and protect traditional farming uses from being crowded out by residential conflicts.
The purpose of the agricultural zones is to provide for areas that are rural in character or areas where agricultural uses are currently desirable. The agricultural zones are intended to accommodate a wide range of agriculture and agriculture-related uses as well as single dwelling units.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
Purpose of the AG (Agricultural--General) Zones
(a) The purpose of the AG zones is to accommodate all types of agricultural uses and some minor agricultural sales on a long-term basis. Nonagricultural uses are limited in the AG zones in order to strengthen the presence and retention of traditional agricultural uses.
(b) The AG zones are differentiated based on the minimum lot size as follows:
· AG-1-1 requires minimum 10-acre lots
· AG-1-2 requires minimum 5-acre lots
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
Purpose of the AR (Agricultural--Residential) Zones
(a) The purpose of the AR zones is to accommodate a wide range of agricultural uses while also permitting the development of single dwelling unit homes at a very low density. The agricultural uses are limited to those of low intensity to
Full Breakdown
The Municipal Code sets aside two agricultural base zones, AG (Agricultural-General) and AR (Agricultural-Residential), under Section 131.0301, stating the purpose is to provide areas that are rural in character or where agricultural uses are currently desirable, accommodating a wide range of agriculture and agriculture-related uses alongside single dwelling units. AG zones require minimum 10-acre (AG-1-1) or 5-acre (AG-1-2) lots and limit nonagricultural uses to strengthen the presence and retention of traditional agriculture. AR zones permit single-family homes at very low density (10-acre or 1-acre minimums) while keeping agricultural uses to a low intensity that minimizes conflict with residential neighbors.
Violations & Fines
Using AG- or AR-zoned land for a use not listed in the Use Regulations Table is unlawful under Section 131.0320(b) and can draw code enforcement action requiring correction or permit review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Diego have its own right-to-farm law?
What is the difference between AG and AR zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California right to farm overview
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Agricultural Zoning Protection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle agricultural zoning protection.