Los Angeles County, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Zones
- A-1 Light Ag, A-2 Heavy Ag
- Basic permit
- Ministerial Site Plan Review
- Denser uses
- Conditional/Minor Use Permit required
- Applies to
- Unincorporated area only
- Violation penalty
- Misdemeanor or $100-$500 fines
Summary
Unincorporated LA County zones farmland A-1 Light Agricultural or A-2 Heavy Agricultural under Title 22 Chapter 22.16, permitting crops, livestock, and low-density homes through ministerial site plan review or, for denser uses, a conditional use permit.
The Agricultural Zones (Zones A-1 and A-2) are established to permit a comprehensive range of agricultural uses in areas particularly suited for agricultural activities. Permitted uses are intended to encourage agricultural activities and other such uses required for, or desired by, the inhabitants of the community. An area so zoned may provide the land necessary to permit low-density single-family residential development, outdoor recreational uses, and public and institutional facilities.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code Chapter 22.16 designates two agricultural zones for the unincorporated area: A-1 Light Agricultural and A-2 Heavy Agricultural, per County Code Section 22.16.020. Both zones permit a broad range of farming uses -- crops, greenhouses, community gardens, grazing, apiaries, and small-scale ranching -- while also allowing low-density single-family homes. Most farming activities need only a ministerial Site Plan Review, but denser livestock operations, wineries above small-batch volumes, and heavier uses like feed yards or hog ranches require a Conditional Use Permit or Minor Conditional Use Permit under Section 22.16.030. The zones apply only outside the county's 88 incorporated cities, each of which sets its own zoning.
Violations & Fines
Using A-1 or A-2 land for an activity beyond what's permitted, or without a required Site Plan Review or CUP, is a misdemeanor under Section 22.242.030, punishable per-day; DRP can also issue a Zoning Enforcement Order with escalating noncompliance fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this agricultural zoning cover the City of Los Angeles?
What's the difference between A-1 and A-2 zoning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California right to farm overview
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