California Civil Code §3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance suits after three years of consistent activity. SCC layers this with the Williamson Act and agricultural preserves in Coyote Valley and the Gilroy-Morgan Hill area.
California Civil Code §3482.5 provides that an agricultural activity in operation for more than three years and consistent with proper customs is not a nuisance because of changed surrounding conditions. Once a residential neighbor moves near an established farm, ranch, apiary, or processing operation, they cannot sue to shut it down for ordinary noise, dust, or odor. Santa Clara County reinforces this with strong Williamson Act enrollment and designated agricultural preserves: Coyote Valley north of Morgan Hill, the San Martin / Gilroy growing region, and South County hillsides. The county's General Plan Agricultural Resources Element commits to preserving prime farmland from urban encroachment.
No fines apply to farms protected by Civil Code §3482.5. A neighbor who sues a protected farm and loses may owe defense costs under anti-SLAPP rules. Operations exceeding proper customs forfeit the shield and face standard nuisance liability.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View prohibits disturbing noise between 10pm and 7am weekdays and 10pm to 8am weekends, with enforcement by police and code enforcement officers.
Mountain View, CA
Amplified music from speakers, DJs, and live bands requires compliance with decibel limits and quiet hours; Shoreline Amphitheatre operates under a separate ...
Mountain View, CA
Industrial and commercial properties in Mountain View must comply with stationary noise source limits measured at property lines, with conditions enforced th...
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View Chapter 21 sets specific decibel thresholds varying by zoning district and time of day, measured at property lines with standardized equipment.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View requires EV charging infrastructure in new construction under CALGreen Tier 2. Residential EV installations follow expedited permitting per AB ...
Mountain View, CA
RVs, trailers, and boats in Mountain View cannot park on public streets over 72 hours and face Large Vehicle Ordinance limits. Residential storage must be on...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how Mountain View's farm nuisance protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.