The California Right to Farm Act under Civil Code 3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors who moved in after farming began. The law applies statewide and limits both private and local government nuisance actions.
Civil Code 3482.5 provides that no agricultural activity, operation, or facility conducted on agricultural land for commercial purposes shall be considered a nuisance, private or public, after it has been in operation for more than three years if the operation was not a nuisance at its inception. The protection extends against changed surrounding conditions, including new residential development encroaching on farm areas. The statute applies statewide and binds counties, cities, and private parties. Local nuisance ordinances cannot override the state's three-year farming protection. Operations conducted negligently or in violation of state or federal law lose protection.
Plaintiffs filing barred nuisance actions may face dismissal and statutory attorney fees under Civil Code 3482.5(b) when the agricultural defendant prevails.
Redwood City, CA
Redwood City prohibits construction noise in residential areas outside of 7 AM–8 PM weekdays. Construction on weekends and holidays is prohibited if it excee...
Redwood City, CA
Redwood City prohibits dogs from creating excessive noise that disturbs neighbors under Chapter 5 (Animals and Fowl) and the general noise ordinance. Animal ...
Redwood City, CA
Redwood City regulates noise under City Code Chapter 24. General quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM Sunday through Thursday and 11 PM–7 AM Friday through Saturday. O...
Redwood City, CA
Commercial vehicles over 6 feet high or 20 feet long are prohibited from parking on public streets or private property in residential areas of Redwood City. ...
Redwood City, CA
Redwood City has residential permit parking zones with 2-hour limits Monday–Friday 7 AM–6 PM. Three permits per household are issued. Street sweeping restric...
Redwood City, CA
Redwood City requires all vehicles to be parked in legal paved parking spaces on residential property. Blocking sidewalks is prohibited. Garage conversions t...
See how Redwood City's farm nuisance protection rules stack up against other locations.
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