Watsonville, CA Right to Farm: Farm Nuisance Protection (2026)

Chapter 14-33 of the Watsonville Municipal Code is the City's Right to Farm ordinance, adopted by Ordinance 1094-00 C-M effective September 21, 2000, and amended by Ordinance 1156-03 C-M effective May 22, 2003. Section 14-33.100 states the purpose: to preserve and protect agricultural operations and agricultural land in the vicinity of Watsonville that are not otherwise identified in the General Plan as necessary for development, to limit land use conflicts created by the proximity of urban development to agricultural operations, and to give notice to purchasers, property owners and tenants.

Section 14-33.101 supplies the nuisance shield. It covers existing and future agricultural operations and their appurtenances, applies only when the operation complies with all chapters of the Code and other applicable laws, and falls away under subsection (b) whenever a nuisance results from the negligence or improper operation of any agricultural use. Subsection (c) says the chapter does not modify existing law relative to nuisances.

Four notice duties enforce the policy. Section 14-33.102 has the City mail a Notice of Right to Farm by January fifteenth (15th) and with the utility bill every year to owners within five hundred feet (500') of agricultural land, operations, or processing facilities. The notice lists noise, odors, fumes, dust, smoke, burning, vibrations, insects, rodents and machinery including aircraft during any twenty-four (24) hour period, and points spraying concerns to the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner. Section 14-33.103 requires a recorded deed restriction as a condition of approval of discretionary development permits within 500 feet. Section 14-33.104 makes every transferor give the notice in writing at the time escrow is established, and Section 14-33.105 requires owners and agents to include it in any lease or rental agreement.