California Government Code §65852.27 lets farmers install ground-mounted solar serving on-site agricultural operations as ministerial accessory uses. LA County Code Title 22.140.500 adds setback and visibility standards for ag-overlay parcels in Antelope Valley and other unincorporated farming areas.
Government Code §65852.27 designates ground-mounted solar arrays serving on-farm uses, including pumping, processing, and dwellings, as a ministerial accessory use on Williamson Act and zoned agricultural parcels. LA County Title 22.140.500 implements the rule for agricultural overlays in the Antelope Valley, eastern San Gabriel Valley, and unincorporated foothills. Arrays under 100 kilowatts on parcels of 10 acres or more are ministerial; larger systems or off-site export require a Conditional Use Permit through Regional Planning. Setbacks are 50 feet from property lines and 100 feet from State Route corridors. Williamson Act contract parcels remain in active agricultural use. Decommissioning bonds apply to systems over 250 kilowatts.
Installing agricultural solar without proper Title 22.140.500 review, exceeding the 100-kilowatt ministerial cap, or violating Williamson Act use limits triggers Code Enforcement citations, contract cancellation proceedings, and potential mandatory removal at owner expense.
See how Santa Monica's agricultural solar rules stack up against other locations.
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