THE GIST
The County of Santa Barbara’s proposed Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance would expand the range of activities on farms and ranches (all unincorporated lands zoned AG-II), and allow incidental food service at wine tasting rooms on lands zoned AG-I. The goal, through a tiered permitting program, is to allow landowners to conduct less intensive uses and to re-classify these uses as permitted as well as to only require conditional use permits for intensive uses. This ordinance is consistent with the community’s growing interest in crop cultivation, wine production and animal husbandry. It will also expand the public use and enjoyment of our idyllic farmlands via overnight stays, events, tours, retreats, classes, hunting, fishing, farm-to-table dinners and farmstands.
CONTEXT
Santa Barbara County’s proposed ordinance is intended to sustain the economic viability and diversity of agricultural operations. Currently, uses on agriculturally zoned land are limited to agriculture, single homes, agricultural employee dwellings, and agricultural outbuildings (e.g., barns). Some non-agricultural uses (e.g., campgrounds, special events) may be allowed, but currently require a Conditional Use Permit—an expensive and time-consuming process. The ordinance would create new revenue streams for farmers and streamline permitting.
WHAT AGRITOURISM USES WILL BE ALLOWED
NEXT STEPS
- The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Ordinance was released on Aug 1, 2023 for a 45-day public review comment period. This comment period ends on Sep 14, 2023.
- It is anticipated that the ordinance will go to the Planning Commission for approval this fall, with final approval by the Board of Supervisors following shortly after.