Summary
A proposed ordinance would let farms and ranches in ag and rural zones host small agritourism events by right (currently capped at 25 people), with larger events needing a costly use permit. Farmers said 25 is too low to be viable; the Board directed staff to add parcel-based scalability and expressly allow weddings tied to ag operations.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 11, 2026.
Impact analysis
Could open new revenue streams for struggling farms and wineries while adding county permit revenue.
Farmers, ranchers, and vineyard owners seeking supplemental income, plus tourists seeking rural experiences.
Neighbors concerned about noise, traffic, and parking near event venues; environmental groups want limits.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Board of Supervisors — August 11, 2026
A long-running ordinance finally passes: farms in R1A, A, and AG zones can host up to 50 daily visitors for u-picks, farm stays, tours and more without a use permit. Bigger events need an over-the-counter or Planning Commission permit.
Board of Supervisors — June 9, 2026
The ordinance would let small farms host u-picks, farm stays, tours, and events without heavy permitting — a lifeline during the wine industry slump. But the board worries about rodeos and arena events on one-acre parcels next to neighbors, so it went back to staff for an annually renewable permit and possibly wedding venue rules.
Board of Supervisors — March 24, 2026
A proposed ordinance would let farms and ranches in ag and rural zones host small agritourism events by right (currently capped at 25 people), with larger events needing a costly use permit. Farmers said 25 is too low to be viable; the Board directed staff to add parcel-based scalability and expressly allow weddings tied to ag operations.
Board of Supervisors — February 10, 2026
The county is deciding which farm-based visitor activities (pony rides, farm tours, arena events, farm stays) can happen by right versus requiring use permits. Small farmers say they need new income streams, but neighbors worry about dust, fires, traffic, and losing the ability to object to a 'buy-right' use once established.
Related development
Agritourism Ordinance Amendment ZOA-25;9-3
Farmers can now legally host u-picks, farm dinners, tours, and farm stays without the old blanket use-permit requirement, opening a new income stream for ag operations.
Agritourism zoning ordinance amendments (A-A and R-1A districts)
Would let working farms earn supplemental income from tastings, tours, u-picks, and small events — with traffic and noise protections for neighbors.
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