The general plan recognizes the historic role of agriculture within the community, and its importance to the future of Arroyo Grande. The general plan thus outlines goals, objectives and policies regarding the retention of agricultural lands within and adjacent to the city. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide regulations that implement those goals, objectives and polices by providing for areas wherein uses are limited to agricultural and compatible pursuits and wherein development regulations restrict the intrusion of urban and rural development.

(Prior code § 9-05.010)

A.

General Agricultural (AG) District. The primary purpose of the AG district is to provide for and protect lands for agricultural crop production, grazing, limited sales of agricultural products, and limited agricultural support industries and services. This district is intended primarily as an area for the production of food and fiber, but also permits single-family detached residential dwellings at a maximum density of 1.0 dwelling unit per 10.0 gross acres, as well as temporary housing for farm workers.

B.

Agricultural Preserve (AP) District. The primary purpose of the AP district is to provide for and protect lands for which Williamson Act contracts have been or should be signed. Uses are limited to agricultural crop production, grazing, and limited sales of agricultural products. This district is intended for the production of food and fiber, but also permits single-family detached residential dwellings related to an agricultural operation at a maximum density of 1.0 dwelling unit per 10.0 gross acres, as well as temporary housing for farm workers.

The following conditions shall exist to qualify for an agricultural preserve contract under the Land Conservation Act of 1965:

1.

The agricultural use is consistent with the general plan.

2.

The existing uses conform with the A (agriculture preserve) district.

3.

The property has been under agricultural production for a period of five years prior to the date of application for the contract.

4.

The property shall consist of no less than ten (10) acres under single ownership or joint ownership.

5.

Minimum contract length is ten (10) years. Requests from property owners for the establishment of an agricultural preserve may be considered at the same time as the petition for a zoning district amendment to the A (agricultural preserve) district.

C.

Agricultural Preservation Overlay (AG-2.2) District. The primary purpose of the AG-2.2 overlay district is to provide for a mechanism to minimize potential conflicts between agricultural and nonagricultural land uses. This district is to provide for an agricultural buffer transitional area and requires that new development and changes in use require discretionary approval in accordance with Section 16.12.170(E).

(Ord. 550 § 3, Exh. B (part), 2003; Prior code § 9-05.020)

Subject to applicable general plan policies and Arroyo Grande ordinance provisions, the following uses identified in Table 16.28.030-A shall be permitted uses where the symbol "P" appears in the column beneath each agricultural zone designation as shown. Where the symbol "MUP" appears, the use shall be permitted subject to the minor use permit process pursuant to Section 16.16.060. Where the symbol "C" appears, uses shall be permitted subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit in accordance with the provisions of Section 16.16.050. Uses not identified in the table are prohibited.

Table 16.28.030-A
Uses Permitted Within Agricultural Districts

(Ord. 550 § 3, Exh. B (part), 2003: Prior code § 9-05.030)

The following property development standards shall apply to all land and permitted, or conditionally permitted buildings located within their respective districts. The standards stated herein shall not be construed to supersede more restrictive site development standards contained in the conditions, covenants and restrictions of any property. However, in no case shall private deed restrictions permit a lesser standard in the case of a minimum standard of this section or permit a greater standard in the case of a maximum standard of this section.

A.

General Requirements. Table 16.28.040-A sets forth minimum site development standards for agricultural development projects.

B.

Accessory buildings and structures.

1.

Accessory buildings and structures shall be sited to minimize disruption of agricultural operations, avoid conversions of productive farmland and take maximum advantage of existing infrastructure.

2.

Accessory buildings and structures shall be permitted in the rear and side yards provided no building or structure is allowed in the side yard within sixty (60) feet of the front lot line, nor within ten (10) feet of the side property line, nor permitted in any street side yard.

(Ord. 550 § 3, Exh. B (part), 2003: Prior code § 9-05.040)

Table 16.28.040-A
Agricultural Site Development Standards