Camarillo Municipal Code Ch. 19.10 A-E Agricultural Exclusive Zone

The A-E agricultural exclusive zone is intended for the promotion and preservation of agricultural activities on lands capable of procuring and supporting such activities and excluding those activities which, by their development and association, would have detrimental effects upon the use of such areas designated for agricultural purposes.

(Ord. 260 § 1 (part), 1974: prior code § 9401.)

The permitted uses are farming in all of its branches and including the cultivation and tillage of soil, production, growing and harvesting of any agricultural or horticultural commodity; and any practice, performance by a farmer or on a farm as an incident to or in conjunction with such farming operation; including preparation for market, delivery to storage or to market, or to carrier for transportation to market. No building, structure or land may be used and no building or structure may hereinafter be used except in accordance with the following provisions, set forth in this chapter. The following uses are illustrative of the types of permitted uses and are not exclusive:

A. Trees for fruit, nuts or fiber;

B. Bushes or vines for berries or grapes;

C. Field vegetable or truck or row crops;

D. Orchards, vineyards and bushes for fruits or nuts;

E. Forest land and timber;

F. Drying of crops: hay, straw and seed;

G. Storage and wholesaling of crops;

H. Animal breeding, pasturing and ranching;

I. The growing and harvesting of flowers, ornamentals and turf;

J. Apiary; for the purpose of this title, apiary includes one or more hives or boxes occupied by bees (hives or boxes include colonies) and may not be interpreted to include honey houses, extraction houses;

K. Poultry raising of up to five hundred birds;

L. Any operation, performance in a permanently fixed structure or establishment on the farm or on a moving packing plant on the farm for the purpose of preparing agricultural, horticultural, egg, poultry, meat, or rabbit or dairy products for market which such operations are done on the premises owned or operated by the same person who produced the products referred to herein and includes all operations incidental thereto;

M. Park, playground or community center (owned or operated by a governmental agency or a nonprofit farm community organization, or a farm owner for the use of the owner's employees);

N. Private nonvehicular daytime recreational activities for hiking, riding, fishing and hunting, which do not require structures or improvements such as, but not limited to, fireplaces, paving or swimming pools;

O. A mobile home used as a temporary dwelling during construction or alteration of the existing residence on the property where inhabitants would be permitted; in which case, such temporary construction may not exceed a time period of six months with the director's approval;

P. Residence of the owner or owners, or lessees or lessor, of the land upon which the use is conducted, including employee housing accommodations for six or fewer employees;

Q. Day care, small and large family;

R. Farmworker housing;

S. Cottage food operations as set forth in Chapter 19.74;

T. Agricultural employee housing consisting of no more than thirty-six beds in a group quarters or twelve units or spaces designed for use by a single family or household, or that is approved pursuant to Section 19.10.120, provided the owner of any employee housing qualifies or intends to qualify for a permit to operate pursuant to Division 13, Part 1 of the Health and Safety Code.

(Ord. 773 § 3, 1993; Ord. 512 § 1, 1982; Ord. 260 § 1 (part), 1974: prior code § 9401.1.)

(Ord. No. 1069, § 5, 1-11-2012; Ord. No. 1079, § 4(Exh. B), 9-25-2013; Ord. No. 1171, § 3C, 3-25-2020; Ord. No. 2008, § 4(Exh. A), 4-12-2023)

The following additional uses may be permitted subject to the approval of a conditional use permit as provided for in Section 8163.3 of the zoning ordinance:

1. Nurseries, plants, retail;

2. Feed lots;

3. Dairies;

4. Production of eggs, and hatcheries involving more than five hundred laying birds;

5. Fur farms;

6. Electrical distribution substations;

7. Natural resources, development of, including necessary structures and appurtenances. Development of water resources shall be limited to the following.

a. The drilling and operation of water wells on lots which are principally used for agriculture and are forty acres or larger. The water produced shall be used only for the lot on which the well is located,

b. The drilling and operation of water wells and distribution of water therefrom by any mutual water company to the persons and properties which it serves;

8. Soil amendment activities to incorporate certain oil field waste into the soil;

9. Residence in excess of those permitted in Section 19.10.010;

10. [Reserved.]

11. Private nonvehicular daytime recreational activities for hiking, riding, fishing, and hunting which such uses require structures or improvements such as, but not limited to, fireplaces, paving or swimming pools;

12. Automated radio, television transmitter relay signal distribution facilities and associated equipment;

13. Temporary agricultural stands in accordance with Chapter 19.62;

14. Roof-mounted satellite dish antennas greater than one meter and roof-mounted satellite dish antennas which project above the ridgeline of the roof and ground-mounted satellite dish antennas greater than one meter in size located in the required side yard or at heights greater than fifteen feet.

(Ord. 858 § 2, 1996; Ord. 773 § 4, 1993; Ord. 593 § 3, 1985; Ord. 590 § 3, 1985; Ord. 512 § 10 (part), 1982; Ord. 444 § 1 1979; Ord. 260 § 1 (part), 1974; prior code § 9401.2.)

(Ord. No. 1069, § 6, 1-11-2012)

The development standards set forth in Sections 19.10.050 through 19.10.100 shall apply to all developments within the A-E agricultural exclusive zone and no building or structure hereinafter shall be erected which does not provide these standards.

(Ord. 260- § 1 (part), 1974: prior code § 9401.3 (part).)

All uses within the A-E zone shall operate in accordance with the provisions of the performance standards contained in Chapter 19.54 as it pertains to the management of hazardous materials and hazardous waste.

(Ord. 763 § 7, 1992.)

The minimum acreage for any A-E zone shall be ten acres. A parcel cannot be divided into parcels of less than ten acres. In the event that a greater required lot area is designated for a particular area in the A-E zone, it shall be indicated by the number expressing the required acres for the lot following the zone symbol, such as A-E (40 acres) and such property shall be hereafter so classified. The planning commission and/or city council can implement this change in accordance with the procedures in Chapter 19.70 of the Camarillo Municipal Code.

(Ord. 260 § 1 (part), 1974: prior code § 9401.3(a).)

All lots hereinafter created shall comply with the minimum standards set forth in Sections 19.10.070 through 19.10.100 and lots not held under separate ownership or of record shall not be reduced below the ten-acre minimum lot area and the standards set forth in Sections 19.10.070 through 19.10.100.

(Ord. 260 § 1 (part), 1974: prior code § 9401.3(b).)

A. Front Yard. The setback for any building used for human habitation shall be fifty feet from the front property line or the ultimate right-of-way line from the adjoining street, whichever is greater.

B. Side Yard. Each dwelling or structure or accessory structure used for human habitation shall be required to provide a side yard of not less than fifty feet of usable area which shall be maintained in accordance with provisions set forth in this title.

C. Rear Yard. Each lot shall have a rear yard of not less than fifty feet of usable area which shall be maintained in accordance with provisions set forth in this title.

(Ord. 260 § 1 (part), 1974: prior code § 9401.3(c).)

A. A building or structure shall not occupy any portion of the required yard except as specifically set forth in this title.

B. The minimum distance between buildings used for human habitation and agricultural purposes shall not be less than fifty feet.

C. Structures for the keeping of animals shall comply with all provisions of the law. All hives, pens, coops, corrals or other structures for the housing of beast, fowl or animal shall be located not less than one hundred fifty feet or more from the front property line: or ultimate right-of-way, watercourse or not less than one hundred feet from any interior property line.

D. No portion of any building or accessory building or structure shall project into the front yard area except for architectural features and other items listed in Sections 19.36.050 through 19.36.150.

E. A ground-mounted satellite dish antenna may extend into a rear yard; provided, that such antenna is not more than fifteen feet in height, and not less than three feet from any side or rear property line. A satellite dish antenna may also be mounted on a pole attached to the eave to the rear of the residence and shall not exceed fifteen feet in height. A satellite dish antenna less than one meter may also be eave mounted to the rear or side of a residence provided no part of such antenna may project above the ridgeline of the roof or be closer than three feet to any property line. In addition, a satellite dish antenna less than one meter in size may be roof-mounted, provided that no part of the dish may project above the ridgeline of the roof nor shall any portion of the dish be less than three feet to any property line boundary. Roof-mounted satellite dish antennas which project above the ridgeline and ground-mounted satellite dish antennas located in a side yard, or at heights greater than fifteen feet, may be permitted upon the granting of a conditional use permit. All satellite dish antennas shall incorporate a flat black, grey, earth-tone, or background color which blends with adjacent structures and land features, in addition to being of a corrosive resistant material. The antenna shall be erected in a secure, wind resistant manner, and shall conform to applicable city building code regulations.

(Ord. 858 § 3, 1996; Ord. 593 § 4, 1985: Ord. 590 § 4, 1985; Ord. 260 § 1 (part), 1974: prior code § 9401.3(d).)

A. There shall be a minimum of two covered parking spaces provided in a garage for each dwelling used for human habitation. Covered spaces shall be a minimum of twenty feet by twenty feet of interior parking area. The parking for any temporary housing approved under the conditional use permit shall be determined upon review by the planning commission.

B. Minimum width for access drives shall be twenty feet.

C. Covered parking spaces shall be paved with a portland cement concrete or other approved noncombustible, nonabsorbent surface.

D. Additional uses permitted under a conditional use permit shall be subject to the parking standards contained in Section 19.44.010.

(Ord. 260 § 1 (part), 1974: prior code § 9401.3(e).)

A. No wall or fence shall exceed a height of forty-two inches in the front yard area immediately adjacent to the residential structure, nor exceed a height of six feet in any other given yard or create a visual obstruction that would involve health, safety or general welfare.

B. No screening, hedge or fence shall be permitted in the front yard in excess of forty-two inches nor at an intersection which would create a visual obstruction that would create a public hazard and establish an unsafe condition.

(Ord. 260 § 1 (part), 1974: prior code § 9401.3(f).)

A. Permitted Size. Farmworker housing may consist of no more than thirty-six beds in a group quarters, or twelve units or spaces designed for use by a single family or household.

B. Off-street Parking. Two off-street parking spaces must be provided for each single family unit and one parking space must be provided for each three beds in the group quarters such as the barracks and bunkhouses. The parking must be have approved access and paving in accordance with Chapter 19.44.

C. HCD Permit. The owner must obtain a permit with the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), pursuant to the Employee Housing Act and the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, division 1, Chapter 1, sections 800 through 900 to operate the farmworker housing.

D. Occupancy Review. The property owner must complete and submit to the director of community development a farmworker housing verification form no later than thirty days after receiving a permit to operate from HCD, and annually thereafter, to ensure compliance with state and local regulations on farmworker housing. The verification form must include information regarding the housing type, number of dwelling units or beds, number of occupants, occupants' employment information, and proof that a permit to operate from HCD has been obtained and maintained.

E. Farmworker Occupancy. The property must be occupied by farmworkers and their families. A declaration of this restriction in a form approved by the city will be recorded by the city and be binding on all future owners. Beginning one year after the issuance of the building permit and annually thereafter, the owner must file an annual report to the department listing the occupants of the farmworker housing and their place of work in order to ensure compliance with this requirement. For the purposes of this section "farmworker" means that the majority of the family income comes from farm work.

(Ord. No. 1069, § 7, 1-11-2012)

A. Ministerial Review. A development proponent may submit an application for a development that is subject to a streamlined, ministerial approval process, subject to section, if all of the following requirements are met:

1. The development is located on land designated as agricultural in the general plan.

2. The development is not located on a site that is any of the following:

a. Within the coastal zone, as defined in Division 20 (commencing with Section 30000) of the Public Resources Code.

b. Wetlands, as defined in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Manual, Part 660 FW 2 (June 21, 1993).

c. Within a very high fire hazard severity zone, as determined by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, or within a high or very high fire hazard severity zone as indicated on maps adopted by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 4202 of the Public Resources Code.

d. A hazardous waste site that is listed pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code or a hazardous waste site designated by the Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Section 25356, unless the Department of Toxic Substances Control has cleared the site for residential use or residential mixed-uses.

e. Within a delineated earthquake fault zone as determined by the State Geologist in any official maps published by the State Geologist, unless the development complies with applicable seismic protection building code standards adopted by the California Building Standards Commission under the California Building Standards Law (Part 2.5 (commencing with Section 18901)), and by any local building department under Chapter 12.2 (commencing with Section 8875) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

f. Within a flood plain as determined by maps promulgated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, unless the development has been issued a flood plain development permit pursuant to Part 59 (commencing with Section 59.1) and Part 60 (commencing with Section 60.1) of Subchapter B of Chapter I of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

g. Within a floodway as determined by maps promulgated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

h. Lands identified for conservation in an adopted natural community conservation plan pursuant to the Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), habitat conservation plan pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.), or other adopted natural resource protection plan.

i. Lands under conservation easement. For purposes of this section, "conservation easement" shall not include a contract executed pursuant to the Williamson Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 51200) of Division 1 of Title 5 of the Government Code).

j. Lands with groundwater levels within five feet of the soil surface and for which the development would be served by an onsite wastewater disposal system serving more than six family housing units.

3. The development is an eligible agricultural employee housing development that satisfies all of the following:

a. The agricultural employee housing does not contain dormitory-style housing.

b. The development consists of no more than thirty-six units or spaces designed for use by a single family or household.

c. Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (i), the agricultural employee housing will be maintained and operated by a qualified affordable housing organization that has been certified pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 17030.10. The development proponent must submit proof of issuance of the qualified affordable housing organization's certification by the enforcement agency. The qualified affordable housing organization must provide for onsite management of the development.

(i) In the case of agricultural employee housing that is maintained and operated by a local public housing agency or a multicounty, state, or multistate agency that has been certified as a qualified affordable housing organization as required by this paragraph, that agency either directly maintains and operates the agricultural employee housing or contracts with another qualified affordable housing organization that has been certified pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 17030.10.

(ii) The local government ensures an affordability covenant is recorded on the property to ensure the affordability of the proposed agricultural employee housing for agricultural employees for not less than fifty-five years. For purposes of this paragraph, "affordability" means the agricultural housing is made available at an affordable rent, as defined in Health and Safety Code § 50053, to lower-income households, as defined in Health and Safety Code § 50079.5.

B. Review.

1. For developments with fifty or fewer housing units, the city will provide the development proponent with written documentation of which requirements the development does not satisfy and an explanation for the reasons the development does not satisfy the requirements within thirty days.

2. For developments with more than fifty housing units, the city will provide the development proponent with written documentation of which requirements the development does not satisfy and an explanation for the reasons the development does not satisfy the requirements within sixty days.

C. Objective Development Standards. Agricultural employee housing developments must comply with all of the following written, objective development standards:

1. The development must have adequate water and wastewater facilities and dry utilities to serve the project

2. The development must be connected to an existing public water system that has not been identified as failing or being at risk of failing to provide an adequate supply of safe drinking water.

3. If the development proposes to include ten or more units, the development must connect to an existing municipal sewer system that has adequate capacity to serve the project, unless the city has adopted a management program for onsite wastewater treatment systems. In the event that the city has adopted a management program for onsite wastewater treatment, those requirements apply to the development.

4. The property on which the development is located must be either:

a. Within one-half mile of a duly designated collector road with an average daily trips (ADT) of six thousand or greater; or

b. Adjacent to a duly designated collector road with an ADT of two thousand or greater.

5. The development must include off-street parking based upon demonstrated need, provided that the standards do not require more parking for eligible agricultural employee housing developments than for other residential uses of similar size within the city.

(Ord. No. 2008, § 4(Exh. A), 4-12-2023)