§ 20.210 — San Marcos Zoning Code

Section 20.210.010 - Purpose of Chapter ¶

The purpose of this chapter is to specify the allowable uses, requirements, and development standards within the Agricultural Zones as established by the Zoning Map, and specifically to accomplish the following:

A.

Provide for private and commercial activities related to agriculture, horticulture, and animal keeping in a setting that insulates said activities from impacting surrounding uses.

B.

Accommodate for rural residential development on large lots in a manner compatible with agricultural and horticultural uses.

C.

Protect the viability of the productive agricultural industry of the City.

Section 20.210.020 - Description of Agricultural Zones ¶

In addition to the purposes of this Zoning Ordinance and chapter, the purpose of each Agricultural Zone follows:

A.

Agriculture 1 (A-1) Zone. To provide a low-intensity Agricultural Zone that is consistent in character with larger residential areas. This Zone is suitable for low-density residential hillside development. The A-1 Zone is intended to implement and be consistent with the Agricultural Residential (AG) land use designation of the General Plan.

B.

Agriculture 2 (A-2) Zone. To provide lands for medium-intensity horticulture and agriculture for the production of plants and crops and raising of animals. This area may be suitable for the inclusion of bed and breakfasts and other low-intensity commercial compatible uses, provided there are appropriate setbacks from residential uses. The A-2 Zone is intended to implement and be consistent with the Agricultural Residential (AG) land use designation of the General Plan.

C.

Agriculture 3 (A-3) Zone. To provide lands suitable for intensive crop production and processing and animal use, and may be suitable for renewable energy facilities. This is the most intensive agricultural Zone. The A- 3 Zone is intended to implement and be consistent with the Hillside Residential 1 (HR1) land use designation of the General Plan.

Section 20.210.030 - Applicability ¶

Land use permissions, as detailed in Table 20.210-1, and the regulations and development standards of this chapter, shall be applicable to all existing and new uses, structures, and activities within the A-1, A-2, and A-3 Zones.

Section 20.210.040 - Allowable Agricultural Uses and Permit Requirements ¶

Permit Requirements. Table 20.210-1 identifies the types of land use permits required to establish land uses in the Agricultural Zones, consistent with this Zoning Ordinance. All permit requirements shall be subject to the process standards of Chapter 20.500 (Permits and Application Process).

Table 20.210-1

Permit Requirement Types and Processes

Symbol	Permit Requirement	Procedure Section
P	Permitted use subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of this Zoning Ordinance and the process standards of Chapter 20.500.	20.500 (Permits and Applications Process)
DP	Director's Permit (DP) is required for this use, subject to review and approval by the Director.	20.510 (Director's Permits)
CUP	Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required for this, subject to review and approval per the process standards of Chapter 20.500.	20.520 (Conditional Use Permits)
A	Permitted uses restricted to accessory uses in conjunction with a primary permitted use.	20.500 (Permits and Applications Process)
- - -	Use not allowed.	20.205.030.C (General Requirements)

Note: Any land use authorized through a permit approval process identified may also require Site Development Plan Review, a Building Permit, and/or other permit(s) required by the Municipal Code. For unlisted and similar uses, see Section 20.205.030.C (Unlisted and Similar Compatible Uses). All uses, including, but not limited to, "P", "DP" and "CUP" must pay applicable Public Facilities Fees and annex into all applicable Community Facilities Districts.

B.

Agricultural Land Uses. Table 20.210-2 identifies the permitted land uses in all Agricultural Zones. Permitted uses in Agricultural Zones are primarily related to the raising of plants, crops, and animals, but may include accessory uses such as residential units, produce stands, animal keeping, and other uses when these uses are clearly related to the primary agricultural uses.

1.

Support services and processing activities not listed in Table 20.210-2 but accessory to the primary agricultural use may be proposed and processed through a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Findings of necessity, compatibility, and appropriate site and use design shall be required for approval of the CUP.

C.

Additional Use Regulations. In addition to the regulations, development standards, and provisions of this chapter, all land uses are subject to the specific use standards identified in the "Additional Use Regulations" column of Table 20.210-2; refer to the referenced sections for additional operational standards and regulations applicable to the use. All land uses are also subject to all of the following standards: Chapters 20.320 (Signs on Private Property), 20.330 (Water Efficient Landscape Standards), 20.335 (Walls and Fences), 20.340 (Off-Street Parking and Loading), and 20.400 (Specific Use Standards).

D.

Prohibited Uses. When a use is not specifically listed, that use is prohibited. However, consistent with Section 20.205.030.C (Unlisted or Similar Compatible Uses), the Director shall have the authority to determine whether the proposed use shall be permitted or conditionally permitted based on the finding that the proposed use is similar to and no more detrimental than a particular use permitted in the Zone.

Table 20.210-2

Agricultural Zone Permitted Uses

Land Use (Note 1 & 3)	A-1	A-2	A-3	Additional Use Regulations
Residential Uses
Qualifed Worker Housing, Large	CUP	CUP	CUP	Consistent with the requirements of California Health and Safety Code Section 17021.8
Qualifed Worker Housing, Small	DP	DP	DP	Consistent with the requirements of California Health and Safety Code Section 17021.8
Child Care Facility, Large Family Home	P	P	P	20.400.050 (Child Care Facilities)
Child Care Facility, Small Family Home	P	P	P	20.400.050 (Child Care Facilities)
Community Garden	P	P	P
Residential Care Facility, Large	DP	DP	DP	20.400.110 (Care Facilities)
Residential Care Facility, Small	P	P	P	20.400.110 (Care Facilities)
Mobile/Manufactured Home	P	P	P	20.245.050 - Manufactured Homes on Residential Lots (Residential Manufactured Home Park Zone)
Private Residential Garage	A	A	A
Single-Family Detached	P	P	P
Accessory Dwelling Unit/Accessory Structure	A	A	A	20.410 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Accessory Structures)
Supportive Housing	P	P	P
Transitional Housing	P	P	P
Recreation, Education & Public Assembly Uses
Animal Keeping, Large	P	P	P	20.415 (Animals)
Animal Keeping, Small	A	A	A	20.415 (Animals)
Places of Assembly	CUP	CUP	CUP	20.400.160 (Places of Assembly)
Small Places of Assembly	CUP	CUP	CUP	20.400.160 (Places of Assembly)
Stable, Private	P	P	P
Stable, Public	CUP	CUP	CUP
Public Park/Open Space/Recreation	CUP	CUP	CUP
Sport Court
Lighted	DP	DP	DP
Unlighted	A	A	A

Outdoor Recreation Facility	CUP	CUP	CUP
Agricultural Uses (2)
Agricultural/Horticultural, Non-Commercial	P	P	P	20.600.030 - Agricultural/Horticultural (1)
Agricultural/Horticultural, Commercial	DP	DP	DP	20.600.030 - Agricultural/Horticultural (2)
Agricultural/Horticultural, Processing and Packaging
Small Animals	- - -	- - -	CUP	20.600.030 - Agricultural/Horticultural (3) Processing for market of poultry, small animals and crops raised or produced on the premises, or on other property owned or leased by the processor, but not including canning, rendering, or reduction (grinding, chopping, cutting) of meat or animal products
Plants and Crops	- - -	- - -	CUP	20.600.030 - Agricultural/Horticultural (3) Provided no such processing plant is located closer than 50 feet to any side or rear yard.
Lodging, Bed & Breakfast	CUP	CUP	CUP
Greenhouse/Nursery
Commercial Production	DP	DP	DP
Retail	DP	DP	DP	20.210.060.B - Open to the public
Sales Stand	A	A	A	20.210.060.C and Table 20.210-3
Ofce, Professional, and Business Support Services				20.220.050.C
Business Support Service	A	A	A	Limited to 20% of gross foor area, supportive of agricultural primary land use only
Service Uses (2)
Animal Sales and Services	CUP	CUP	CUP
Industrial, Manufacturing & Processing Uses (2)
Winery/Tasting Room	DP	DP	DP
Renewable Energy Harvesting/Production	- - -	- - -	CUP	20.450 (Renewable Energy)
Transportation, Communication & Utility Uses	(2)
Antenna or Communication Facility	CUP	CUP	CUP	20.465 (Telecommunication Facilities)
Non-Public Antenna or Communication Facility	P	P	P	20.465 (Telecommunication Facilities)
Public Utilities	CUP	CUP	CUP

;sz=8q; Notes: See Table 20.210-1 for definitions.

;hg;All land uses are subject to the following standards: Chapters 20.320 (Signs on Private Property),

20.330 (Water Efficient Landscape Standards), 20.335 (Walls and Fences), 20.340 (Off-Street Parking and Loading), and 20.400 (Specific Use Standards).

;hg;Business, including merchandising and sales, shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building, except as identified in Table 20.210-2, where outdoor business is permitted subject to a Use Permit.
;hg;A Director's Permit (DP) shall be required for the establishment of the land use in an existing building. A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) shall be required for the establishment of a use in conjunction with a new building (development of the building in conjunction with the use).

E.

Outdoor Lighting. Any outdoor lighting affiliated with a non-residential, accessory, or animal use noted in Table 20.215-2 shall require a Director's Permit (DP) to ensure compatibility with adjacent uses. This may include sport courts and horse arenas. All other lighting shall be consistent with Section 20.300.080 (Light and Glare Standards).

(Ord. 2017-1445, 7/11/2017 - Amended; Ord. No. 2021-1512, § 2(Exh. B), 1-11-2022; Ord. No. 2022-1527, § 2(Exh. A), 10-25-2022; Ord. No. 2025-1568, § 2(Exh. B), 12-9-2025)

Section 20.210.050 - Agricultural Zone Development Standards ¶

A.

Development Standard Compliance. The design, construction, or establishment of all new and existing land uses, development of structures, and site improvements in Agricultural (A) Zones shall conform to the regulations of Table 20.210-3. Principal and accessory structures shall meet the same development standards unless otherwise modified by this Zoning Ordinance.

B.

Lot Averaging. Lot averaging, consistent with Section 20.300.030 (Lot Averaging), shall be permitted in the A Zones subject to a CUP.

C.

Gross Slope/Acreage Analysis. Minimum lot sizes shall be determined based on slope calculations subject to Section 20.300.040 (Gross Slope/Acreage Analysis). Table 20.210-3 identified minimum lot areas.

D.

Permitted Projections. See Section 20.300.020.G (Permitted Encroachment Standards) for permitted projection standards relevant to Agricultural Zones.

Table 20.210-3

Agricultural (A-1, A-2, A-3) Development Standards

Development Standards(1)	A-1	A-2	A-3	Additional Use Regulations
Maximum Building Height				20.300 (Site Planning and General Development Standards)

<100 feet from any PL	35 feet	35 feet	35 feet
100 feet+ from any PL	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	Non-residential structure
Lot Requirements(4)				20.300.040 (Gross Slope/Acreage Analysis)
Minimum Lot Area	1 acre	1 acre	4 acres
15—25% slope	2 acres	2 acres	4 acres
25—35%+ slope	4 acres	4 acres	8 acres
35%+ slope	8 acres	8 acres	20 acres
Minimum Setbacks(2)(3)
Street Frontage PL	35 feet	35 feet	35 feet
Sales Stand	15 feet	15 feet	15 feet	20.210.060.C (Sales Stands)
Interior PL	15 feet	15 feet	15 feet
Rear PL	25 feet	25 feet	25 feet
Side/Interior/Rear PL
Processing/Packaging Facility	- -	- -	50 feet
Qualifed Worker Housing (Large)	- -	60 feet	50 feet
Landscaping
Required	20.330 (Water Efcient Landscape Standards)
Parking
Required	Chapter 20.340 (Of-Street Parking and Loading)

;sz=8q; Notes: PL= Property Line

;hg;All standards are minimums unless otherwise noted.
;hg;Setbacks shall be measured from back of ROW.
;hg;All lot development and setbacks shall be subject to the provisions of Section 20.300.060 (Special Setbacks for General Plan Routes); where standards conflict, the largest standard shall prevail.
;hg;Minimum lot sizes are net area; reciprocal access easements are not included in net area.

(Ord. No. 2022-1527, § 2(Exh. A), 10-25-2022; Ord. No. 2025-1568, § 2(Exh. B), 12-9-2025)

Section 20.210.060 - Performance Standards ¶

A.

Architectural Compatibility. All buildings, including secondary and accessory structures, walls, and fences, located on a building site shall be designed and constructed to be architecturally compatible with the primary building subject to Planning Director review. See Chapter 20.335 (Walls and Fences) for additional standards.

Ancillary Retail Sales. Ancillary retail sales directly associated with the agricultural production or brand of the primary land use shall be allowed in conjunction with any land use permitted or conditionally permitted by this chapter.

C.

Sales Stands. Sales stands located on Agricultural (A) Zone property shall be limited to the sale of on-site agriculture/horticulture, fruits, vegetables, and flowers only. The maximum size of the sales stand shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.

(Ord. No. 2025-1568, § 2(Exh. B), 12-9-2025)

CHAPTER 20.215 - RESIDENTIAL ZONES