Santa Barbara County Municipal Code Ch. 35.21 Agricultural

35.21.010 - Purpose¶

This Chapter lists the land uses that may be allowed within the Agricultural zones established by Section 35.14.020 (Zoning Map and Zones), determines the type of planning permit/approval required for each use and provides basic standards for site layout and building size.

Exceptions & meaning →

35.21.020 - Purposes of the Agricultural Zones¶

The purposes of the individual Agricultural zones and the manner in which they are applied are as follows.

A. AG-I (Agricultural I) zone. The AG-I zone is applied to areas appropriate for agricultural use within Urban, Inner Rural, and Existing Developed Rural Neighborhood areas, as designated on the Comprehensive Plan maps. The intent is to provide standards that will support agriculture as a viable land use and encourage maximum agricultural productivity.

B. AG-II (Agricultural II) zone. The AG-II zone is applied to areas appropriate for agricultural land uses on prime and non-prime agricultural lands located within the Rural Area as shown on the Comprehensive Plan maps. The intent is to preserve these lands for long-term agricultural use.

Exceptions & meaning →

35.21.030 - Agricultural Zones Allowable Land Uses¶

A. General permit requirements. Table 2-1 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Agricultural Zones) identifies the uses of land allowed by this Development Code in each Agricultural zone, and the planning permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Section 35.20.030 (Allowable Development and Planning Permit Requirements).

B. Requirements for certain specific land uses. Where the last column ("Specific Use Regulations") in Table 2-1 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for the Agricultural Zones) includes a section number, the referenced Section may affect whether the use requires a Land Use Permit, Development Plan, Minor Conditional Use Permit, or Conditional Use Permit, and/or may establish other requirements and standards applicable to the use.

C. Development Plan approval required.

AG-I zone. On property zoned AG-I, the approval of a Development Plan in compliance with Section 35.82.080 (Development Plans) is required for a structure, other than an agricultural reservoir, that is not otherwise required by this Development Code to have discretionary permit approval, and is either of the following:

a. 20,000 or more square feet in gross floor area; or

b. An attached or detached structure and the gross floor area thereof, when added to the gross floor area of existing structures on the lot, will equal or exceed 20,000 square feet.

AG-II zone. On property zoned AG-II, the approval of a Development Plan in compliance with Section 35.82.080 (Development Plans) is required for the following structural development that is not otherwise required by this Development Code to have discretionary permit approval:

a. Non-agricultural structural development. The proposed structure and use thereof does not qualify as agricultural structural development (see Article 35.11, Glossary) and is either 15,000 or more square feet in gross floor area or the structure is an attached or detached addition that, together with existing structures on the site that do not qualify as agricultural structural development, will total 15,000 square feet or more in gross floor area.

(1) Floor area not included in total gross floor area. The gross floor area of the following structures is not included in the total gross floor area on the lot for the purpose of determining whether the approval of a Development plan is required in compliance with Subsections C.2.a, above:

(a) The gross floor area of structures that are exempt from planning permit requirements in compliance with Section 35.20.040 (Exemptions from Planning Permit Requirements).

b. Agricultural structural development. The proposed structure and use thereof do qualify as agricultural structural development and meets one or more of the following:

(1) The proposed structure is 15,000 or more square feet in gross floor area or is an addition to an existing structure that will result in a structure of 15,000 or more square feet in gross floor area after completion of the addition.

(2) The proposed structure is 10,000 or more square feet in gross floor area or is an addition to an existing structure that will result in a structure of 10,000 or more square feet in gross floor area after completion of the addition, and:

(a) A different structure that qualifies as agricultural structural development that is 10,000 or more square feet in gross floor area exists on the lot, or

(b) There is an active, unexpired planning permit that allows for the construction of a different structure that qualifies as agricultural structural development that is 10,000 or more square feet in gross floor area, or

(c) The application for the proposed structure is submitted either in conjunction with or subsequent to an application for a different structure that qualifies as agricultural structural development that is 10,000 or more square feet in gross floor area.

(3) The proposed structure(s) will result in a total gross floor area on a lot that exceeds the development plan threshold listed for the applicable lot area as shown in the table below. Total gross floor area includes the gross floor area of agricultural development and non-agricultural structural development, both existing and proposed.

Lot Size (acres)	Threshold (sq. ft.)
Less than 40	20,000
40 to less than 100	25,000
100 to less than 200	30,000
200 to less than 320	40,000
320 or more	50,000

(4) Floor area not included in total gross floor area. The gross floor area of the following structures is not included in the total gross floor area on the lot for the purpose of determining whether the approval of a Development plan is required in compliance with Subsection C.2.b.(3), above.

(a) The gross floor area of structures that are exempt from planning permit requirements in compliance with Section 35.20.040 (Exemptions from Planning Permit Requirements).

(b) A maximum of 10,000 square feet of gross floor area of structures that qualify as agricultural structural development and comply with the following:

(i) Each structure does not exceed 3,000 square feet of gross floor area.

(ii) Each structure has three or fewer walls, and at least one of the long sides of the structure shall be open and shall only utilize posts to support the roof.

(5) Proposed structures that do not require the approval of a Development Plan in compliance with Subsection C.2.b.(3) and Subsection C.2.b.(4), above, shall comply with Subsection 35.21.050.C (Development standards for agricultural structural development that does not require the approval of a Development Plan). Proposed structures that do not comply with Subsection 35.21.050.C may be allowed in compliance with an approved Development Plan.

Exemptions from floor area calculations, wineries. Gross floor area associated with the following structures is not included in determining the 20,000-square foot gross floor area threshold for that development which requires a Development Plan in compliance with Subsection C.1 and C.2, above.

a. The structure qualifies as winery structural development.

b. If the structure is existing, then it was included in a Land Use Permit issued for a winery or is proposed to become part of a winery for which an application has been submitted to the Department.

D. Design Review required. Design Review may be required prior to the approval of a planning permit for a structure, or an addition to or an alteration of, an existing structure in compliance with Section 35.82.070 (Design Review).

E. Accessory structures and uses. Each use allowed by Table 2-1 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for the Agricultural Zones) may include accessory structures and uses that are customarily incidental to the primary use, provided that the accessory structures and uses are in compliance with all applicable requirements of this Development Code, including standards for specific uses and structures in Chapter 35.42 (Standards for Specific Land Uses).

Table 2-1 Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Agricultural Zones	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed
LAND USE (1)	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	Specific Use Regulations
LAND USE (1)	AG-I	AG-II	Specific Use Regulations
AGRICULTURAL, MINING, & ENERGY FACILITIES
Agricultural accessory structure	P	P	35.42.020
Agricultural processing - On-premises products	P	S (2)	35.42.040
Agricultural processing - Off-premises products	—	S (2)	35.42.040
Agricultural processing - Small-scale processing beyond the raw state	P	S (2)	35.42.040
Agricultural processing - Tree nut hulling	—	S (2)	35.42.040
Agricultural processing - Extensive	—	CUP (3)	35.42.040
Animal keeping (except equestrian facilities, see RECREATION)	S	S	35.42.060
Aquaculture	—	CUP
Aquaponics	—	S (2)	35.42.035
Cannabis—Cultivation and nursery	S	S	35.42.075
Cannabis—Microbusiness	—	S	35.42.075
Cultivated agriculture, orchard, vineyard	E	E
Grazing	E	E
Greenhouse	P	P (4)	35.42.140
Hoop structure and shade structure	S	S	35.42.140
Mining - Agricultural soil export	—	MCUP	35.82.160
Mining, extracting & quarrying of natural resources, not including gas, oil & other hydrocarbons	CUP	CUP	35.82.160
Mining - Surface, less than 1,000 cubic yards	P (5)	P (5)	35.82.160
Mining - Surface, 1,000 cubic yards or more	CUP	CUP	35.82.160
Oil and gas uses	S	S	35.5
Utility-scale photovoltaic facilities	—	CUP	35.59
Winery	S	S	35.42.280
INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING, WHOLESALING
Cannabis—Manufacturing	S	S	35.42.075
Cannabis—Testing	—	—
Composting facility	MCUP	MCUP	35.42.100
Composting (small scale and agricultural material)	—	S (2)	35.42.100
Fertilizer manufacturing	—	CUP (2)
Firewood processing and sales	—	S (2)	35.42.035
Lumber processing and milling (small scale)	—	S (2)	35.42.035

Key to Zone Symbols

AG-I	Agriculture I	AG-II	Agriculture II

Notes:

(1) See Article 35.11 (Glossary) for land use definitions.

(2) Limitations apply on lands zoned with the Limited Agricultural Enterprise (LAE) overlay zone; see Section 35.28.155.

(3) Use limited to areas designated on the Land Use Element Maps with the "Agricultural Industry overlay."

(4) See Subsection 35.42.140.B.2 for special permit requirements and development standards that apply within the Gaviota Coast Plan area.

(5) On one or more locations or lots under the control of an operator that do not exceed a total area of one acre; if the total area exceeds one acre, then a CUP is required.

Table 2-1- Continued Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Agricultural Zones	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed
LAND USE (1)	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	Specific Use Regulations
LAND USE (1)	AG-I	AG-II	Specific Use Regulations
RECREATION, EDUCATION & PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES
Campground and low-impact camping area	—	S (2)	35.42.240
Country club	CUP	CUP
Educational experiences and opportunities	—	S (2)	35.42.035
Equestrian facilities	CUP	P
Fairgrounds	CUP	CUP
Fishing operation	—	S (2)	35.42.240
Golf course	CUP	CUP
Golf driving range	CUP	CUP
Horseback riding	—	S (2)	35.42.240
Hunting	—	S (2)	35.42.240
Incidental food service	—	S	35.42.035
Meeting facility, public or private	CUP	CUP
Meeting facility, religious	CUP	CUP
Museum	CUP	CUP
Rural recreation	—	CUP	35.42.240
School	CUP	CUP
School - Business, professional or trade	CUP	CUP
Small-scale special events	—	S (2)	35.42.035
Sports and outdoor recreation facilities	CUP	CUP

Key to Zone Symbols

AG-I	Agriculture I
AG-II	Agriculture II

Notes:

(1) See Article 35.11 (Glossary) for land use definitions.

(2) Limitations apply on lands zoned with the Limited Agricultural Enterprise (LAE) overlay zone; see Section 35.28.155.

Table 2-1- Continued Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Agricultural Zones	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed
LAND USE (1)	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	Specific Use Regulations
LAND USE (1)	AG-I	AG-II	Specific Use Regulations
RESIDENTIAL USES	RESIDENTIAL USES	RESIDENTIAL USES	RESIDENTIAL USES
Accessory dwelling unit	S	S	35.42.015
Agricultural employee housing	S	S	35.42.030
Artist studio	P	P	35.42.150
Dwelling, one-family	P	P
Farmworker dwelling unit	P	P	35.42.135
Farmworker housing complex	P	CUP	35.42.135
Guesthouse	P	P	35.42.150
Home occupation	P	P	35.42.190
Incentive dwelling unit	—	P (2)	35.28.210.1
Junior accessory dwelling unit	S	S	35.42.015
Monastery	CUP	CUP
Residential accessory uses and structures	P	P	35.42.020
Special care home, 7 or more clients	MCUP	MCUP	35.42.090
Supportive housing	S	S	35.42.265
Transitional housing	S	S	35.42.265
RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE
Agricultural product sales, Farm stands	P	S (2)	35.42.050
Cannabis - Retail	—	—
SERVICES	SERVICES	SERVICES	SERVICES
Cemetery	CUP	CUP
Charitable or philanthropic organization	CUP	CUP
Large family day care home, serving adults	P	P	35.42.090
Large family day care home, serving children	E (4)	E (4)	35.42.090
Small family day care home, serving adults	E	E	35.42.090
Small family day care home, serving children	E (4)	E (4)	35.42.090
Day care center, accessory to non-dwelling	MCUP (5)	MCUP (5)	35.42.090
Day care center, accessory to dwelling	MCUP	MCUP	35.42.090
Day care center, principal use	MCUP (5)	MCUP (5)	35.42.090
Lodging - Farmstay	—	S (3)	35.42.134
Lodging - Guest ranch	—	CUP	35.42.240
Lodging - Homestay	P	—	35.42.193
Lodging - Hostel	—	CUP	35.42.240
Lodging - Short-term rental	—	—
Mausoleum	CUP	CUP
Medical services - Animal hospital	MCUP (6)	P (6)
Mortuary, accessory to cemetery	CUP (7)	CUP (7)

Key to Zone Symbols

AG-I	Agriculture I
AG-II	Agriculture II

Notes:

(1) See Article 35.11 (Glossary) for land use definitions.

(2) Limited to locations within the Gaviota Coast Plan area; see Subsection 35.28.210.I.

(3) Limitations apply on lands zoned with the Limited Agricultural Enterprise (LAE) overlay zone; see Section 35.28.155.

(4) A change of use to a large or small family day care home, serving children, is exempt from zoning permits. An application to construct a new structure to be used as a large or small family day care home, serving children, is subject to the same standards and permit requirements as a proposal to construct a residential structure in the same zone.

(5) Day care centers serving up to and including fifty (50) children may be permitted with a Land Use Permit in compliance with Section 35.82.110 (Land Use Permits).

(6) All animals shall be kept within a completely enclosed, soundproof building designed to eliminate outdoor odor and reduce the level of noise so that adjacent residential properties will not be adversely affected in any way by noise or odors.

(7) Allowed in the following locations subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit in compliance with Section 35.82.060 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Conditional Use Permits):

Within cemeteries operating under a valid use permit; or
On any lot abutting a cemetery.

Table 2-1- Continued Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Agricultural Zones	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required, except as specified elsewhere in this Development Code MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required ZC Zoning Clearance S Permit determined by Specific Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed
LAND USE (1)	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	Specific Use Regulations
LAND USE (1)	AG-I	AG-II	Specific Use Regulations
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS, INFRASTRUCTURE
Agricultural product transportation facility	—	CUP	35.42.040.B.2
Airport, public	CUP	CUP
Airstrip, private and temporary	CUP	CUP
Cannabis - Distribution	S	S	35.42.075
Drainage channel, water course, storm drain, less than 20,000 sf	P	P
Drainage channel, water course, storm drain, 20,000 sf or more	MCUP	MCUP
Electrical substation - Minor (2)	MCUP	MCUP
Electrical transmission line (3)	CUP	CUP
Flood control project, less than 20,000 sf total area	P	P
Flood control project, 20,000 sf or more total area	MCUP	MCUP
Heliport	CUP	CUP
Pipeline - Oil or gas	P	P	35.5
Public utility facility	CUP	CUP
Public works or private service facility	MCUP	MCUP
Road, street, less than 20,000 sf total area	P	P
Road, street, 20,00 sf or more total area	P	P
Telecommunications facility	S	S	35.44
Wind turbines and wind energy systems	S	S	35.57
WATER SUPPLY & WASTEWATER FACILITIES	WATER SUPPLY & WASTEWATER FACILITIES	WATER SUPPLY & WASTEWATER FACILITIES	WATER SUPPLY & WASTEWATER FACILITIES
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System, individual, alternative	MCUP	MCUP
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System, individual, conventional	E	E
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System, individual, supplemental	E	E
Pipeline - Water, reclaimed water, wastewater	P	P
Reservoir, less than 50,000 sf of total development	P	P
Reservoir, 50,000 sf or more of total development	MCUP	MCUP
Wastewater treatment facility, less than 200 connections	CUP	CUP
Water diversion project	P	P
Water extraction, commercial	CUP	CUP
Water system with 1 connection	E	E
Water system with 2 to less than 5 connections	P	P
Water system with 5 or more connections	MCUP	MCUP
Water well, agricultural	E	E

Key to Zone Symbols

AG-I	Agriculture I
AG-II	Agriculture II

Notes:

(1) See Article 35.11 (Glossary) for land use definitions.

(2) Use is subject to the standards of the PU zone.

(3) Does not include electrical transmission lines outside the jurisdiction of the County.

(Ord. No. 5167, § 2, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 5202, § 1, 2-13-2024; Ord. No. 5226, §§ 2—4, 12-10-2024; Ord. No. 5275, § 4, 1-27-2026)

Exceptions & meaning →

35.21.040 - Agricultural Zones Lot Standards¶

Each subdivision and residential development shall comply with the following minimum lot area and building site requirements for the applicable zone.

A. Minimum lot area. Each lot in a proposed subdivision shall comply with the minimum gross lot area requirements in Table 2-2 (Minimum Lot Area/Building Site Area).

B. Minimum building site area for residential use. Each primary dwelling shall be located on a lot with the minimum gross area shown in Table 2-2 (Minimum Lot Area/Building Site Area). A dwelling and its accessory structures and uses may also be located on a smaller existing legal lot unless it is a fraction lot.

Table 2-2- Minimum Lot Area/Building Site Area

Zoning Map Symbol	Minimum Gross Lot Area
AG-I-5	5 acres
AG-I-10	10 acres
AG-I-20	20 acres
AG-I-40	40 acres
AG-II-40	40 acres
AG-II-100	100 acres
AG-II-320	320 acres

Exceptions & meaning →

35.21.050 - Agricultural Zones Development Standards¶

A. General development standards. Development within the Agricultural zones shall be designed, constructed, and established in compliance with the requirements in Table 2-3 (AG-I and AG-II Zones Development Standards) below, and all applicable standards in Article 35.3 through Article 35.7 of this Development Code.

B. Community Plan overlay requirements. Section 35.28.210 (Community Plan Overlays) establishes additional requirements and standards that apply to development and uses located in an applicable community or area plan as specified in Section 35.28.210 (Community Plan Overlays).

Table 2-3- AG-I and AG-II Zones Development Standards

Development Feature	Requirement by Zone	Requirement by Zone
Development Feature	AG-I Agriculture I	AG-II Agriculture II
Residential density	Maximum number of dwelling units allowed. The actual number of units allowed will be determined through subdivision or planning permit approval.	Maximum number of dwelling units allowed. The actual number of units allowed will be determined through subdivision or planning permit approval.
Maximum density	One one-family dwelling per lot; plus agricultural employee housing where allowed by Table 2-1 and applicable standards provided that the lot complies with Section 35.21.040 (Agricultural Zones Lot Standards).	One one-family dwelling per lot; plus agricultural employee housing where allowed by Table 2-1 and applicable standards provided that the lot complies with Section 35.21.040 (Agricultural Zones Lot Standards).
Setbacks	Minimum setbacks required. See Section 35.30.150 (Setback Requirements and Exceptions) for exceptions. Setbacks are measured from property line unless otherwise stated.	Minimum setbacks required. See Section 35.30.150 (Setback Requirements and Exceptions) for exceptions. Setbacks are measured from property line unless otherwise stated.
Front	20 ft from edge of right-of-way.	20 ft from edge of right-of-way.
Side	20 ft; 10% of lot width on a lot of less than 1 acre, with no less than 5 ft or more than 10 ft required.	None.
Rear	20 ft; 25 ft on a lot of less than 1 acre.	None.
Height limit	Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 35.30.090 (Height Measurement, Exceptions and Limitations) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.	Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 35.30.090 (Height Measurement, Exceptions and Limitations) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.
Maximum height	35 ft for a residential structure, no limit otherwise; Toro Canyon Plan area - 25 ft for a residential structure.	35 ft for a residential structure, no limit otherwise; Toro Canyon Plan area - 25 ft for a residential structure.
Landscaping	See Chapter 35.34 (Landscaping Standards).	See Chapter 35.34 (Landscaping Standards).
Parking	See Chapter 35.36 (Parking and Loading Standards).	See Chapter 35.36 (Parking and Loading Standards).
Signs	See Chapter 35.38 (Sign Standards).	See Chapter 35.38 (Sign Standards).

C. Development standards for agricultural structural development that does not require the approval of a Development Plan. In addition to the development standards listed in Subsection 35.21.050.A, above, all development associated with the construction of agricultural structural development that does not require the approval of a Development Plan in compliance with Subsection 35.21.030.D.2.b.(2) and Subsection 35.21.030.D.2.b.(3) shall comply with all of the additional development standards listed below. If these requirements are in conflict with other provisions of the Comprehensive Plan or any applicable community or area plan, this Development Code, or any permit conditions established by the County, the more restrictive requirements shall control.

The development shall avoid or minimize significant impacts to agriculture to the maximum extent feasible by siting structures so as to minimize impacts to productive agricultural land, prime soils, and adjacent agricultural operations.
The development shall be located no less than 100 feet from the following environmental sensitive habitat areas that are determined by a qualified professional to be intact and of high quality. This setback may be adjusted upward or downward on a case-by-case basis depending upon site specific conditions such as slopes, biological resources and erosion potential.

a. Native plant communities recognized as rare by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (2003 or as amended). Examples include Native Grasslands, Maritime chaparral, Bishop Pine Forests, and Coastal Dune Scrub.

b. Native woodlands and forests.

c. Nesting, roosting, and/or breeding areas for rare, endangered or threatened animal species.

(1) Rare, endangered, or threatened species are defined as those listed by State or Federal wildlife agencies under the State or Federal Endangered Species Acts, candidates for listing, species of special concern, and species that meet the definition of "rare" in Section 15380 of California Environmental Quality Act.

(2) A separation of greater than 100 feet may be required in order to fully protect formally listed Endangered Species (e.g., a 100-foot separation may not fully protect known breeding ponds for California Tiger Salamander).

d. Plant communities known to contain rare, endangered, or threatened species.

e. Streams, riparian areas, vernal pools, and wetlands.

f. Any designated Environmental Sensitive Habitat Areas.

The development shall preserve natural features, landforms and native vegetation such as trees to the maximum extent feasible.
The development shall be compatible with the character of the surrounding natural environment, subordinate in appearance to natural landforms, and sited so that it does not intrude into the skyline as seen from public viewing places. At a minimum, the development shall comply with the following design standards.

a. Exterior lighting shall be for safety purposes only and shall comply with Section 35.30.120 (Outdoor Lighting).

b. Building materials and colors (earth tones and non-reflective paints) compatible with the surrounding natural environment shall be used to maximize the visual compatibility of the development with surrounding areas.

D. Development standard for agricultural cultivation located in the Gaviota Coast Plan area. Agricultural cultivation, such as the installation of new areas of cultivated agriculture, orchards or vineyards, located on slopes of 30 percent or greater on agriculturally zoned lands shall adhere to the best management practices in the Steep Slope Guidelines, Gaviota Coast Plan Appendix D, to ensure slope stabilization, soil conservation, and water quality control.

(Ord. No. 5238, § 2, 2-11-2025; Ord. No. 5275, § 5, 1-27-2026)

Exceptions & meaning →

35.21.060 - Reserved¶

Editor's note— Ord. No. 5226, § 5, adopted December 10, 2024, repealed the former Section 35.21.060 in its entirety, which pertained to permit requirements and development standards for specific land uses in the Gaviota Coast Plan Area and derived from original codification.

Exceptions & meaning →