Article 4 — Chapter 17.48

COMMERCIAL EVENTS ON AGRICULTURAL LAND

Sections:

17.48.010 Purpose. 17.48.020 Definition. 17.48.030 Applicability. 17.48.040 Permit Required. 17.48.050 Development and Operational Standards. 17.48.060 Use Permit.

17.48.010 Purpose . The purpose of this Chapter is to establish standards for the location, site planning, development, and operations of certain land uses that are allowed by Article 2, Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses, within individual or multiple districts, and for activities that require special standards to minimize the impacts of these uses and activities on surrounding properties and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their occupants and of the general public. The regulations set forth in this Chapter shall modify or supplement the zoning district regulations appearing elsewhere in this title relating to commercial events on agricultural land.

17.48.020 Applicability. The requirements contained in this Chapter shall apply to all commercial events on agricultural land, except as otherwise allowed in this title, including the use of land and/or facilities for meetings, gatherings, and events, including, but not limited to, weddings, parties, and similar uses, for which a fee is charged.

A. A non-appealable ministerial annual special event permit may be acquired from the County to allow up to 40 commercial events to be held per calendar year for up to 300 guests on a parcel zoned AE-37, AE-80 or AE-160 subject to the standards in Section 17.48.050. The event venue shall be located on a parcel that complies with the cul-de-sac road standards specified in Section 11.12.040 of this title.

B. An annual ministerial permit may be acquired from the County to allow up to two commercial events to be held per calendar year for up to 500 guests on a parcel zoned AE-37, AE-80 or AE-160 subject to the standards in Section 17.48.050 (Ord. 3471 § 12, 2024).

A. The event venue, excluding parking areas, shall be located at least 200 feet from the boundary of the nearest parcel zoned R or RE. If this setback is infeasible due to small parcel size or configuration, it may be reduced to 100 feet at the County’s discretion.

B. The event parking areas shall be located at least 20 feet from the boundary of any parcel zoned R or RE.

C. Prior to issuance of the annual special event permit, a traffic management plan (TMP) shall be submitted and approved by the Community Development Department for events exceeding 100 guests. The TMP shall be prepared by a qualified professional and shall include appropriate techniques to provide safe ingress and egress from event facilities without resulting in substantial congestion of roadways, or otherwise cause traffic-related hazards. Such techniques may include (but may not be limited to):

1. Temporary caution and directional signage;

2. Clearly defined points of ingress/egress;

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3. Cones or other clear markers placed to help direct vehicle flow and to define parking areas and driveways; and

4. Flag persons to help direct vehicle flow and minimize congestion.

D. All events shall occur between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. excluding set up and clean up time. If an event is held entirely within an enclosed building after 10:00 p.m., the event may continue until 12:00 a.m.

E. Noise generated by the event shall not exceed a noise level of 60 dB Leq (1 hour) from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or 50 dB Leq (1 hour) from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. as measured at the property line.

1. Exterior amplified sound systems (e.g., public address systems) will be allowed as part of any commercial events on agricultural land with review and approval by the County with the submittal of a plan analyzing the noise from the speakers/ amplification.

a. As part of the County review and approval, the applicant shall submit a speaker/ amplification noise plan prepared by an acoustical engineer, that evaluates the potential for the proposed amplified sound to exceed the noise levels listed above.

b. If necessary, the noise plan shall include protocols for siting, orientation, and operation of speakers (including potential volume limits) that would be implemented in order to reduce the effect of noise levels generated

by on-site stationary noise sources. The applicant shall demonstrate through the plan how the speaker/amplification system would not exceed applicable County noise standards.

After the noise plan is approved by the County, no additional speaker/amplification noise plan would be required, unless the operator proposes changes to the speaker/amplification system that could meaningfully affect noise levels (eg. changes to the location, orientation, or volume of the amplification system).

• c.

F. At least one drinking fountain or equivalent arrangement for potable water shall be provided at no cost to guests. If more than 100 guests are in attendance, two drinking fountains or equivalent arrangement shall be provided.

G. At least one water closet shall be provided for each increment of 65 persons in attendance or portion thereof. For events with 50 or fewer guests in attendance, at least one water closet shall be provided.

H. Where multiple-user facilities are designed to serve all genders, the minimum fixture count shall be calculated at 100 percent, based on total occupant load. In such multiple-user facilities, each fixture type shall be in accordance with ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Building and Facilities, and each urinal that is provided shall be located in a stall.

I. At least one off-street parking space shall be provided for each three guests in attendance at the event. Parking areas shall be surfaced with gravel, asphalt, or asphaltic concrete to reduce dust and be maintained

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free of vegetation. Alternatively, areas covered with grass or pasture areas may be used for parking provided the grass is trimmed to a height of no more than three inches.

J. On-site signage shall not exceed that necessary to identify the venue and direct traffic and shall be removed immediately following each event. On-site signage shall be in accordance with Chapter 17.34 of this title. Off-site signage shall comply with Chapter 17.34 of this title if the signage is located on private property. An encroachment permit shall be obtained prior to placing signage within a County road right-of-way.

K. Lighting shall not exceed that necessary to provide for the safety of guests attending the event. All lighting shall be low level, low intensity, and directed downward toward the area to be illuminated to avoid creating glare for residents of the area or passing motorists.

L. A building permit shall be secured prior to erecting a temporary tent or a temporary stage.

M. Temporary power cords shall not be affixed to structures, extended through walls, or subjected to environmental or physical damage. Cords shall be secured to prevent tripping hazards. Large diameter cords shall be provided with cord bridges or ramps to facilitate the crossing of wheelchairs, strollers, and similar wheeled equipment.

Q. If food will be served, the event shall comply with the California Retail Food Code.

R. If alcohol will be served, the event shall comply with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (Ord. 3471 § 12, 2024).

A. A use permit shall be obtained prior to holding a commercial event in the AE-37, AE80 or AE-160 District that exceeds the number of events or is not in compliance with the standards contained in Sections 17.48.040 and 17.48.050 of this Chapter.

B. Up to 15 commercial events may be held per calendar year for up to 100 persons in the A-20 District subject to the standards contained in Section 17.48.040 of this Chapter. A use permit shall be obtained prior to holding a commercial event in the A-20 District for more than 100 persons, not in compliance with the standards of Section 17.48.040 of this Chapter or holding more than 15 commercial events in a calendar year.

C. A use permit shall be obtained prior to holding any commercial event in the A-10, RE-5 or RE-10 Districts. The use permit can be conditioned to allow modifications to the requirements of Section 17.48.040.

N. If a commercial event uses a tent or membrane structure, the placement, construction, and use of that structure shall adhere to all applicable provisions of the California Fire Code, California Building Code, and this title.

O. If any structures or barns are used, to they must meet Fire Code and ADA requirements.

P. Receptacles for refuse and recyclable materials shall be provided for each event. All refuse and recyclables shall be collected the day following the event and shall be removed from the parcel within seven days following conclusion of the event.

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