Nevada County Agritourism Regulations for Residential Agricultural (RA) Districts
Agritourism in Nevada County RA districts requires a minimum of 3 acres (Rural General Plan) or 5 acres (other designations). Activities must end by 10:00 p.m., all parking must be on-site, and the property must have direct access to a publicly maintained road. Concerts, weddings, and camping are strictly prohibited under agritourism use.
In Nevada County, agritourism is recognized as a way to support the local agricultural economy by allowing visitors to engage with working farms and ranches through ancillary activities. Within the Residential Agricultural (RA) zoning district, these activities are permitted subject to specific parcel size requirements, operational standards, and infrastructure regulations.
Definition of Agritourism
Agritourism is defined as the act of visiting a working farm, ranch, or agricultural/horticultural operation for involvement in ancillary activities that add to the operation's economic vitality [§ 12.03.030.B.2].
Included activities:
- Marketing events and farm tours.
- Facilities for promoting crops grown onsite.
- Sale of farm-branded agricultural merchandise.
- Educational classes, lectures, and "U-pick" produce.
- Seasonal celebrations and other gatherings appurtenant to the business.
Excluded activities:
- Concerts and weddings.
- Camping.
- Commercial activities or events not related to the promotion of the farm or ranch.
Minimum Parcel Size Requirements
The ability to conduct agritourism in the RA district depends on the property’s General Plan Land Use Designation and size [§ 12.03.030.C.3]:
| General Plan Designation | Minimum Parcel Size | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Rural (RUR) | 3 acres | May be reduced with a Use Permit |
| All other designations | 5 acres | May be reduced with a Use Permit |
Operational Standards
Agritourism uses must comply with the following operational constraints to minimize impacts on the surrounding residential-agricultural environment:
- Hours of Operation: Activities must cease by 10:00 p.m. [§ 12.03.030.C.3.n].
- Noise: All noise generated must remain within the limits established by the County Noise Ordinance (Section 12.04.070) [§ 12.03.030.C.3.o].
- Product Sales: Producers may sell products grown out-of-county, provided those products do not exceed one-third (1/3) of the total volume sold. This must be verified by the Agricultural Commissioner [§ 12.03.030.C.3.e].
- Permits: Sale of agricultural products is subject to authorization by the County Agricultural Commissioner. If processed foods are sold or sampling occurs, a permit from the County Department of Environmental Health may be required [§ 12.03.030.C.3.c].
- Signage: Signs must be consistent with standards for Agricultural Districts (Section 12.04.210) [§ 12.03.030.C.3.p].
Access and Infrastructure Requirements
To ensure public safety and neighborhood compatibility, properties must meet specific infrastructure standards:
- Road Access: The property must have direct access to a publicly maintained road. If it does not, the applicant must join or form a road maintenance district (such as a county service area or permanent road division) or participate in a road maintenance association per California Civil Code § 845 [§ 12.03.030.C.3.k].
- Parking: All parking must be provided on-site. There must be enough area for vehicles to enter and exit the property without backing into a road or public right-of-way [§ 12.03.030.C.3.l].
- Driveways: Access driveways must meet County standards, and any improvements within the County right-of-way require an encroachment permit [§ 12.03.030.C.3.m].
- Building Codes: Facilities used for agritourism must meet California Building Code requirements for site accessibility (ADA) and California Fire Code requirements for general safety [§ 12.03.030.C.3.h-i].
Associated Uses and Allowances
- Short-Term Rentals: While generally restricted for certain new housing types, short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are specifically allowed on properties that contain active agritourism uses, as verified by the County Agricultural Commissioner [§ 12.03.193.A.3.a].
- Wineries: Wineries and wine tasting rooms are also permitted in the RA district. In this district, winery facilities are limited to 3,000 square feet and must be located on parcels of at least 3 acres (unless a Use Permit is obtained) [§ 12.03.240.C.1-2].