Allowed Uses in the RA (Residential Agricultural) District

The RA (Residential Agricultural) District in Nevada County is designed to support low-density single-family dwellings and other unit types that maintain the rural character of the region. Depending on the General Plan designation, primary importance is placed on either residential or agricultural/natural resource uses [§ 12.02.021.A.1].

Residential Allowable Uses

Residential uses in the RA zone are categorized by the type of permit required for their establishment.

Allowed Uses (Zoning Compliance/Building Permit)

The following residential uses are permitted subject to standard zoning compliance and building permit issuance [§ 12.02.210.B]:

• Single-Family Dwellings: Primary residential units.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior ADUs: Secondary units on the same parcel.
• Duplexes, Duets, and Four-plexes: Allowed within Community Regions or urban clusters, provided they meet underlying density and sewage requirements [§ 12.02.210.B, Footnote 1].
• Employee Housing: Housing provided for employees.
• Transitional and Supportive Housing: Residential housing with no limit on tenure that is linked to onsite or offsite services.
• Residential Care/Daycare: Facilities for 6 or fewer residents/children; daycare homes for 7 to 14 children are also allowed.
• Residential Guest Quarters: Non-commercial lodging for guests [§ 12.03.180].

Uses Requiring Special Permits

• Second Units: Require a Development Permit (DP) [§ 12.03.192].
• Multiple-Family Dwellings: Allowed only with a Use Permit (UP). These must be clustered on-site and provide adequate buffering and screening for adjacent properties [§ 12.03.170].
• Dwelling Groups: Multiple detached dwellings on one parcel require a Use Permit.
• Mobile Home Parks: Require a Use Permit and must include a Mobile Home (MH) combining district [§ 12.02.074].
• Large Care Facilities: Residential care facilities or daycare centers serving more than 6 residents or 14 children require a Use Permit.

Agricultural and Resource Uses

The RA district allows for various agricultural operations, though standards vary based on the intensity of the use.

• Crop and Tree Farming: Allowed as a standard use [§ 12.03.030].
• General Agricultural Structures: Equipment storage, private stables, and packing facilities for on-site products are allowed [§ 12.03.030].
• Wineries: Allowed on parcels of 3 acres or more. Facilities are limited to 3,000 square feet unless a Use Permit is obtained to exceed this size. Wineries must have direct access to a publicly maintained road [§ 12.03.240].
• Animal Keeping: Allowed, but standards vary based on the specific type and number of animals [§ 12.03.040].
• Agritourism: Field retail stands and farm stands are allowed but subject to varying permit requirements [§ 12.03.030].
• Wildlife Rehabilitation: Allowed subject to a Development Permit [§ 12.03.260].

Commercial and Public Uses

Commercial activity is strictly limited to ensure it does not negatively impact the surrounding residential environment.

• Home Businesses: Permitted provided they are incidental to the residence. The business must be contained within a single building and cannot occupy more than 25% of the dwelling's floor area or 400 square feet (whichever is greater). It must be owned/operated by a resident and generate no more than 6 vehicle round trips per day [§ 12.03.110].
• Bed & Breakfast Inns: Require a Use Permit [§ 12.03.050].
• Churches and Schools: Allowed only with a Use Permit [§ 12.03.070].
• Community Meeting Facilities: Social event facilities require a Use Permit.
• Prohibited Uses: Commercial cannabis cultivation and medical marijuana dispensaries are not permitted in the RA district [§ 12.02.210.B].

Site Development Standards

Development in the RA district is governed by specific density and setback requirements [§ 12.02.210.C]: