AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL TOURISM
General Plan Implementation Program AG-D
PUBLIC MEETING: A virtual public meeting was held on March 10, 2026. Click here to download the PowerPoint presentation
Ranked tenth in California agricultural production, Ventura County is known for its diverse and robust agriculture industry. According to the County’s 2024 Crop and Livestock Report, the $2.3 billion agriculture industry is facing regulatory changes, socio-economic challenges, resource shortages, and natural disasters that challenge the long-term sustainability of the industry. To support the agricultural community, the General Plan and Board of Supervisors directed Planning staff to prepare zoning amendments that support agricultural and rural tourism in the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance.
The University of California defines agricultural tourism as “a commercial enterprise at a working farm, ranch, or agricultural plant conducted for the enjoyment of visitors that generates supplemental income for the owner.” Ventura County is uniquely positioned to promote agriculture and rural tourism, especially for local residents and visitors from Los Angeles region seeking to experience open space, farming, and ranching activities.
This webpage includes information regarding the Agricultural and Rural Tourism Project, which can be accessed by clicking on the following links:
BACKGROUND
When the Ventura County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2040 General Plan, the Agriculture Element (Chapter 8) included the new program, Agriculture Element Program AG-D. This program directs Planning staff to amend the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance (NCZO) to include regulations for agricultural tourism. The full text of Program AG-D is below:
“The County shall revise the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance to include regulations and development standards for agricultural tourism while protecting both the grower and the public. Ordinance revisions may also include additional development standards for agricultural promotional uses, if necessary.”
Overall, the Amendment is intended to reduce permit barriers and allow for more activities that support agricultural and rural tourism. Other agency regulations will also be considered while developing the Amendment.
THEMES
On July 17, 2025, Planning staff held a listening session with farmers, ranchers, and planning consultants to understand what themes should guide the Amendment. The two main themes from the listening session were a desire for fewer permit requirements and increased county intra-agency coordination. A third theme focused on challenges related to insurance options for agricultural and rural tourism activities, but insurance premiums are generally outside of the purview of the zoning ordinance. With these themes in mind, the Amendment may include:
- A tiered permit system that increases the land use activities that are either exempt or allowed by a Zoning Clearance (“ministerial permit”), while a discretionary permit may still be required for more intense land use activities;
- Reviewing the approving body for discretionary permits;
- More ways for farmers and ranchers to host overnight guests; and,
- Low impact camping as allowed by state bill AB 518.
After the summer meeting with farmers, ranchers, and planning consultants, Planning staff met with other County agencies during fall 2025 to discuss what regulations may apply to agricultural and rural tourism. Representatives from the Agriculture/Weights and Measures Division, Ventura County Fire Department, Public Works Agency, Environmental Health Division, and Building and Safety Divisions were in attendance. One-on-one meetings are also being conducted among Planning staff and other County agency staff.
Below is a list of Agricultural and Rural Tourism-focused topics* currently being evaluated:
- Agricultural Promotional Uses
- Agricultural Sales Facilities
- Campgrounds
- Daytime Agricultural Rural Tourism Activities
- Farm stays
* This list is not comprehensive, and topics may be added or removed.
SCHEDULE
A tentative schedule for the Agriculture and Rural Tourism Project is viewable below.
Phase I: Spring/Summer 2026: Amendment Preparation and Environmental Review
Coordination with County agencies will include their review of the draft ordinance in Spring/Summer 2026. Themes discussed with farmers and ranchers will be included. During this time, Planning staff will also prepare the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis regarding the proposed Amendment. This phase is expected to be completed by Spring/Summer 2026.
Phase II: Summer/Fall 2026: Draft Amendment Public Review Period
Public Outreach for the draft Amendment will begin in Summer/Fall 2026 and seek public comments. Planning staff will also present the draft Amendment during a Ventura County Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) meeting. There will be additional opportunities for public comment at the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors adoption hearings.
Phase III: Fall 2026/Winter 2027: Public Hearings
After the draft Amendment is updated in response to public comments, the CEQA analysis will be completed. Then the project will be presented to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. This phase is expected in Fall 2026/Winter 2027.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is Agricultural Tourism?
As discussed in the introduction, the University of California describes agricultural tourism as “a commercial enterprise at a working farm, ranch, or agricultural plant conducted for the enjoyment of visitors that generates supplemental income for the owner.”
Agricultural Rural tourism may include the activities listed below:
- U-Pick
- Farm Stand
- Harvest Festival
- Farm Dinner
- Farm Stay
- Camping
- Horseback riding
- Hiking
- Field Trips
- Tastings and Tours
The graphic above shows five general categories and example activities that could be considered Agritourism from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resource (LINK).
2. What is the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance (NCZO)?
Zoning ordinances regulate the use of one’s property based on the zoning designation. While the NCZO currently includes regulations for Agricultural Promotional Uses (Sec. 8107-33), the Amendment may revise the regulations to support a more flexible permitting process and allow for a wider variety of uses.
3. What is a General Plan?
A General Plan is the “blueprint” for a jurisdiction’s future decisions covering issues such as land use, health and safety, and resource conservation. The Ventura County 2040 General Plan reflects the County’s vision for the future and provides direction through the year 2040 on growth and development. This vision is guided by goals, policies, and programs that the County will implement. All zoning designations must be consistent with the County’s General Plan.
4. Why is the County revising the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance (NCZO) for Agricultural Tourism?
During the 2040 General Plan process, the Board of Supervisors received public comments requesting NCZO amendments to support agricultural and rural tourism. In response, the Board of Supervisors created General Plan Program AG-D Agricultural Tourism Development Standards. General Plan policies related to this Program are listed below:
PROJECT UPDATES AND NOTIFICATIONS
If you are interested in receiving notifications regarding project milestones, opportunities to participate, and public hearings, please sign up below:
CONTACT US
If you have suggestions, comments, or questions about the Agricultural and Rural Tourism Project please contact Associate Planner Brittany Webber using the information below.
Brittany.Webber@Venturacounty.gov
(805) 654-2469
Resource Management Agency
800 S Victoria Ave, L #1740
Ventura, CA 93009
Servicios en Español: Para asistencia o información en español, llame al (805) 654‑2451.