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California counties bear the primary responsibility for regulating agritourism operations on agricultural land within their boundaries, often working with stakeholders to revise policies and zoning ordinances. This section shares research, examples of agritourism policies in general plans and wording of agritourism ordinances, as well as state agritourism regulations and guidelines.

County Examples

Santa Barbara Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance

In December 2024, after several years in development, Santa Barbara County passed the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance (AEO) provides new opportunities for local farmers and ranchers to increase revenues and enhance the economic productivity of their agricultural operations provided the primary use of the land remains agriculture including row crops, orchards, vineyards, and ranching/grazing.  The AEO allows land uses that support agricultural activities such as small-scale agricultural processing, aquaponics, composting, farm stands, firewood processing/sales, lumber processing/milling, and tree nut hulling, as well as rural recreational/agritourism uses such as small-scale campgrounds, farmstays, educational experiences and opportunities, fishing/hunting operations, horseback riding, incidental food service, and small-scale special events.

• AEO website outlining allowed uses and application information: Ag Enterprise Ordinance (AEO) | Santa Barbara County, CA - Official Website
• Land Use and Development Code for the Inland Areas (LUDC): LUDC Text Amendment; Summary of Approved Uses
• Article II - Coastal Zone: Article II Text Amendment
• To learn about the policy development process, including public engagement and the Environmental Impact Report, click HERE. 

State Guidelines

Farm Stand Guidelines

The California Health and Safety Code, amended by Assembly Bill 2168, effective January 1, 2009, defines types of farm stands, each with their own set of requirements.  Visit the Farm stands & shops page to learn more.

Agricultural Home-stays (Farm-stays) Guidelines (PDF)

State Environmental Health guidelines, revised in 2008, allow farmer and rancher hosts to serve meals to agricultural home-stay guests from kitchens with less restrictive requirements than those for commercial kitchens, as permitted by counties or cities.