5525 Shell Creek Rd, Santa Margarita, CA 93453

Agricultural Land Use District

The purpose of this Section is to establish a set of regulations applicable to the division of land within the Agriculture land use category. In addition to complying with the standards set forth in this Section and all applicable policies of the general plan, proposed land divisions shall be specifically evaluated for consistency with the policies of the Agriculture and Open Space Element as follows: Agricultural land divisions. Where a division of agricultural lands is proposed, a cluster division where homes are clustered in a compact manner which reduces the agricultural/residential interface, is an alternative to a conventional lot split land division.; Where a division is proposed, the proposed parcels should be of adequate size and design to ensure the long term protection of agricultural resources.; Minimum parcel size criteria for the division of Agricultural lands. Minimum parcel sizes for the proposed division of land designated Agriculture shall be based upon either the existing or potential use of the land for cropland and grazing.; Discretionary approval. The approval of a land division is discretionary and a parcel size larger than the minimum designated in the following Subsections may be required to ensure agricultural capability in accordance with the provisions of the adopted Agriculture and Open Space Element of the general plan.