Agricultural Housing
Many agricultural lands throughout Sonoma County are eligible to build a number of different agricultural housing units. Agricultural housing units are exempt from density rules if they are directly related to the management and care of the agricultural operation. Some agricultural housing types may receive various development fee waivers depending on the size and type of unit.
Types of Agricultural Housing
Agricultural Employee Dwelling Unit
Housing occupied by full-time agricultural employee and his/her family. One unit is allowed for every 50 dairy animals, 20 acres permanent crops, 100 grazing animals, 20,000 broilers, 15,000 laying hens, 3,000 turkeys, 30 horses, or 3-acres field grown nursery stock or one acre of greenhouse.
Fee waivers: Park and Traffic Mitigation fees and affordable housing fees for units less than 1,200 square feet.
Farm Family Dwelling Unit
Housing occupied by member(s) of the farm operator’s family. Requires agricultural easement with a term no less than 20 years. For parcels in Land Intensive Agriculture (LIA) zoning, a Williamson Act contract is required.
Fee waivers: Affordable housing fees for units less than 1,200 square feet.
Caretaker Unit
Housing occupied year-round. One unit allowed for properties with seasonal farmworker housing and qualifying agricultural operations.
Fee waivers: Affordable housing fees for units less than 1,200 square feet.
Seasonal Farmworker Housing
Housing occupied by farmworkers less than 180 days per year. Requires 1.5 acre minimum parcel size. Allows up to 19 farmworkers.
Fee waivers: Park and Traffic Mitigation fees and Affordable housing fees for units less than 1,200 square feet.
Temporary Farmworker Camps
Units occupied by farmworkers less than 90 days per year. Up to four self-contained recreational vehicles or travel trailers.
Fee waivers: Development impact fees do not apply to temporary structures.
Year-Round and Extended Seasonal Farmworker Housing
Housing occupied by farmworkers more than 180 days per year. Requires 10 acre minimum parcel size. Allows up to 38 farmworkers unless a use permit is obtained.
Fee waivers: Park and Traffic Mitigation fees and Affordable housing fees for units less than 1,200 sq. ft.