Tiered Winery - Rural Residential Expansion
The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) is looking at ways to allow smaller winery operations in Rural Residential (RR) zones. Large Wineries are already permitted in RR zones with a Major Use Permit (MUP). The goal is to support the local wine industry while protecting environmental resources and maintaining community character.
Through the Tiered Winery - Rural Residential Expansion project, PDS will look at how different types of wineries could operate in RR zones under clear and consistent criteria. This work may create more opportunities for wineries to open or expand, while also making sure community character and natural resources are respected.
The project will include:
- Changes to zoning rules (updating the zoning ordinance)
- New operating standards for wineries
- A review of potential environmental effects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
You can also view our Project Sheet.
In February 2026, the Board of Supervisor's (Board) approved an amendment to the Tiered Winery Ordinance relating to amplified music at Boutique Wineries. You can see the Board Hearing video and read the Minute Order detailing the Boards direction. As part of that hearing, the Board directed PDS to explore additional amendments to the Tiered Winery Ordinance that will be explored as part of this project. Specifically, the Board directed staff to:
- Review of the 30% criteria for designated tasting/retail sales to only include the specific square footage where indoor tasting and retail sales take place and exclude outdoor tasting areas.
- Further reductions of the minimum 200-foot setback for live music from all property lines to the lowest possible distance.
- Reassess all assumptions and attenuations in the current noise study, including but limited to:
- Hard Site vs. Soft Site Attenuations
- Factor in direction of sound amplification
- Consideration of physical or natural barriers between live music locations and property lines such as structures, walls, trees, or other forms of vegetation
- Evaluate feasibility of establishing a waiver process that would allow live music closer than the 200-foot setback if approved by property owners or tenants of impacted properties.
- Reassess all assumptions and attenuations in the current noise study, including but limited to:
We Want Your Input
Community input will inform topics like:
- Zoning criteria for wineries in RR zoned areas, related to: proximity to homes, operating hours, parking, noise
- How wineries can coexist with nearby communities
- Ways to support local farming, agritourism, and small businesses
- Environmental and infrastructure needs to support safe, sustainable operations and growth
We will develop recommendations for an updated Tiered Winery Zoning Ordinance (Section 6910) with your feedback. The Board of Supervisors will consider the recommendations.
How Can You Participate in the Process?
- Stay informed by reviewing the information on this site
- Share information with others
- Participate in the engagement tools on this site (Q&A, News Feed)
- Attend and contribute to conversations at meetings
- Ask Questions
Document Library
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Current Zoning & Ordinances
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Related CEQA Document
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Board Letters
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Feb.28.2024_Minute Order (13)
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Feb.28.2024_Board Letter_Feasibility Analysis on Tiered Winery Expansion and Associated Exemption to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
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Feb.28.2024_An Ordinance Amending the Grading Clearing and Watercourses Ordinance to allow By-Right Ministerial Grading Permits for By-Right Housing Projects Under State Law_ Attachment A
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Feb.28.2024_Peer Review Memo of the Feasibility Analysis_Attachment B
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Feb.28.2024_Correspondence_Attachment C
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July.14.2021_D5_Board Letter_Promoting Boutique and Small Wineries Throughout the County Expansion of the Tiered Winery Ordinance
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Project Fact Sheet.pdf (1.03 MB) (pdf)
