You’re Invited to Review the Draft Winery Zoning Ordinance Amendment

Dear Interested Community Members,

We want to hear from you! The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) is pleased to announce that the Draft Tiered Winery Zoning Ordinance Amendments (Draft Ordinance) is available for public review.

Visit the Draft Tiered Winery Ordinance Amendments to review and comment on the Draft Ordinance.

Per direction from the Board of Supervisors (Board) on February 28, 2024, following a Feasibility Analysis, and on February 11, 2026, following the adopted allowance of live amplified music at Boutique Wineries, the Draft Ordinance will include how different types of wineries could operate in RR zones, setbacks, and tasting/retail sales area capacities under clear and consistent criteria.

The purpose of this Draft Ordinance is to support local farms and small businesses by expanding opportunities for winery tiers and operation standards. The Draft Ordinance will entail changes to zoning rules, new operating standards, and a review of potential environmental effects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Your input is essential as we finalize the Draft Ordinance to further encourage a thriving agricultural economy while maintaining harmony with nearby residents and open spaces to address the Board’s direction.

The Draft Ordinance will have a 30-day comment period, ending on August 6, 2026.

Comments may also be submitted via email to PDS.LongRangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov.

A reminder that we will be hosting a second Focus Group Meeting from 12 to 1 PM on Thursday, July 9, 2026, to walk through the Draft Ordinance. If you are unable to attend, staff is hosting an additional Office Hour from 12 to 1 PM on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

An email will be sent out shortly with more information; however, you can always find meeting details and upcoming events through the Project website: Tiered Winery - Rural Residential Expansion | Engage San Diego County.

Please help us spread the word - share this message with family, friends, neighbors, businesses, and colleagues!

For more information about the project, please visit this link: Tiered Winery - Rural Residential Expansion | Engage San Diego County.

To receive updates on this project, please subscribe to the email list.

If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Rivero at PDS.LongRangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov.