Tiered Winery - Rural Residential Expansion

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

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

What Zone Are You In?

Use our interactive GIS map to quickly find your zone. Just enter your address (top right search bar) or zoom in to your location, and the map will display your zone information.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

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

What Zone Are You In?

Use our interactive GIS map to quickly find your zone. Just enter your address (top right search bar) or zoom in to your location, and the map will display your zone information.

  • Recap: Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Focus Group Meeting #1 on 5/13/26

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    Dear Interested Community Members,

    The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) wants to thank all who attended the Focus Group Meeting #1 for the Tiered Winery Rural Residential (RR) Expansion project, held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

    If you would like to see a recap of the meeting or you were not able to attend, please visit the project engage page to view the presentation slides (a recording will be uploaded shortly).

    Meeting Recap: We focused on specific update options for winery operations within RR zones (i.e., by-right allowances, parking, minimum lot size, noise) as well as rules for the existing by-right Boutique winery tier related to allowed Tasting/Retail Spaces and Noise and Setback requirements for amplified live music. Attendees asked questions, provided feedback on the proposed options, and how public input will shape the proposed ordinance changes, and learned about upcoming participation opportunities.

    We are hosting a virtual Office Hour for anyone who has additional questions or comments regarding the project.

    Please join us at the Office Hour meeting using the link provided below. 

    We will be reaching out soon with additional engagement opportunities including focus group sessions to discuss updates to the winery ordinance.

    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 or (619) 629-4438.

    Dear Interested Community Members,

    The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) wants to thank all who attended the Focus Group Meeting #1 for the Tiered Winery Rural Residential (RR) Expansion project, held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

    If you would like to see a recap of the meeting or you were not able to attend, please visit the project engage page to view the presentation slides (a recording will be uploaded shortly).

    Meeting Recap: We focused on specific update options for winery operations within RR zones (i.e., by-right allowances, parking, minimum lot size, noise) as well as rules for the existing by-right Boutique winery tier related to allowed Tasting/Retail Spaces and Noise and Setback requirements for amplified live music. Attendees asked questions, provided feedback on the proposed options, and how public input will shape the proposed ordinance changes, and learned about upcoming participation opportunities.

    We are hosting a virtual Office Hour for anyone who has additional questions or comments regarding the project.

    Please join us at the Office Hour meeting using the link provided below. 

    We will be reaching out soon with additional engagement opportunities including focus group sessions to discuss updates to the winery ordinance.

    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 or (619) 629-4438.

  • Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Focus Group Meeting #1

    Share Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Focus Group Meeting #1 on Facebook Share Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Focus Group Meeting #1 on Twitter Share Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Focus Group Meeting #1 on Linkedin Email Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Focus Group Meeting #1 link

    Dear Interested Community Members,

    We want to hear from you! The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) invites you to attend the first Focus Group Meeting regarding the Tiered Winery Rural Residential (RR) Expansion Project. This project is part of an ongoing update to the Tiered Winery Ordinance, following a 2024 Feasibility Analysis.

    Through this project, the County will be looking at how different types of wineries could operate in RR zones under clear and consistent criteria. The project will entail changes to zoning rules, new operating standards, and a review of potential environmental effects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

    Meeting Discussion Topic: Draft Zoning Ordinance Changes

    At this meeting, we will focus on drafted Tiered Winery Ordinance changes being proposed. We are looking for participation from community members who are residents in RR zones, business associates, agritourism partners, and agricultural resource organizations. Additionally, we will go over both noise buffers/setbacks for amplified live music and outdoor seating capacity for Boutique Wineries.

    The goal of this meeting is to obtain feedback on draft changes to the Winery Ordinance that fosters a thriving agricultural economy while maintaining harmony with nearby residents and preserved open spaces.

    PDS will host this in-person hybrid meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12 PM.

    If you would like interpretation services at this meeting, please contact Ashley Rivero in your preferred language at PDS.LongRangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov by Friday, May 8, 2026.

    Please join us at the meeting using the information provided below.

    Two additional participation opportunities are anticipated and are listed below. If interested, please wait for future updates on those opportunities.

    Focus Group Meeting #2: How Feedback was Incorporated – This meeting will go over drafted operational standards, permitting pathways, and criteria's that were gathered by the community and vetted by County departments. The anticipated meeting date is mid-June 2026.

    Open House – This is an opportunity to ask County staff any remaining questions on the draft Tiered Winery Ordinance changes and provide any comments before staff brings the draft language to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. The anticipated date for the Open House is mid-July 2026.

    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 or (619) 629-4438.

    Dear Interested Community Members,

    We want to hear from you! The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) invites you to attend the first Focus Group Meeting regarding the Tiered Winery Rural Residential (RR) Expansion Project. This project is part of an ongoing update to the Tiered Winery Ordinance, following a 2024 Feasibility Analysis.

    Through this project, the County will be looking at how different types of wineries could operate in RR zones under clear and consistent criteria. The project will entail changes to zoning rules, new operating standards, and a review of potential environmental effects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

    Meeting Discussion Topic: Draft Zoning Ordinance Changes

    At this meeting, we will focus on drafted Tiered Winery Ordinance changes being proposed. We are looking for participation from community members who are residents in RR zones, business associates, agritourism partners, and agricultural resource organizations. Additionally, we will go over both noise buffers/setbacks for amplified live music and outdoor seating capacity for Boutique Wineries.

    The goal of this meeting is to obtain feedback on draft changes to the Winery Ordinance that fosters a thriving agricultural economy while maintaining harmony with nearby residents and preserved open spaces.

    PDS will host this in-person hybrid meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12 PM.

    If you would like interpretation services at this meeting, please contact Ashley Rivero in your preferred language at PDS.LongRangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov by Friday, May 8, 2026.

    Please join us at the meeting using the information provided below.

    Two additional participation opportunities are anticipated and are listed below. If interested, please wait for future updates on those opportunities.

    Focus Group Meeting #2: How Feedback was Incorporated – This meeting will go over drafted operational standards, permitting pathways, and criteria's that were gathered by the community and vetted by County departments. The anticipated meeting date is mid-June 2026.

    Open House – This is an opportunity to ask County staff any remaining questions on the draft Tiered Winery Ordinance changes and provide any comments before staff brings the draft language to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. The anticipated date for the Open House is mid-July 2026.

    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 or (619) 629-4438.

  • Recap of Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Kickoff Meeting on 2/10

    Share Recap of Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Kickoff Meeting on 2/10 on Facebook Share Recap of Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Kickoff Meeting on 2/10 on Twitter Share Recap of Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Kickoff Meeting on 2/10 on Linkedin Email Recap of Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Kickoff Meeting on 2/10 link

    Dear Interested Community Members,

    The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) wants to thank you for attending a Kickoff Meeting about the Tiered Winery Rural Residential (RR) Expansion Project that occurred on Tuesday, February 10th.

    If you would like to see a recap of the meeting or was not able to attend, please visit the project engage page to view the Kick-Off Presentation (Watch Here). Additionally, attached is a flyer for the project to share with colleagues that might be interested in this project.

    Recap of the meeting: We provided an overview of the project, the anticipated schedule, explored topics for future focus groups, and conducted a live polling for early project feedback. Attendees also asked questions, learned how public input will be used, and learned about upcoming participation opportunities. Please fill out this Google Form for us to get to know those who are interested in the project by February 20th: https://forms.gle/pdUnL5f7n2dKyofr7

    We are hosting an Office Hour for anyone interested in the project that has any additional questions on Wednesday, February 18th at 12 - 1 PM.

    Please join us for the Office Hour meeting using the link provided below. 

    Additionally, there is a related update to the Tiered Winery Ordinance – the Process Improvement Zoning Ordinance (PIZO) project that allowed amplified live music at Boutique Wineries went to the Board on February 10th and was approved unanimously. You can see the Board Hearing video for more information from the hearing, you can search here. The Minute Order - the Boards Direction is now available here.

    We will be reaching out again soon with additional engagement opportunities including focus group sessions to discuss updates to the winery ordinance.

    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 or (619) 629-4438.

    Dear Interested Community Members,

    The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) wants to thank you for attending a Kickoff Meeting about the Tiered Winery Rural Residential (RR) Expansion Project that occurred on Tuesday, February 10th.

    If you would like to see a recap of the meeting or was not able to attend, please visit the project engage page to view the Kick-Off Presentation (Watch Here). Additionally, attached is a flyer for the project to share with colleagues that might be interested in this project.

    Recap of the meeting: We provided an overview of the project, the anticipated schedule, explored topics for future focus groups, and conducted a live polling for early project feedback. Attendees also asked questions, learned how public input will be used, and learned about upcoming participation opportunities. Please fill out this Google Form for us to get to know those who are interested in the project by February 20th: https://forms.gle/pdUnL5f7n2dKyofr7

    We are hosting an Office Hour for anyone interested in the project that has any additional questions on Wednesday, February 18th at 12 - 1 PM.

    Please join us for the Office Hour meeting using the link provided below. 

    Additionally, there is a related update to the Tiered Winery Ordinance – the Process Improvement Zoning Ordinance (PIZO) project that allowed amplified live music at Boutique Wineries went to the Board on February 10th and was approved unanimously. You can see the Board Hearing video for more information from the hearing, you can search here. The Minute Order - the Boards Direction is now available here.

    We will be reaching out again soon with additional engagement opportunities including focus group sessions to discuss updates to the winery ordinance.

    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 or (619) 629-4438.

  • Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Kickoff Meeting

    Share Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Kickoff Meeting on Facebook Share Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Kickoff Meeting on Twitter Share Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Kickoff Meeting on Linkedin Email Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Kickoff Meeting link

    Dear Interested Community Members,


    We want to hear from you! The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) invites you to attend a kickoff meeting about the Tiered Winery Rural Residential (RR) Expansion Project. This project is part of an ongoing update to the Tiered Winery Ordinance, following a Feasibility Analysis completed in 2024.


    Through this project, the County will be looking at how different types of wineries could operate in RR zones under clear and consistent criteria. The project will entail changes to zoning rules, new operating standards, and a review of potential environmental effects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).


    At this meeting, we will provide an overview of the project, explain the purpose and process of the project, review the anticipated schedule, explore topics for future focus groups, and participate in live polling for early project feedback. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn how public input will be used, and find out about upcoming participation opportunities. PDS will host this virtual meeting on February 10th, 2026, at 5:30 PM.


    If you would like interpretation services available at the meeting, please contact Ashley Rivero in your preferred language at PDS.LongRangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov by add Thursday, February 5th, 2026.


    Please join us for the kickoff meeting using the link provided below.


    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 or (619) 629-4438.



    Dear Interested Community Members,


    We want to hear from you! The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) invites you to attend a kickoff meeting about the Tiered Winery Rural Residential (RR) Expansion Project. This project is part of an ongoing update to the Tiered Winery Ordinance, following a Feasibility Analysis completed in 2024.


    Through this project, the County will be looking at how different types of wineries could operate in RR zones under clear and consistent criteria. The project will entail changes to zoning rules, new operating standards, and a review of potential environmental effects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).


    At this meeting, we will provide an overview of the project, explain the purpose and process of the project, review the anticipated schedule, explore topics for future focus groups, and participate in live polling for early project feedback. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn how public input will be used, and find out about upcoming participation opportunities. PDS will host this virtual meeting on February 10th, 2026, at 5:30 PM.


    If you would like interpretation services available at the meeting, please contact Ashley Rivero in your preferred language at PDS.LongRangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov by add Thursday, February 5th, 2026.


    Please join us for the kickoff meeting using the link provided below.


    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 or (619) 629-4438.



Page last updated: 14 May 2026, 03:24 PM