The agricultural holding (AH) district allows an orderly phasing of urban development of land. It is a holding district that allows agricultural uses to continue until such time that the agricultural lands are needed for urban uses and public facilities and services are available. Conversion of AH property to a non-agricultural use requires a zone change in accordance with Chapter 17.180. (Ord. 619, 2003)

No building, structure, or land shall be used and no building or structure shall be hereafter erected, altered, or enlarged in this district except for the following uses:

A. Raising or harvesting crops; for the feeding, breeding, and management of livestock; for dairy; or for any other agricultural or horticultural use or any combination thereof. Includes the preparation of the products raised thereon for man’s use and disposal by marketing or otherwise.

B. Wineries, and wine sales and tasting rooms when operated in conjunction with a winery.

C. One single-family dwelling or a single-family manufactured home subject to Chapter 17.116 for owners, operators, or help required to carry out a use specified in subsection A of this section, contingent upon the availability of sewer and water services.

D. Accessory buildings as are needed and normally required in connections with a use specified in subsection A of this section. (Ord. 619, 2003)

The following uses are permitted as conditional uses, provided that such uses are approved in accordance with Chapter 17.152:

A. The establishment of more than one dwelling in conjunction with farm use.

B. Utility facility including utility rights-of-way.

(Ord. 619, 2003)

A. The term “livestock”, as used in this district, shall not include swine.

B. No livestock shall be kept on parcels of less than three acres.

C. Poultry or bees shall not be kept on parcels of less than one acre.

D. The total livestock permitted per parcel shall be limited to the square footage of the parcel divided by the minimum area required for each animal listed as follows:

1. Livestock: twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet per animal over six months of age;

2. Poultry: five hundred (500) square feet per animal;

3. Bees: one thousand (1,000) square feet per colony.

E. If a residence is located on a parcel described in subsection D of this section, the lot area per animal shall be in addition to a seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square foot per residence requirement.

F. Animal shelters shall not be located closer than seventy (70) feet to an abutting street or non-agricultural district. (Ord. 619, 2003)

The following minimum dimensional standards, with the exception of modifications permitted under Chapter 17.132, shall be required for all development in the agricultural holding district:

(Ord. 619, 2003)

All developments in the AH district shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapters 17.128 through 17.140. In addition, the following specific standards shall apply:

A. Accessory Structures. Accessory structures as provided for in Chapter 17.96.

B. Off-Street Parking. Off-street parking, as specified in Chapter 17.68.

C. Signs. Signs shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.80.

D. Partitions. Land divisions shall be reviewed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17.172.

(Ord. 619, 2003)