Agricultural zoning is a land use district meant for farming, ranching and other rural uses. It usually allows crops, livestock, barns and one farmhouse per property, and it limits subdivisions and commercial development to protect farmland.
On a zoning map, agricultural districts often start with an A or AG, such as A-1, A-2, AG or AR. Rural districts may use RU or RR. The names and rules change from county to county, so check the local zoning code for the property.
Agricultural zoning means the main allowed use of the land is growing crops or raising animals. The goal is to keep agricultural land in large parcels so it can keep being farmed, and to keep conflicts between farms and neighborhoods to a minimum.
That is why agricultural zones usually have large minimum lot sizes, often measured in acres rather than square feet.
Most agricultural districts allow these uses:
Some codes also allow a barndominium, a campground, a wedding venue or agritourism as conditional uses. Those usually need a permit and a public hearing.
| District | Typical meaning |
|---|---|
| A-1 or AG | General agriculture, often the most protective farm district with the largest lots |
| A-2 | Agriculture with smaller lots or more non-farm uses allowed, varies widely by county |
| AR | Agricultural-residential: rural homes on large lots, with small-scale farming and animals |
| RU or RR | Rural or rural residential: large-lot homes outside town, with limited farming |
Some counties reverse the order of A-1 and A-2, so treat this table as a guide and confirm with the local code.
Usually, yes, at least one. Most agricultural districts allow a single family home on a lot that meets the minimum size. Some also allow a second home for family or farm workers.
The catch is lot size. If the district requires 10, 20 or 40 acres per home, a smaller parcel may not qualify. Check the minimum lot size, setbacks and road access rules before you buy. The setback calculator can help you see where a house fits on the land.
Sometimes. Rezoning requires an application to the county or city, a review by planning staff, and public hearings. Approval is more likely when the land is next to existing homes, has road and utility access, and matches the area's comprehensive plan. Land far from services or in a protected farmland area is much harder to rezone.
Look up the parcel on the county zoning map, then read that district's rules in the zoning code. You can search for your county's zoning map on ZoningPoint. Rural land near town may also carry residential zoning, and farm-related processing may fall under light industrial zoning.
Agricultural zoning means the land is set aside mainly for farming and ranching. It usually allows crops, livestock, farm buildings and a farmhouse, and it requires large lots.
Usually, yes. Most agricultural districts allow one home per lot if the lot meets the minimum size, which is often several acres.
AR usually stands for agricultural-residential. It allows homes on large rural lots along with small-scale farming and animals.
Yes, but it takes an application, a staff review and public hearings. Approval depends on the location, access to roads and utilities, and the local comprehensive plan.
Each page shows the zoning a use usually needs and whether you can put it in other zones.
To see how a specific property is zoned, search for its city or county zoning map.