Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, the community, and county staff have been working towards a new ordinance for three years that would create a path for Ranchos to become permitted event venues in the county. The Planning Commissioners have recommended the ordinance for approval, setting it up for a hearing by the Riverside County Supervisors in either June or July.
The Rancho ordinance could be groundbreaking as it may establish a new land-use category for Ranchos in the Coachella Valley. These venues have traditionally served families for generations, hosting weddings and quinceañeras, baptisms, and other family and cultural celebrations.
Rancho events are primarily outdoors on larger agricultural properties such as date palm ranches. Many of these venues are located in rural areas throughout the unincorporated communities of the Fourth District, especially in the eastern Coachella Valley and Thousand Palms.
“I am proud that the Riverside County Planning Commission recognized the community involvement and community support in this Rancho ordinance, and advanced it at their hearing this week,” said Supervisor Perez. “We are working to support the unique culture and heritage that is in our communities in the Fourth District and create more options for these small businesses that support local families and the economy while crafting solutions and setting standards, regulations, and more flexible policies that are right for our community. It is our responsibility to balance safety and wellness for the entire community.”
The county’s draft ordinance defines Ranchos within the Fourth District, determines what types of activities would be allowed there to provide more options beyond those available under countywide temporary events and zoning ordinances. If approved, Rancho owners would be able to obtain a one-time permit allowing their events.
Regulations Ranchos would need to follow include having onsite management, accessible parking facilities, access for fire and emergency services, fire extinguishers, restroom facilities, a traffic plan, and trash disposal.
Claudia Lua Alvarado, owner of Rancho 51 Date Garden and leader of Ranchos and Vendors United, states, “I am very proud of our Ranchos and all the different businesses that help the Ranchos and give our families and community members an affordable way to celebrate their families. The Ranchos and Vendors United are very pleased with the 5-0 favorable vote on the Rancho ordinance. We are looking forward to the final vote of the five Supervisors as we are excited to be permitted and have these beautiful events for our community. We thank Supervisor Victor Manuel Perez and the county for their support.”
For more information, visit the Planning Department’s Rancho ordinance Web page at https://planning.rctlma.org/rancho-community-event-facility-ordinance.