LA QUINTA – A proposed county ordinance for “Ranchos” in the Coachella Valley took a major step forward yesterday, advancing with a unanimous vote by the Riverside County Planning Commission.

For three years, Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, the community and county staff have been working towards a new ordinance that would create a path for Ranchos to become permitted event venues in the county. With the recommendation for approval by the Planning Commissioners, the ordinance is set for a hearing by the Riverside County Supervisors in either June or July.

The Rancho ordinance could be a first of its kind in creating a new land-use category for Ranchos in the Coachella Valley. These venues have been used by families for generations holding weddings and quinceañeras, baptisms, and other family and cultural celebrations.

Generally, events at Ranchos are primarily outdoors, on larger agricultural properties, date palm ranches, with many located in rural areas throughout the unincorporated communities of the Fourth District, especially in the eastern Coachella Valley and Thousand Palms as well.

“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 at the same time crafting solutions and setting standards, regulations and more flexible policies that are right for our community. It is our responsibility to have a balance for the safety and wellness for the entire community.”

The county’s draft ordinance defines Ranchos, where these are located within the Fourth District, and determines what types of activities would be allowed, to give more options beyond those that exist in the countywide temporary events and zoning ordinances. If the ordinance is approved, Rancho owners would be able to get a one-time permit that would allow their events.

Regulations Ranchos would need to follow in their operations include: having onsite management, onsite and accessible parking, 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.