Urban equestrian initiative zones.

Senator Menjivar's Urban Equestrian Incentive Zones proposal authorizes California municipalities to establish designated areas for preserving equestrian land use through voluntary contracts with property owners. The legislation permits cities and counties to create these zones via ordinance after public hearings, allowing landowners to enter agreements restricting their parcels to equestrian activities.

The contracts must cover properties between 0.1 and three acres and include minimum five-year terms. While prohibiting most residential structures except caretaker dwellings, the agreements allow for equestrian-supporting facilities like stables, barns, riding areas, and instructional spaces. Local governments may implement administrative fees and adopt rules aligned with their general plans and zoning standards. The zones cannot include parcels designated in housing element site inventories.

The bill sets a January 1, 2029 deadline for entering new contracts or renewals, though existing agreements would remain valid through their duration. According to the legislative findings, the measure responds to California's extensive equestrian heritage in communities from Burbank to Del Mar, aiming to maintain these land uses amid broader development pressures. The provisions apply uniformly to all cities, including charter cities, as the Legislature determines equestrian land preservation constitutes a matter of statewide concern.