Agricultural Zoning

Agricultural zoning is a specialized form of zoning where the type and intensity of land use and land development are compatible and consistent with food and fiber production. Agricultural zones are typically adopted in areas interested in protecting, stabilizing, or preserving the agricultural land base and, at the same time, keeping individuals employed in the production of food and fiber crops. There are two general types of agricultural zoning: exclusive and nonexclusive. The more widely used and less restrictive is nonexclusive agricultural zoning, which recognizes agriculture production as the preferred use in certain areas but does not prohibit other land uses in the agriculturally zoned area. Nonexclusive agriculture zones typically allow non-farm uses of land if approved by a local zoning agency. Nonagricultural land uses must be compatible with agriculture production (for example, livestock feed stores, farm implement dealers, retail nurseries, and greenhouses), and limit population density by requiring large lot sizes for residential units (usually in the range of one dwelling unit per 20 acres or greater). The intent is that the larger lot sizes represent the minimum size land base needed for sustainable agriculture production. Exclusive agricultural zoning is more restrictive. Non-farm residences, non-agriculture activities, and retail businesses are usually prohibited. Allowable uses might be roadside farm sales from producing farms or nursery retail sales from producing nurseries within the agricultural zone. Other uses, which can be placed on lower quality land but which also provide services to the agricultural uses, may be allowed in exclusive agricultural zones. Examples of these uses include cemeteries, landfills, schools, churches, and animal hospitals.