Agenda - 04-17-2012 - 5f - Laserfiche WebLink

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"l I -;?77 -'4.t'' y,� �..::,�.y,°ti."4 -?' .g'aP ..a2w g'k «X°"• tt.Y' ,}'r`'}}>^:: _.. =r` i+} "f r- "�':;�t.. �N ;� i;•yW. 4'v'.!. �i'4tJ,.4- s.4�ira 4i�p. -, _ �:l.: .:�"`•�'. :,:A,,;''`c;$O'�"i;.� j- t,...r y�4.�..,:"M.,.:"w �.6,Vy Via.,. s ��"+ Eligibility Farmland, forestland, and horticultural lands must meet the following criteria: • The land must be eligible for the present -use value taxa- tion program; and • The land must be managed in accordance with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service guidelines with respect to highly erodible land. Benefits is Signage to publicize the land's enrollment in the VAD program. • Greater public awareness of the local agricultural com- munity and increased pride in the farming way of life. • Increased protection from nuisance lawsuits if notice is provided through county land records systems. • Public hearings for proposed condemnation of VAD land. • Suspension on waiver of water and sewer assessments if the VAD land is not connected to the utility in question. • Possible flexibility in the Orange County Unified Develop- ment Ordinance (UDO) related to farming operations. Requirements According to NCGS 106 -737, the land must be subject to a conservation agreement between the landowner and the County that prohibits non -farm development for a period of at least 10 years, except for the creation of not more than three lots that meet applicable County subdivision regulations. ■ This agreement may be revoked by the landowner at any time. Ending the agreement will result in the property no longer qualifying for the VAD program and its benefits. I Cedar Grove 1 High Rock/Efland Cane Creek/ Buckhom White Cross Caldwell Schley /Eno New Hope/ Hillsborough The County is divided into Seven Districts • Each district has one or more Certified Qualifying Farms enrolled as VADs or EVADs, and • East district has a representative on the Agricultural Preservation Board. Eligibility Same eligibility requirements as VAD. Benefits Same eligibility requirements as VAD, plus: • Landowners are eligible to receive a higher percent of cost -share funds under the Agricultural Cost Share Program —as high as 90% assistance. • State agencies, departments, and institutions that award grants to farmers are encouraged to give priority considerations to landowners participating in Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts (EVAD). • All utility assessments may be suspended or waived if the land is in EVAD but not connected to the utility in question. • The farm may receive up to 25% of gross sales from the sale on non -farm products and still maintain its zoning exemption as a bona fide farm. • Landowners may experience fewer unsolicited requests from developers to sell the land, due to the 10 -year irrevocable conservation agreement. • Landowners can stabilize the use of their land while considering longer -term options, such as permanent agricultural conservation easements. Requirements Same conservation agreement required as VAD, except that the agreement may not be revoked during the term of the agreement. At the end of its 10 -year term, the EVAD conservation agree- ment automatically renews for 3 more years, unless the land- owner provides a timely written notice to the County. Should the landowner end the conservation agreement, the property is no longer eligible for the EVAD program benefits. For more information about VADs and EVADs see www.ncadfD.org M