Agenda - 10-18-94-IX-A - Laserfiche WebLink

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21 Adopted 8/17/93 Draft Revision 8/10/94 FARMLAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM GOAL: DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE VOLUNTARY FARMLAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM FOR ORANGE COUNTY STATUS REPORT This initiative represents the continuation of an objective included among the Commissioners' goals for FY 1992-93. The revised Plan of Action reflects an extended time period within which to complete work on this goal. The extension is due primarily to the amount of staff time required to address issues such as the rural character strategies, economic development district proposals, and the University Station Pl.nning Group. Two issues, rural character strategies and the University Station Planning Group have required that GIS staff work on farmland preservation be diverted. . . . . . ....... . BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES In August, 1990,the Board of Commissioners reconstituted the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board and charged it with developing a purchase of development rights (PDR) program for Orange County. One month later, the Advisory Board initiated its work, and,in June of 1991, presented a status report to the Board of Commissioners on the proposal. The Board of Commissioners asked the Advisory Board to address the following: 1. Revision of the system of ranking farmland to include visibility from major thoroughfares and proximity to municipalities. 2. Expansion of the Advisory Board to include municipal representation,including preparation of a Farmland Preservation Ordinance. 3. Presentation of the PDR proposal to Township Advisory Councils to develop support for the program proposals. Since June of 1991, the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board has addressed the concerns identified by the Board of Commissioners as follows: 1. In March, 1992, the Board of Commissioners adopted a Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance recommended by the Advisory Board. 2. In May, 1992,the Board of Commissioners expanded the Advisory Board membership to include municipal representation as recommended by the Advisory Board. 3. In May, 1992, the Advisory Board adopted Rules of Procedure to guide its deliberations. 4. In Apri1,1992, 1,300 notices were sent to land owners participating in the Present Use Value Taxation Program, advising them of the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program. 5. In June, 1992, Orange County's first voluntary agricultural district was designated by the Board of Commissioners. 6. In September, 1992, the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance was amended to reduce the amount of farm acreage required for participation.