Orange County NC Website
13 <br /> The Board agreed by consensus. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin referred to attachment 3: Bona Fide Farm Use— <br /> Support legislation clarifying the farm use and agriculture exemption of 153A-340 that <br /> restricts local zoning authority applies only to property on which the production of crops <br /> or livestock is the primary use. Clarify that marketing and agritourism activities must be <br /> secondary uses of the property and do not qualify for the exemption in the absence of <br /> the production of crops or livestock. Local governments are seeing an increasing <br /> number of properties that, although they meet one or more criteria for exemption, such <br /> as having a federal farm identification number, are not used for the production of crops <br /> or livestock. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said Bon fide farm use did not make it into the 22 points <br /> in the resolution, and suggested adding this item given the important role of agriculture <br /> in Orange County. <br /> Commissioner Burroughs said the committee did discuss this item briefly, and <br /> concluded that the topic could not be dealt with. She said it can certainly be added. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said constituents are expressing concern, and the BOCC <br /> often gives the response that it is constrained by what it can do, due to lack of state <br /> legislation. He said including this item would at least offer residents support, and the <br /> acknowledgment that they been heard by the BOCC. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs agreed, and said the Board supports the diversification <br /> that comes with agricultural enterprise when tourism is included. He said some abuses <br /> may be taking place, and local governments should have a bit more authority to <br /> differentiate between a genuine agricultural use, and a use hiding behind the name of <br /> agriculture. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked if staff would look into violations of the County's <br /> open burning ordinance. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier said she agrees in principal with the clarification. She <br /> said she understood that the issuance of a farm ID by the USDA has changed. <br /> John Roberts said the possession of a farm ID automatically exempts a property <br /> from local ordinances, and he has heard that it has become more difficult to obtain a <br /> farm ID. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner <br /> Jacobs to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as amended for# 4, <br /> and addition of#22-(which is #26 on attachment 3) and #23, and the repeal of a school <br /> board's right to sue county boards; and direct the Clerk to the Board to forward the <br /> approved resolution, the completed NCACC Legislative Goals Proposal Forms, and <br /> any other related materials to NCACC by the September 23, 2016 deadline. <br /> Commissioner Price said she will vote for this, but does not support the piece <br /> meal way to address sexual orientation. <br /> Commissioner Burroughs said she agreed with Commissioner Price. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />