Minutes 03-27-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 Commissioner Burroughs asked if this was still in the courts and the Delegation agreed. Representative Meyer said they don't know the court timing and they don't know any other Republican restrictions that may come forward. Representative Insko said they are supportive of on line registration. Representative Insko said all of this is in the context that the Republicans have the vote. Commissioner Rich said is there an update on the 2017 special elections. Representative Meyer said it is still in the Supreme Court. Senator Foushee said they will probably know something in June. Bona Fide Farm Use- Commissioner Marcoplos Support legislation clarifying that the farm use and agriculture exemption of 153A-340 that restricts local zoning authority applies only to property on which the production of crops or livestock is the primary use. Clarify that marketing and agritourism activities must be secondary uses of the property and do not qualify for the exemption in the absence of the production of crops or livestock. Item#24 in the Board of Commissioners' Statewide Issues Resolution Commissioner Marcoplos said he is assuming this is happening all over the state and he listed the reasons to be certified as a bona fide farm. Representative Insko said you can have primary uses of farm uses and also have a wedding venue so how do you determine what is primary. Commissioner Marcoplos said there is a listing of uses and so this needs to be consistent with their agri- support initiatives. Representative Meyer said this is not an issue all over the state. He said many want to supplement their farms' income and he said there are two issues: the ability for counties and cities to control zoning in these areas and also there is the fire code issue. A barn is not set to the same fire codes as a barn being used for a wedding. The fire marshals are very involved in this issue and they are trying to work with those involved to work this out. He said the word "primary"is the main word. Commissioner Marcoplos said they may just have a farm first, and then eclipse with agri-support enterprises. John Roberts said one of the issues is that N.C.'s definition of agritourism is a part of the farm activities definition and that is the problem of challenging this, Representative Meyer said no one is interested in doing a separate bill and when the Farm Act of 2017 goes through this provision may be added. Commissioner McKee said this all centers around the urbanization of counties and it is not just around the Chapel Hill area. There are farms all over the county who have a problem with urban transplants. This is going to be a continuing issue.