Minutes 09-11-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 b. Public Comment- The Board of Commissioners will seek public input on how, within the confines of its legislative authority, it may best achieve a balance between expanding economic opportunities for farmers and protecting surrounding areas from the secondary impacts of more commercialized land uses. PUBLIC COMMENT: Leslie Weidner is a realtor and resident in Orange County. She read the following comments: Chairman Dorosin and County Commissioners: I've prepared notes to provide brevity to my comments. If I fail to make myself clear, please interrupt me. I have tried to read and understand both GS 105-277.3 and Session Law 2017-108 but as a layman I did have difficulty. I used to think I knew what a farm was. At this point I'm not sure. But I do think I know what a farm is not. It is not a wedding venue dressed up as a far, I enthusiastically support what the State is attempting to do with Agritourism. Helping the farmers with additional income that will enable the farm to work economically is an honorable goal. However, I'm hopeful that the law and this committee might help protect us from the bad guys...those who only wish to circumvent zoning and other regulations under the auspices..."this is a farm...you must keep your hands off or we will sue." The Board's mission is to serve the residents of Orange County. As a resident, I'm asking for your help to insist that sgritourism is not used as the tool to disrupt my life, and the lifestyle I expected when I moved to Orange County, found my dream house in a peaceful and rural community away from commercial interests. A piece of property, not a producing farm, developed with the sole purpose as a wedding venue with parking, bands, and all else that goes on with 200 people partying is not a farm. A sales tax exemption or present use value program does not define a farm in my mind. A farm must produce something, or be the farm-home for someone before agritourism became the cart before the horse. A wedding venue is not a farm...it is a business, and should be subject to business rules, or to business or special use zoning. Thank you, Leslie Weidner Sandra Beeman said the rural special event permit is a tool for those to hold events that do not fall under the agritourism law, and she thinks the community needs clarification on the definition of a rural special event. She said there could be better communication between the Planning Department and the community about rural special events, the application process, etc. She said the community should be informed of upcoming events of 150 people or more.