Agenda - 02-24-1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. As voluntary agricultural districts are created, up to eight additional members may be appointed. Such members must be landowners in a voluntary agricultural district. Farms which are part of a designated voluntary agricultural district will be identified as such in the Orange County Land Records System, and a notice will be included to alert persons using the system of all parcels that are within one -half mile of such district(s). In addition, landowners belonging to voluntary agricultural districts shall not be assessed for or required to connect to Orange County water and /or sewer systems. In response to a question from Commissioner Gordon, Mr. Collins indicated that there is no tax benefit to the landowner from being in this program. Mr. Collins noted that this program will be supported by the Land Records GIS system. Also, if a landowner wants to connect his home to a public sewer system, the program can be structured so that he is only charged for one hookup to his house, while the remaining land remains in farm land. The landowner is a part of the voluntary conservation program only until he formally revokes the agreement. He felt that 15 members would be sufficient, however, additional members could be appointed if necessary to adequately represent the entire county. In response to a question from Mr. Waddell regarding Section XII, Mr. Collins indicated that there are a limited amount of funds available for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements. There are limitations on the spending of these funds, unless the county uses its own money. In that case, these limitations will not apply. He also indicated that after 20 years, a farmer could purchase back his development rights at the current market value if the county was willing to sell these development rights. This is at the discretion of the county. If the county does not desire to purchase them, the owner would need to find a buyer through normal channels. In response to a question from Betty Eidenier regarding the county not spending money to convert land to non -farm use (including reservoirs) Mr. Collins indicated that this provision would only restrict the county or OWASA. The basic intent is to assure that if the county is serious about preserving farmland, it will not spend money where agricultural lands exist. Mr. Collins indicated that no other county zoning or planning category is afforded as much protection from conversion by the County to other uses as this section X.B.3 would provide for agricultural districts. In response to a question from John Link, Mr. Collins indicated that after an application is received it is sent to the Soil Conservation Service and Tax Supervisor's Department. If the results are positive, the Conservation District can be approved by the Agricultural Advisory Board. The Board of County Commissioners appoint all members to the Agricultural Advisory board. Mr.Collins indicated that historically the Planning Department has served as staff to the Advisory Board. The Planning Department would receive the application and review it for correctness before forwarding it to Soil and Water Conservation and the Tax Supervisor's office. Mr. Larry Reid asked if the prohibition on the county spending