Agenda - 09-21-2004-5k - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

a b, Have good sail qualities; c, Are favorable for all major crops common to Orange County; d. Have a favorable growing season; e. Receive the available moisture needed to produce high yields for an average of eight (8) out of ten (10) years; OR be one on which at least twc-thirds of the land has been actively used in agricultural, horticultural or forestry operations as defined in the N,C. General Statutes, Section 105-277.2 (1,2, and 3), during each of the five (5) previous years, measured from the date an which the determination must be made as to whether the land in question qualifies, 3. Be managed, if highly erodible land exists on the farm, in accordance with the Natural Resources Conservation Service defined erosion-control practices as specified in the 1985 Food Security Act. The Natural Resources Conservation Service Office and the Tax Supervisor have provided memoranda (attached) which indicate that the Walters property (TM #2.42.,5A) satisfies the above requirements (see Attachments #3 and #4).. In addition, the property in question contains 173 acres and meets the 80-acre minimum size requirement for individual Orange County VADs. To be designated as a Voluntary Agricultural District, the District must be approved by the Board of Commissicners. Following this approval, the property owner signs a conservation agreement, as provided in the North Carolina General Statutes, between Orange County and the owner that prohibits non-farm use or development of such land for a period of at least ten (10) years, except for the creation of not more than three (3) lots that meet applicable Orange County zoning and subdivision regulations (see Attachment #6). The property owner may leave the program by providing a written notice. At its August 18, 2004 meeting, the Agricultural Preservation Board voted unanimously to approve the certification of the Walters tract as qualifying farmland, and to recommend its formal designation as part of the Walters' existing Voluntary Agricultural District located along High Rock Road in Cedar Grove Township. The addition of this land would bring the total acreage in the Voluntary Agricultural District program in Orange County to 2,052 acres. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the 173 acres of the Walters property be certified as qualifying farmland and designated as an addition to the existing Walters Voluntary Agricultural District,