HomeMy WebLinkAboutZTA200900018 Legacy Document 2009-10-13AGENDA TITLE:
Farm Stands Zoning Text Amendment
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AGENDA DATE:
October 7, 2009
SUBJECT /PROPOSAL /REQUEST: ACTION:
Resolution of Intent to amend the regulations pertaining to INFORMATION:
the sale of farm products in the Rural Areas
CONSENT AGENDA:
STAFF CONTACT(S): ACTION: YES INFORMATION:
Messrs. Tucker, Foley, Davis, Kamptner, McCulley, and
Cilimberg ATTACHMENTS: Yes
REVIEWED BY:
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
BACKGROUND:
The County's zoning regulations pertaining to the sale of farm products in the Rural Areas was brought to the Board's
attention as a result of a recent zoning complaint regarding the off -site sale of farm products at the intersection of
Garth Road and Free Union Road.
For the most part, the current regulations pertaining to the sale of farm products in the Rural Areas pre -date the
adoption of the Rural Areas Plan in 2005. Two of the guiding elements of the County's vision for rural Albemarle
County, as expressed in the Rural Areas Plan, are: "A strong agricultural and forestal economy, with large
unfragmented parcels of land on which to produce their goods, opportunities to gain value from processing their own
produce, and access to local markets" and "Plans, policies and decision making that consider and protect rural
economies and ecological processes." One of the guiding principles of the Rural Areas Plan is to "Provide support to
local and agricultural and forestal economies and connect local producers and consumers of local rural products."
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal Two: Protect the County's Natural, Scenic and Historic Resources
DISCUSSION:
Staff recommends that the Zoning Ordinance's regulations pertaining to the sale of farm products in the Rural Areas
be studied and amended as necessary to fulfill the vision and principles of the Rural Areas Plan. Current regulations
pertaining to wayside stands (Zoning Ordinance §§ 5.1.19 and 10.2.1(5)) and farm sales (Zoning Ordinance §§ 5.1.35
and 10.2.2(45) require that the sales take place on the farm. Thus, one key goal of the proposed regulations would be
to expand the locations at which farm products may be sold in the Rural Areas. Though allowed by right in the Rural
Areas district, wayside stands are allowed only with approval of a preliminary site plan. Farm sales are allowed only by
special use permit. Accordingly, another key goal of the proposed regulations will be to implement reasonable
processes that assure that public health and safety considerations are addressed but which are economical and
expeditious given the proposed use. As part of this process, Staff would hold a community roundtable with interested
parties to receive input about the proposed regulations.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Staff is not aware of any budget impacts that would be caused by the adoption of this proposed ordinance.
Approval of a particular farm stand, as with other zoning applications, will involve a review fee to cover staff costs.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Adopt the Resolution of Intent to Amend the Zoning Ordinance attached as Attachment A.
ATTACHMENTS
A: Resolution of Intent