What is the Ag Exemption Application and why does a farmer need to complete the application?
Although the State exempts farms from zoning regulations, it has provided few guidelines as to what should be considered a farm. In order to qualify under the agricultural exemption, one must clearly demonstrate that the principal use of the land and the proposed building(s) are farm related. This includes proposed dwellings and that the occupants of the dwelling are primarily engaged in agriculture. It however, does not exempt one from floodplain requirements. Therefore, to demonstrate that one is actively engaged in farming, and to mainstream all other county requirements, such as floodplain development, private well water, private sewage disposal, E911 and driveway access, one must file an Ag Exemption Application, free of charge.
