42428 Laurel Farm Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659

Rural Preservation District

The regulations of Rural Preservation Districts are intended to foster agricultural, forestry, mineral resource extraction, and aquacultural uses and protect the land base necessary to support these activities. Low density residential development in this type of district is permitted subject to performance standards that maintain the rural character of the district in recognition of the fact that a full range of public facilities is not provided or planned. The farmer has the right to farm without being restricted by neighboring residential areas. Restricted hours of operation for farm equipment, restricted odor-producing fertilizers, or mandatory noise reductions may not be imposed on farmers in an RPD zoning district. The general intent of the district is to encourage farming without undue burden on the landowner. In accordance with these intentions, the following provisions for the protection of agricultural uses will apply: (1) Any farm use of land is permitted. (2) Operation, at any time, of machinery used in farm production or the primary processing of agricultural products is permitted. (3) Normal agricultural activities and operations in accordance with good husbandry practices, which do not cause bodily injury or directly endanger human health, are permitted and preferred activities, including activities that may produce normal agriculture related noise and odors. (4) The sale of farm products produced on the farm where the sales are made is permitted.