2847 Church Rd, Bird in Hand, PA 17505

Agricultural Zone

The purpose of this Zone is to protect areas within the municipality possessing prime agricultural soils Class I, II, and III soils which are highly productive soil types most capable of supporting agricultural activities, so that agriculture as an on-going economic activity in the municipality is preserved. The Township acknowledges animal husbandry as an agricultural operation as defined by the Act. Agricultural operations are enhanced by permitting only those land uses and activities which are either agricultural in nature or are in direct support of agricultural activities. The regulations for this Zone are specifically designed to and shall be construed and interpreted to: protect and enhance agricultural operations in the Zone; facilitate adaptation to other agricultural technologies; minimize conflicting land uses detrimental to agricultural operations; limit development which requires infrastructure in excess of those required by agricultural operations; maintain agricultural tracts in sizes which will preserve existing agricultural operations and facilitate adaptations to other agricultural technologies; encourage and protect a locally available renewable energy source, encourage and protect a locally available renewable food source and preserve, protect, and enhance natural, man-made, and historic features and amenities of the Township that have contributed to the historic character of the community. In addition to the creation and perpetuation of this Zone, the Township supports creation of agricultural security areas and shall promote expansion of current agricultural security areas. The regulations are not intended to restrict agricultural operations, or changes to or expansions of agricultural operations in geographical areas where agriculture has traditionally been present. The regulations of the Agricultural Zone are not intended to violate or exceed the provisions of the Act of May 20, 1993 P.L. 12, No.6, known as the Nutrient Management Act, the Act of June 30, 1981 P.L. 128, No.43, known as the Agricultural Area Security Law, or the Act of June 10, 1982 P.L. 454, No.133, entitled An Act Protecting Agricultural Operations from Nuisance Suits and Ordinances Under Certain Circumstances as mandated by the Act.