178 Manor Church Rd, Columbia, PA 17512

Agricultural Zone

The primary purpose of this zone is to promote the continuation and preservation of agricultural activities in those areas most suitable for such activities and where such activities have historically occurred within the Township. Areas contained within this zone have been specifically identified as possessing valuable and nonrenewable natural and cultural resources. This Zone also intends to protect and stabilize the Township's viable agricultural economy by eliminating uses that are incompatible with farming, but permitting a wide range of commonly occurring, limited-scale business uses e.g., retail sale of agricultural products, small engine repair, bake shops, lawn care. Consequently, residential uses are limited and any future inhabitants in this zone must be willing to accept the impacts associated with normal farming practices and related businesses. It is the Township's intent for the provisions of this chapter to comply with the ACRE legislation and the Nutrient and Odor Management Act. Finally, the provisions of this zone have been specifically formulated to further the objectives of the Municipalities Planning Code MPC, 1 which provides that local zoning ordinances shall be designed "to preserve prime agriculture and farm land considering topography, soil type and classification, and present use.