537 Bell Rd, Kirkwood, PA 17509

Agricultural District

The Agricultural District is intended to serve the interest of public health, safety and welfare. The Agricultural District is further designed and intended to accomplish the following: Protect and stabilize agriculture in areas of productive soils as an ongoing, viable, major component of the economy of the Township.; Permit only those land uses and activities which are agricultural in nature or incidental thereto.; Encourage the preservation of the most productive agricultural land within the Township as a valuable resource which is lost and not economically reclaimable once it is developed for building purpose.; Prevent adverse effects resulting from the encroachment and mixing of residential and other incompatible development with agricultural uses. For the farmer, such mixing would cause increased traffic on the narrow roads used to move agricultural machinery and livestock; additional litter, which is a nuisance to crop production and a danger to livestock; possible damage and loss of crops and livestock from theft, mischief, or trespass; and complaints about odors, noise, dust, barbed wire or electric fences, night operations, and other items which are a normal part of agricultural operations. For the residential occupant there are the nuisances and health and safety hazards alluded to above as well as the possible contamination of well water by agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, and animal waste.; Ensure the ready availability of agricultural products to the residents of the Township and the region.; Guide development incompatible with agriculture into more appropriate zoning districts.; Provide maximum protection to existing and future agricultural enterprises as a natural and national economic resource.