8850 Williby Rd, Salem, VA 24153

Agricultural/Rural Preserve District

The AG-3, agricultural/rural preserve district consists of land primarily used as farmland, woodlands, and widely scattered residential development located within the rural service area. Also found in these areas are lands with steep slopes, and groundwater recharge areas. Many of the county's unique natural and scenic resources are found in this district. The purpose of this district is to maintain these areas essentially in their rural state, and attempt to protect sensitive and unique land resources from degradation as recommended in the rural preserve land use category of the comprehensive plan. This may be accomplished by maintaining the existing agricultural lands and preventing the encroachment of incompatible land uses. Non-farm residents should recognize that they are located in an agricultural environment where the right-to-farm has been established as county policy. This district is also intended to minimize the demand for unanticipated public improvements and services, such as public sewer and water, by reducing development densities and discouraging large scale development.