Planning & Zoning
Agricultural Issues Committee
Review current master plan; Evaluate agricultural lands based on soils, topography, and surrounding uses. Develop a GIS map of proposed areas for intensive agricultural operations. Work with the Agricultural Preservation Board to evaluate areas and understand their position with regard to the current PDR Ordinance.
| Member |
Position |
| Robert Thompson |
ex-officio member |
| Rich Recker |
Member |
| Jerry Neyer |
Member |
| Marilyn Fosburg |
Member |
Policies
- Identify those agricultural lands throughout the County that have the highest priority for conservation based on soils, topography, and surrounding uses.
- Designate appropriate locations within the County’s agricultural areas for intensive farming operations based on compatibility with surrounding uses, potential for future development in the vicinity, and similar relevant criteria.
- Promote implementation of a program of transferable development rights (TDR) and purchase of development rights (PDR).
- Recognize the importance of agricultural lands as an irreplaceable natural resource.
- Adopt zoning regulations for agricultural lands that limit the intrusion of non-farm uses.
- Research the feasibility of a County-wide program for purchasing and/or transferring development rights on significant agricultural land.
- Work with the State of Michigan on new programs and legislation.
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