Agricultural & Forestal Districts
Ag & Forestal Districts Conservation Easements
What is an AFD? Land designated by the Board of Supervisors to protect & enhance ag and forest lands as economic and environmental resources. It occurs at the request of the landowner. It is not the same thing as a zoning district. An area declared by policy to be for agricultural and forestry uses only, under authority of state law. Creative Commons 2015
18 Districts with over 39,000 acres = 13% County County-Wide Ag & Forestal Districts
Benefits Preserves rural character and ag heritage; maintaining open space. Protects lower tax rates if the Board eliminates the land-use program. Some protection against eminent domain. Affords an extra review. Protects against County imposing nuisance ordinances that might limit farming practices like noise or dust ordinances. Creative Commons 2015
Benefits Discussion point in local planning decisions concerning special use permit applications and rezoning. Protect against new special taxing districts for sewer, water, or electricity. Creative Commons 2015
Districts & Eligibility After the 200-acre core is met (as in our 18 Districts) other land may be added including: Districts can be created when a group or individual landowner(s) ▪ Contiguous parcels total at least 200 acres in one ▪ Within 1 mile of the Core parcel or several adjacent parcels. This is the “Core”. ▪ Significant ag and forest lands ▪ Parcels contiguous to those within 1 mile of the perimeter.
Can anyone be forced to join a district? No. Landowners must apply for the designation. No application fee. Creative Commons 2015
Restrictions Land may not be developed into more intensive use (except farm structures and farmer housing). Subdivision prohibited (except allowed family subdivisions). Restrictions pass on to new owners. Terms last up to 10 years or designation of District.
Withdrawals ▪ Allowed during time of District renewal with no Board approval. ▪ Withdrawal at anytime if landowner provides “ good and reasonable cause ” to the Board. ▪ Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by the Board. Creative Commons 2015
Renewals State law requries that a district be renewed at least every 10 years. At this time, landowners can decided to renew, add to, or withdraw their parcels without special consideration from the Board of Supervisors. Creative Commons 2015
Our AFD’s 5 th in the State of Virginia Shenandoah County has more land in AFD’s than any other locality in the Valley. Acreage increased by 5,000 acres or 11% between 2009-2013. Creative Commons 2015
39,000+ acres in AFDs… out of 327,680 total acres in the county… or approximately 13% of county land. Creative Commons 2015
The renewal process strengthens existing districts and provides the opportunity to adapt to changing economic and development conditions. Creative Commons 2015
Related Programs Other ways to help protect the rural character of our County
Conservation Easements Battlefield Foundation Century Farms Creative Commons 2015
Conservation Easements Purchasing of full or partial development rights on strategically important parcels for perpetuity. Often through partnerships with USDA, Non-Profits and State agencies to leverage county funds and maximize protection acreage. Current landowners can work with the AFD Committee to potentially withdrawal from a District to join pursue an easement.
Shenandoah at War Battlefield Foundation If land lies near battlefield sites, also consider partnering with the Shenandoah at War Battlefield Foundation Tom’s Brook - Fisher’s Hill - New Market Historic conservation easements Contact: info@svbf.net or 540.740.4545
Century Farms Virginia Century Farm Program recognizes and honors those farms that have been in operation for at least 100 consecutive years. Eligibility parcels must be: ▪ owned by same family for at least 100 years ▪ lived on or farmed by descendent ▪ Gross over $2,500 annually from farm products 37 Century Farms in the County Top 5 in the State More Information: Office of Farmland Preservation http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/century/pdf/cfapplication.pdf Creative Commons 2015 Creative Commons 2015
Free and Protects lower tax Pride and easy rates recognition Protects customary Preserve our ag farming heritage practices
Attend AFD Advisory Committee meetings and/or Conservation Easement Authority committee meetings. Get involved and learn more. This is YOUR County. For more info: Community Development Shenandoah County Jill Jefferson, Planner 540-459-6204
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