Agriculture land issues have rules; Included are farm markets, product stands, possible fee waivers for buildings

CHEBOYGAN -- Agricultural land uses are among the Planning Commission’s recent priorities, with the panel developing regulations for farm markets, farm product stands and possibly the waiver of zoning permit fees for commercial agricultural buildings.
According to Community Development Planner Scott McNeil, the Planning Commission has a written priority in its work plan to address agricultural issues and bring the county zoning ordinance more in conformance with the Right to Farm Act.
The panel began by making sure it was allowing for farm markets and related businesses on farms and in agricultural areas. Provisions to address farm markets were already in the ordinance, but they didn’t conform to the Right to Farm Act, McNeil explained.

“A lot of provisions in the Right to Farm Act preempt those in our zoning ordinance, but some do not,” McNeil noted. “To address that as best we can, we want to align our ordinance with the law.”
In addition to tweaking its farm market language, the Planning Commission also decided to add farm product stands to the ordinance, which provides standards for individuals to sell farm products even if they are not connected to a farm.
The ordinance amendments for farm markets and farm product stands have been through the public hearing process at the Planning Commission level and will next go before the Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners for final input and approval.
McNeil said a concern that originated from a local farmer and was communicated to the Planning Commission has led to the panel considering the elimination of zoning permit fees for buildings that will have a commercial agricultural use. Language is still being developed to identify those type of structures. A similar policy exists in Emmet County, in which permit requirements for those type of buildings are waived as well. McNeil noted that the amendment would address those who are commercially engaged in agricultural activity, rather than hobby farmers.
The agricultural zoning amendments are just a few of the items the Planning Commission is addressing, and more discussion on the fee waiver issue will take place.

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