Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Farmland Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Alexander County updates farmland preservation ordinance to match state law, adds mandatory public-hearing steps
Summary
Pamela Bowman presented ordinance changes required by a state law effective Oct. 1, 2025 (House Bill 126), making public hearings mandatory for qualifying farmland, extending the local advisory board's timeline to 45 days and imposing a 120‑day delay before condemnation or rezoning can be initiated; the board approved the amendments unanimously.
Alexander County commissioners unanimously approved amendments to the county’s voluntary farmland preservation program ordinance to conform with recent state statutory changes. Pamela Bowman, director of the Soil and Water District, told the board the updates stem from House Bill 126 (effective Oct. 1, 2025) and an amendment to N.C. General Statutes (referenced in the presentation) that now requires a public hearing for qualifying farmland in local VAD ordinances, extends the local agricultural advisory board’s reporting period from 30 to 45 days, and prohibits state or local agencies from formally initiating condemnation or rezoning for 120 days after the advisory board submits its findings.
Bowman said Alexander County’s ordinance already followed many of the new practices, but the changes were required to match the state statute. She also noted that the county has over 13,000 acres enrolled in the farmland preservation program and that the county maintains maps in the register of deeds and tax office to show preserved parcels; property buyers are expected to sign a form acknowledging the map when applicable.
Commissioners asked technical questions about stream and debris-removal grant applications Bowman’s office is preparing and how notification is handled when preserved land is adjacent to a sale. After public-hearing procedures were opened and closed, the board voted to approve the ordinance amendments.
Chairman Yoder and other commissioners emphasized protection of farmland as important to the county’s agricultural character.
