Committee approves conditional use permit for non‑farm residence on agricultural tract

At the March 9 meeting, the committee approved a conditional use permit to establish a non‑farm single‑family residence within an A‑1 Prime Agricultural zoning district for the property identified in the notice. Staff explained the conditional use process, the 0.4‑acre non‑farm residential lot limit typically applied under the code, and standard conditions (notice of zoning limitation to be recorded, right‑to‑farm notification, permit duration/renewal rules and requirements for septic/system verification).

Applicants were present; neighbors, including a resident who said the change would help the town’s tax base and encouraged revisiting local restrictions, spoke in favor. Committee members confirmed no new lot was being created in the application under consideration and discussed likely house placement to preserve active farm operations. Staff explained that if the existing septic system did not meet current separation standards a new system or tests (soil boring) would be required before permit issuance.

The committee voted to grant preliminary approval subject to five conditions and directed the land use administrator to issue the conditional use permit incorporating the committee’s decision.