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Commission debates clarifying the townships 10% agricultural-preservation rule, takes no action
Summary
Supervisors and commissioners discussed whether to clarify the townships 10% ag-preservation rule; Supervisor Brian Dietrich expressed concern it was being removed, engineers suggested amended language or deed restrictions, and the commission tabled further action.
During "Other Business" on Nov. 18, members discussed the townships longstanding 10% agricultural-preservation rule and whether ordinance language needs clarification.
Supervisor Brian Dietrich voiced concern that the Planning Commission was attempting to eliminate the 10% rule for ag preservation. Chairman Harold Handwerk and Secretary Willard Dellicker said the commissions goal is to define the rule more clearly to reduce differing interpretations and uncertainty.
Township Engineer Karl Scherzberg suggested a possible amendment that would allow delineating a specific area (meets-and-bounds) for non-agricultural development, rather than treating an entire lot as residential for 10% calculations, or alternatively recording an easement or deed restriction on the plan to give up the right to further subdivision. Fritz Najarian asked whether such changes would nullify roughly 40 years of the rule; the commission did not resolve the question and tabled the discussion.
No ordinance amendment, vote, or directive to staff was adopted at the meeting. The exchange was exploratory and the commission indicated it will consider language changes further before any formal proposal is made.
