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Farm definitions and variance filing fees flagged in public comment and board discussion
Summary
Board members and a Boone County Farm Bureau speaker urged a review of how the county defines farms and farm businesses; a board member also criticized the $600 variance filing fee while explaining his recusal from one petition.
During new-business remarks and public comment, board members and a representative of the Boone County Farm Bureau raised concerns about how the county defines "farm" and the practical effects on building and variance requirements when parcels are split for family housing. A Farm Bureau commenter said the bureau has seen multiple instances where portions of farms were split to build homes for family members and suggested the comprehensive plan update should revisit related zoning definitions.
Presiding official John Merson also explained his recusal from the Love petition and said a constituent questioned the $600 variance filing fee. "Why do I have to pay a $600 filing fee to get a variance, which I think is a completely valid point," Merson said. The board noted those policy concerns for future discussion and signaled interest in bringing the issue to APC or comprehensive-plan review.
