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Eliot board seeks tighter farm definition, considers three-year continuous operation rule for second ADU
Summary
Planning Board debated how to define 'farm' for zoning purposes and discussed limiting eligibility for a second ADU to farms in continuous operation (proposal example: three years); members cited the goal of housing farm employees and worry about off-season short-term rentals.
Members of the Town of Eliot Planning Board examined competing definitions of "farm" while refining the ADU allowance that could permit a second unit on qualifying farms. The board reviewed language options (from a full description of farm activities to a simplified definition such as "a property engaged in agriculture") and discussed linking the second-ADU allowance to operational criteria, for example: farms in continuous operation for at least three years or those currently engaged in agriculture or agricultural education.
The stated purpose for the second ADU is to provide living accommodations for full- or part-time farm employees (examples noted included seasonal workers, a farm manager, or harvesting staff). Several members raised concerns that, without limits, the allowance could be used for short-term rentals during off-season months. The Planning Board agreed to forward the draft definition and its discussion points to the Town Assessor and the Agriculture & Food Security Commission for review and feedback before finalizing ordinance language.
