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Commissioners propose permitting distinctions between family-scale agriculture and commercial-scale production
Summary
The commission discussed allowing family-scale dairies, poultry and community farms on rural residential parcels (10–15 acres) by right or via AUP, while reserving UP review for commercial-scale operations, and suggested adding a 'community farm' category.
Commissioners revisited agricultural and resource uses, arguing family farms and 4-H-scale operations should be allowed on rural residential parcels. Commissioner Fell said, "If you have 15 acres, go buy 15 lambs, feed them out, fatten them up, sell them," arguing small commercial activity on larger parcels is consistent with rural character.
Staff and other commissioners distinguished family-scale agriculture from mass commercial production (Tyson/Harris-Ranch scale). The body proposed allowing many small-scale activities by right in RR and using AUPs in RL to manage potential conflicts; several commissioners suggested creating a 'community farm' category for cooperative plots that supply neighborhood needs rather than large-scale commercial production.
Why it matters: clear distinctions in the code will determine whether small farmers and cooperative agriculture projects can operate without protracted use-permit processes, while protecting neighborhoods from large-scale operations ill-suited to residential zones. Staff will return with language differentiating family-scale, community farms and commercial agricultural enterprises.
