Once a farm is preserved, annual monitoring is required to ensure compliance with the deed of easement. The SADC conducts annual monitoring of farms preserved through the state acquisition program and coordinates county monitoring efforts and submission of reports.
The SADC also administers all post-closing requests, such as for divisions of premises, residential construction or replacement, construction of agricultural labor units, exercising of residual dwelling site opportunities (RDSOs), special permits for commercial nonagricultural activities and personal wireless service facilities, as well as deed of easement violation resolution.
Division of the Premises
A landowner who wishes to subdivide a permanently preserved farm may apply to the county agriculture development board for a division of the premises. The division must meet criteria in the SADC's policy, including that the resulting parcels are agriculturally viable. The request must be approved by both the county agriculture development board and the SADC.
Division of Premises -- Policy
Division of Premises -- Application (PDF or Word)Exercise of an RDSO
Some farms are preserved with a Residual Dwelling Site Opportunity (RDSO) to provide for the limited future construction of a residential unit(s) for agricultural purposes. An owner of a preserved farm that provides for an RDSO in the deed of easement must apply to the county agriculture development board to exercise that RDSO (i.e., construct the residential unit). Exercise of an RDSO requires both county agriculture development board and SADC approval.
Exercise a Residual Dwelling Site Opportunity (RDSO) -- Policy
Exercise a Residual Dwelling Site Opportunity (RDSO) -- Application (PDF or Word )
Commercial Nonagricultural Uses/Personal Wireless Service Facilities
Under rules effective on June 2, 2008, an owner of preserved farmland who meets certain eligibility criteria may apply for a special permit to conduct a commercial nonagricultural use and/or enter into an agreement for the construction of a personal wireless service facility.
Rules:
Summary of Rules
Special Permit for Commercial Nonagricultural Activity on Preserved Farmland
Special Permit for Installation of Personal Wireless Facility on Preserved Farmland (see amendment approved for adoption)
Applications:
Application for a Special Permit for a Commercial Nonagricultural Use
Application for a Special Permit for a Personal Wireless Service Facility Annual Monitoring of Preserved Farms
SADC Annual Monitoring Report FormOrder a Sign for Your Preserved Farm
Sign request form