§ 106-738. Voluntary agricultural districts. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 106‑738.  Voluntaryagricultural districts.

(a)        An ordinanceadopted under this Part shall provide:

(1)        For theestablishment of voluntary agricultural districts consisting initially of atleast the number of contiguous acres of agricultural land, and forestland orhorticultural land that is part of a qualifying farm or the number ofqualifying farms deemed appropriate by the governing board of the county orcity adopting the ordinance;

(2)        For the formation ofsuch districts upon the execution by the owners of the requisite acreage of anagreement to sustain agriculture in the district;

(3)        That the form ofthis agreement must be reviewed and approved by an agricultural advisory boardestablished under G.S. 106‑739 or some other county board or official;

(4)        That each suchdistrict have a representative on the agricultural advisory board establishedunder G.S. 106‑739.

(b)        The purpose of suchagricultural districts shall be to increase identity and pride in theagricultural community and its way of life and to increase protection fromnuisance suits and other negative impacts on properly managed farms. The countyor city that adopted an ordinance under this Part may take such action as itdeems appropriate to encourage the formation of such districts and to furthertheir purposes and objectives.

(c)        A county ordinanceadopted pursuant to this Part is effective within the unincorporated areas ofthe county. A city ordinance adopted pursuant to this Part is effective withinthe corporate limits of the city. A city may amend its ordinances in accordancewith G.S. 160A‑383.2 with regard to agricultural districts within itsplanning jurisdiction. (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1025, s. 1; 2005‑390, ss. 3, 12.)