BRIGHTON TWP. – Supervisors approved amended changes to the township’s zoning code, in regard to agricultural definitions and terms.
The amended ordinance now defines an agricultural operation as an enterprise containing 10 or more acres that is actively engaged in the commercial production and preparation for market of crops, livestock, and livestock products, and in the production, harvesting, and preparation for market or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural and aquacultural crops and commodities.
It also includes an enterprise that implements changes in production practices and procedures, or types of crops, livestock, livestock practices, or commodities.
A farm, for agricultural use, is any parcel of land containing 10 or more acres, except otherwise specified, which is used for gain in the raising of agricultural products, livestock, poultry, and dairy products.
All buildings in the farm shall comply with the front yard setbacks for the principal use and have a minimum 15 feet side and rear yard setbacks, unless greater setbacks are specified in the township code.
Onsite sales of products are prohibited, there will be no on-street parking, and adequate off-street parking is required for all participants and equipment. Farms exclude the raising of fur-bearing animals, riding academies, livery or boarding stables, and dog kennels.
Home gardening is defined as the cultivation of herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables on a piece of ground adjoining the dwelling, as an accessory use to the dwelling, which is non-commercial and excludes the keeping of livestock.
A private greenhouse is defined as a structure not to exceed 400 square feet, for the private use of the occupants of the principal use.
Horticulture is defined as the raising, propagating, and selling of trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetative material for human consumption on a minimum of two acres.
All horticulture buildings must comply with the front yard setbacks for the principal use, and must have a minimum 15 feet side and rear yard setbacks.
Like farms, onsite sales of products are prohibited, there will be no on-street parking, and adequate off-street parking is required for all participants and equipment.
The ordinance defines a landscape/garden center as a retail business that includes the growing and/or selling of flowers, plants, trees, shrubs, and other natural flora, and the products which aid in their growth and care which may include one or more of the following activities as accessory uses only:
Brighton Township revises zoning code, adds agricultural definitions – The Times
