McIlhinney Introduces Legislation to Exempt Agricultural Support Buildings From Local Zoning Regulations

HARRISBURG – Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery) introduced legislation today that would provide greater opportunities for farmers who are interested in building new structures on their land to improve operations, marketing and agritainment activities.

Senate Bill 1239, also known as the Family Farm Initiative and Enterprise Land Development Act (FIELD), would create and establish the Farm Enterprise Standards Board to identify and develop uniform minimum land development and construction standards for agricultural supporting structures, and agricultural marketing and agritourism enterprises.

Under McIlhinney's proposal, a building that meets the minimum standards established by the Board would be excluded from the minimum zoning, land development and construction standards imposed by local ordinances and the requirement for local government approval.

"Many farmers are looking for creative ways to maximize their income through marketing and agritainment, but local government interference can present a serious obstacle to progress," McIlhinney said. "It is important to ensure that these new structures meet reasonable building and land use standards, but we should not allow burdensome local ordinances to prevent farmers from making the most of their business."

CONTACT:

Heather Cevasco
(215) 489-5000