The resulting ZTA (24-02) represents a marked improvement over ZTA 23-09 that would have allowed motels on protected farmland under the definition of farming. 24-02 makes campgrounds a conditional and commercial use.
The ZTA was just introduced on 6.11.24 and will have a public hearing on July 16 at 1:30pm. Click here to sign up to testify
This leaves time to carefully look over the ZTA and dig into the details. We want to hear from you - it is so important to strike the right balance between agriculture and agritourism - so please let us know your thoughts - [email protected].
MCA commits to continue working with our coalition of stakeholders to suggest refinements as needed to get this ZTA right.
After the Councilmembers presented their draft proposal, the residents in attendance asked questions and made suggestions. Among the concerns, that the ZTA be written to protect standing trees and forests on the property, that the noise of RV generators be taken into consideration with setback requirements and number of units.
MCA and our coalition of farm organizations are working with CMs Balcombe and Luedtke on this proposal. The Councilmembers are eager to hear all thoughts on the ZTA before they introduce it soon and hold a public hearing.
Please send your thoughts to the emails below and please copy us - [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Please plan to attend a public hearing on this ZTA on June 16 at 1:30pm
Our coalition includes: MCA, Sugarloaf Citizens Association, Montgomery Agricultural Producers, The Montgomery County Farm Bureau, the Ag Preservation Advisory Board and the Ag Advisory Committee.
To be clear, we are not seeking to amend ZTA 23-09 - as detailed below there is not a way forward for that bill, but our collaboration with stakeholders and our Councilmembers will yield accommodations that balance farms and interest in agritourism.
While MCA is working with stakeholders on a new ZTA - Author of ZTA 23-03, Councilmember Natali Fani - Gonzalez has made some proposed amendments.
To be clear - our coalition can not support the original ZTA or these amendments. The question is, is it appropriate to amend 23-09 ZTA to include all rural residential zones without their having been involved in the public hearing process in the first instance. Where is the public transparency and participation process? (see use table below)