(a) Establishment procedures. The following procedures shall be used to establish a County agricultural district:
(1) Any landowner whose land either in whole or in part is devoted to agriculture or woodlands or otherwise meets the criteria of this subtitle may file a petition with the Office of Planning and Zoning requesting the establishment of a County agricultural district on that land.
(2) The petition shall include maps and descriptions of the current use of the land in the proposed district and the names and addresses of all adjacent property owners.
(3) All land proposed to be placed in a County agricultural district must:
(i) include at least 50 contiguous acres for agricultural land or at least 10 contiguous acres for woodlands;
(ii) be located outside water and sewer categories 1, 2, and 3 shown in the Anne Arundel County Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems; and
(iii) have an approved soil and water conservation plan prepared by the Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District.
(4) Within 60 days after receipt of a petition, the Planning and Zoning Officer shall determine whether to approve the establishment of a County agricultural district.
(5) In making a determination, the Planning and Zoning Officer:
(i) shall consider the provisions of the General Development Plan; and
(ii) may not approve the establishment of a district on property on which further development is precluded by law or by contract.
(b) County's offer to purchase easement. A landowner's acceptance of an offer from the County for the purchase of an easement under § 17-10-208(d) may be the basis for establishment of a district, without the necessity of the landowner making application to establish a district.
(c) Establishment of district. Following approval by the Planning and Zoning Officer or on acceptance of an offer from the County for the purchase of an easement, a County agricultural district shall be established on execution by the landowner of a district agreement that incorporates the conditions that are set forth in the regulations adopted under § 17-10-212.
(1985 Code, Art. 24, § 2-203) (Bill No. 45-90; Bill No. 56-99; Bill No. 20-00)