(A) Like the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program, the Garrett County Agricultural Land Preservation District program is voluntary on the part of landowners. The Board of County Commissioners has appointed a local agricultural preservation advisory board to assist in the creation of agricultural preservation districts where the subdivision and development of land is restricted by agreement between the landowner and Garrett County, and where agricultural and woodland production activities are encouraged and protected. If a landowner requests that his property be included in a district, that property must meet minimum criteria as established by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation ("the Foundation") and this chapter. If an easement has not been sold to the Foundation, a landowner may terminate after 3 years his property's inclusion in a district. Notice to terminate may be given at any time after the 3-year term.
(B) A landowner who includes his land within a district will receive the following benefits:
(1) Direct and indirect support of agriculture;
(2) Insulation of normal agricultural activities from nuisance complaints;
(3) Eligibility to apply for an agricultural land tax credit; and
(4) Eligibility to make an application to sell an agricultural land conservation easement to the Foundation.
(Res. 2009-1, passed 1-13-2009)