Bill > A3831

Introduced Session

This bill amends the definition of "qualifying land" under P.L.2005, c.314 (C.4:1C-32.1 et seq.) to include farms on which a portion of the farm was excluded from preservation in the deed of easement due to encroachment of neighboring property or an area of clouded title, or for the purposes or benefit of a third party other than the landowner, including purposes or benefits such as a road right-of-way, or utility easement. For example, if a portion of a preserved farm is excluded from preservation because the farm behind the preserved farm requires the deed of easement to have an access road through the preserved farm, which the owner of the preserved farm does not require, the owner of the portion of the preserved farm on which the deed of easement is imposed for this reason should not be disqualified from applying for a special permit for a rural microenterprise activity. A rural microenterprise, by definition under the law, is a small-scale business or activity that: (1) is fully compatible with agricultural use and production on the premises; (2) does not, at any time, detract from, diminish, or interfere with the agricultural use of the premises; and (3) is incidental to the agricultural use of the premises. Being able to operate a rural microenterprise is crucial for many farmers who are struggling to keep their farming operations viable in a challenging economy.

AI Summary

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Alex Sauickie (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 02/22/2024)

Official Document