45-26.Application Procedure.
- An agricultural district shall initially consist of at least 100 or more contiguous acres of qualifying farmland or at least 3 qualifying farms, which collectively will create a district with each said farm lying within 1 mile of any other such farm. An agricultural district may be enlarged by adding qualifying farms subsequent to initial formation.
- An agreement to sustain, encourage and promote agriculture must be executed by each applicant in the district and submitted to the Agricultural Advisory Board for approval.
- Landowners may apply to participate in existing districts and are encouraged to do so.
- To secure County certification as an agricultural district, a landowner, for such designation, will apply to the Chairman of the Agricultural Advisory Board. Application forms may be obtained from the Chairman at the Soil and Water Conservation District office or at the office of the Henderson County Planning Department.
- Upon receipt of an application, the Chairman will forward copies immediately to the Henderson County Assessor's office and the Henderson County Soil and Water Conservation District office for evaluation pursuant to Article IV. Said offices shall evaluate, complete and return their copies to the Chairman within 30 days of receipt.
- Within 30 days of receipt of respective reports from the County Assessor and the Soil and Water Conservation District office, the Board will meet and render a decision regarding the application. The Chairman will notify the applicant by mail of the Board's decision.
- If the application is denied by the Agricultural Advisory Board, the petitioner has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Henderson County Board of Commissioners. Such appeal shall be presented in writing. The decision of the Board of Commissioners is final.
