[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 6-8-1992 by L.L. No. 1-1992]
A. 
The Town Board of the Town of Saratoga finds that farming is an essential activity within the Town of Saratoga.
B. 
Farming, as defined herein, reinforces the special quality of life enjoyed by citizens, provides the visual benefit of open space and generates economic benefits and social well-being within the community. Therefore, the Town of Saratoga emphasizes to newcomers that this Town encourages its agriculture and requests newcomers to be understanding of the necessary day-to-day operations.
C. 
It is the general purpose and intent of this article to maintain and preserve the rural tradition and character of the Town of Saratoga, to permit the continuation of agricultural practices, to protect the existence and operation of farms, and to encourage the initiation and expansion of farms and agricultural businesses.
D. 
For the purpose of reducing future conflicts between farmers and non-farmers, it is necessary for notice to be given to future neighbors about the nature of agricultural practices.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
Includes all activities on a farm necessary to the operation of a farm.
FARM
Includes livestock, dairy, poultry, fur-bearing animal, aquaculture, fruit, vegetable and field crop farms, plantations, orchards, nurseries, greenhouses, or other similar operations used primarily for the raising of agricultural or horticultural commodities.
Farmers, as well as those employed, retained, or otherwise authorized to act on behalf of farmers, may engage in farming practices within the Town of Saratoga at any and all such times and all such locations as are reasonably necessary to conduct the business of farming, as long as such farming practices do not violate any existing federal, state or local laws. For any activity or operation, in determining the reasonableness of the time, place and methodology of such operation, due weight and consideration shall be given to both traditional customs and procedures in the farming industry as well as to advances resulting from increased knowledge and improved technologies.
The following notice shall be included in building permits and on plats of subdivisions submitted for approval pursuant to Town Law § 276.
"This property may border a farm, as defined in Town Law No. 1 of the year 1992. Residents should be aware that farmers have the right to undertake farm practices which may generate dust, odor, smoke, noise, and vibration."
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).