[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee
of the Township of Sandyston 9-4-2001 by Ord. No. 02-01. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The pursuit of horticultural, agricultural and
animal husbandry are farming activities which are hereby recognized
as a natural right which is entitled to be protected and entitled
to be conducted and/or established as permitted by the terms of the
Township Zoning Ordinance.[1] These pursuits also include the following activities under
the general heading of "right to farm."
A.Â
The right to farm includes:
(1)Â
The producing, from the land, agricultural products
such as, but not limited to, vegetables, greens, hay, fruit, fibers,
wood, plants, shrubs, flowers, and seeds.
(2)Â
The use of land for the grazing by animals.
(3)Â
The use of irrigation pumps and equipment. A priority
water use for agriculture, second only to human consumption and household
needs, is hereby recognized.
(4)Â
The clearing of woodlands to expand production, the
alteration of vegetation and terrain, the installation of physical
facilities for soil and water conservation, and the harvesting of
timber.
(5)Â
The right and ability to market a particular farm's
output on site, including the construction of buildings and parking
areas for farm markets and "U-pick" marketing and sales.
(6)Â
The on-site handling and disposal of organic wastes
and materials in accordance with acceptable management practices and
the ability to replenish soil nutrients as recommended by the New
Jersey Agricultural Experimental Station.
(7)Â
The ability to use federally approved products, in
accordance with labeled instructions, as recommended by the New Jersey
Agricultural Experimental Station, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, for the control of pests and diseases affecting plants and
livestock and for the control of weed infestation and the aerial and
ground seeding and spraying on farms in accordance with acceptable
management practices.
(8)Â
The right and ability to conduct farming activities
on holidays, Sundays and weekdays, in the evening and during the day,
notwithstanding the production thereby of normal noise, dust, odors
and fumes that are caused by such necessary activities when conducted
in accordance with generally accepted agricultural practices.
B.Â
The aforegoing rights are subject to the restrictions
and regulations of state and Township municipal codes and, in addition
thereto, the restrictions and regulations of the State Department
of Environmental Protection and the Federal Environmental Protection
Agency.
