30-day window to put land in ag district starts June 1
Press Release, Orleans County Department of Planning and Development
ALBION – Orleans County is accepting enrollment of additional parcels in certified agricultural districts during the month of June, pursuant to New York State Agricultural and Markets Law.
This annual 30-day window is for inclusion of property which is predominantly viable agricultural land. During this time period, land may only be added and not removed from an agricultural district.
This opportunity does not replace enrollment in an existing agricultural district during the eight-year, formal review process, but allows a once-a-year opportunity for a property owner to request that the County Legislature add parcel(s) to one of Orleans County Consolidated Agricultural District No. 1 (District C-1). Eight year in-depth reviews are expected to continue for District C-1 as scheduled.
At the conclusion of June, requests for inclusion in agricultural districts will be reviewed, in order, by the Orleans County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, the Orleans County Legislature, and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Enrollment forms are available from the Orleans County Department of Planning and Development both in-person and online by clicking here.
Completed forms should be sent by June 30th to:
Sarah Gatti
Orleans County Department of Planning and Development
14016 Route 31 West
Albion NY 14411
The agricultural districting program provides eligible operations right-to-farm protection, among other benefits. Please note that requesting enrollment during this 30-day time period is not a guarantee that your property will be added to an existing agricultural district. Moreover, it will not automatically qualify your property for a reduced agricultural property tax assessment. For information on obtaining a reduced agricultural property tax assessment, please contact your local assessor.
