Planning

Notice of Annual 30-day period to Request Inclusion of Agricultural Land within an Existing Agricultural District in Cattaraugus County

Agriculture and Markets Law Section 303-b was enacted in 2003 to provide for the designation of an annual 30-day period during which landowners may submit requests for the inclusion of predominately viable agricultural land into an existing certified agricultural district. Cattaraugus County has designated January 2 through January 31, 2007 as this 30-day period. Landowners seeking inclusion into a certified agricultural district must submit a "Landowner Request for Inclusion" form to the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism by the January 31st deadline. To request a form, contact Paul R. Bishop, Planner, at 716-938-9111 Ext. 2369.

The Agriculture District Law was created in 1971 to encourage the continued use of farmland for agricultural production. The Program is based on a combination of landowner incentives and protections, all of which are designed to forestall the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. Included in these benefits are preferential real property tax treatment (agricultural assessment and special benefit assessment) and protections against overly restrictive local laws, government funded acquisition or construction projects, and private nuisance suits involving agricultural practices. As of 2002, 341 agricultural districts existed statewide, containing approximately 21,500 farms and 8.6 million acres (about 30% of the State's total land area). Cattaraugus County currently has seven agricultural districts containing over 234,000 acres (about 28% of the County's total land area).

For more information on Agricultural Districts and Farmland Protection go to the in Cattaraugus County's website at www.CattCo.org click on Planning, Agricultural Districts and Farmland Protection.