[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee (now Township Council)
of the Township of Logan 11-10-1982 by Ord. No. 4-1982. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
The Township of Logan recognizes that the industry of farming is a natural
right and that this industry has been a main source of income and occupation
and has been of substantial benefit to the public at large by providing wholesome
and fresh foods and farm products to the community as a source of legitimate
income and employment and to future generations by the preservation of open
space and the benefits to be derived therefrom.
The right to farm exists through the Township of Logan where it is specifically
permitted by Zoning Ordinance and where it exists, at the time of the adoption
of this chapter, as a nonconforming use.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Logan Township Land Use Ordinance, which was adopted
May 23, 1979, by Ord. No. 10-1979 and which encompasses zoning regulations,
is on file in the office of the Township Clerk.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
The use of the land for the growing and harvesting of crops, buildings
for housing seasonal workers for the farmer's own use, barns, packing but
not processing of produce raised on the premises, storage buildings and buildings
for the keeping of equipment and trucks used in farm operations, facilities
for cold storage and hydrocooling, which land shall contain no less than five
acres, exclusive of the land upon which the farmhouse is located and such
additional land as may actually be used in connection with the farmhouse as
provided in N.J.S.A. 54:4-23.3, 4-23.4, 4-23.5 and 4-23.11.
Farming shall include all recognized methods and types as pertains to
the growing of crops throughout the country as a whole. The right to farm
includes the uses, methods and activities that have been proven and recognized
as effective in the past, that are acceptable in the present and that may
be effective and acceptable in the future and that are considered reasonable
and necessary in the industry throughout the country as a whole and which
are conducted in accordance with generally accepted agricultural practices.
Agricultural uses, methods and activities shall include but not be limited
to the following:
A.
The right to maintain roadside markets as defined in
the use regulations in the Logan Township Zoning Ordinance.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Logan Township Land Use Ordinance, which was adopted
May 23, 1979, by Ord. No. 10-1979 and which encompasses zoning regulations,
is on file in the office of the Township Clerk.
B.
Replenishment of soil nutrients as recommended by the
New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
C.
The control of pests and diseases affecting plants and
the control of weeds by the use of products approved by the United States
government according to label instructions, as recommended by the New Jersey
Agricultural Experiment Station, the United States Environmental Protection
Agency and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
D.
The harvesting of timber, clearing of woodlands to expand
agricultural production and the installation of physical facilities for soil
and water conservation in compliance with the Gloucester County Soil Conservation
Commission approved practices.
E.
The use of irrigation pumps and equipment for agricultural
use. A priority water use for agriculture, second only to human consumption
and household needs, is hereby recognized, provided the Division of Water
Resources of the Department of Environmental Protection has authorized the
diversion of water.
F.
On-site handling and disposal of organic wastes and materials
in accordance with accepted management practices.
G.
Aerial and ground seeding and spraying on farms in accordance
with accepted management practices.
H.
Temporary housing facilities for farm workers actually
working on the farm in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Logan
Township Code.
I.
The erection of barns, tool sheds, greenhouses and other
buildings customarily accessory to farms whose designs are in accordance with
standard plans of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
The right to farm and the acceptable practices incidental to farming
may have to occur on holidays, Sundays, weekends and at night as well as during
normal working hours, and such working conditions are recognized as incidental
to farming.
The normal noise, odors, dust and fumes that are caused by farming activities
are specifically permitted when reasonable and when necessary for that particular
agricultural use, provided the activity is conducted in accordance with generally
accepted agricultural practices.
Nothing herein shall be construed as exempting farming uses from the
applicable restrictions and regulations of the federal, state and township
health and sanitary statutes, ordinances and regulations.
A resolution adopting comments of the Logan Township Planning Board
pertaining to an ordinance recognizing the right to farm within the Township
of Logan, County of Gloucester, State of New Jersey, which has been adopted
by the Logan Township Council, is hereby incorporated into this chapter by
reference.
