A. 
Rural agricultural activities are an essential part of the Putnam Township lifestyle that many residents value. Farming activities supply food products to the local and regional economy. Raising horses and other animals contributes to the economy and provides a unique character to the community. Scenic open space provides a strong visual contrast to urban and suburban communities and therefore enhances the local quality of life. Furthermore, agricultural uses and open space provide a sense of place and historic context. In addition, the intent of the Agricultural-Open Space District is to:
(1) 
Protect the local agricultural activities and economy from premature disinvestments;
(2) 
Discourage urban sprawl and untimely and unplanned growth;
(3) 
Reduce conflicts between neighbors;
(4) 
Retain critical natural features and wildlife habitats; and
(5) 
Promote equestrian activities.
B. 
The A-O District is not a holding zone for a future, more intense zoning classification. Rather, it is a positive statement that agriculture, open space and the natural landscape are important community resources.
[Amended 2-16-2011 by Ord. No. 53; 5-16-2018 by Ord. No. Z-92; 8-21-2019 by Ord. No. Z-102; 8-17-2022 by Ord. No. Z-118]
The following abbreviations apply to the Table 5, Table of Uses — A-O District:
P
Permitted use: land and/or buildings in this district may be used for the purposes listed by right.
SLU
Special land use permit: listed uses may be permitted by obtaining special land use approval when all applicable standards cited in Article XIII of this chapter are met.
TU
Temporary use approval when all applicable standards cited in § 340-24 of this chapter are met.
Table 5: Table of Uses — A-O District
A-O
Accessory Uses (See Article III of this chapter for specific regulations)
Accessory buildings or uses that are customarily incidental to any of the allowed principal uses
P
Agritourism activities
SLU
Roadside stands, 200 square feet in area or less
P
Roadside stands exceeding 200 square feet in area, or roadside stands of any size that sell produce or agricultural products not produced on the premises
SLU
Home occupations in accordance with Chapter 190
P
Equestrian facilities and private stables
P
Horse shows of 20 or fewer participants
P
Horse shows of more than 20 participants
TU1
Keeping of livestock on non-farm properties
P
Principal Uses
Farms
P
Commercial apiaries
P
Single-family dwellings
P
Open space development
SLU
Family day-care homes
P
Adult foster care family homes
P
Group day-care homes
SLU
Public/commercial stables
SLU
Nonagricultural Uses
Cemeteries
SLU
Essential services
P
Kennels, public/commercial
SLU
Wireless telecommunications/radio and television transmission towers
SLU
Places of worship
SLU
Extractive operations
SLU
Bed-and-breakfasts
SLU
Veterinary clinics and hospitals, including large animals and livestock
SLU
Parochial and private primary and secondary schools
SLU
Garden centers and nurseries
SLU
Educational facilities such as zoological gardens, wildlife preserves and bird sanctuaries, petting farms and botanical gardens and arboretums
SLU
Commercial solar energy systems
SLU
NOTES:
1
Permitted only when accessory to an approved public/commercial stable.
[Amended 8-17-2022 by Ord. No. Z-118]
No lot, principal building, or structure, nor the enlargement of any principal building or structure, shall be hereafter erected unless all of the following requirements are met and maintained in connection with the use of the lot, principal building, structure, or enlargement.
Table 6: A-O District Regulations
Regulation
Requirement
Minimum lot area
10 acres
Minimum lot width
330 feet
Minimum front yard setback
50 feet
Minimum side yard setback:
Minimum one side
40 feet
Total (both sides)
100 feet
Minimum rear yard setback
50 feet
Maximum building height
3 stories or 45 feet
Minimum dwelling unit size
1,200 square feet
Maximum agricultural structure height
50 feet.
General parking requirements are listed in Article XV of this chapter. Certain special land uses may have separate parking requirements listed in Article XIII of this chapter. The following specific requirements shall apply to the A-O District:
Table 7: Parking Requirements in the A-O District
Use
Spaces Per Unit of Measurement
Farms and commercial apiaries
1 space for each 2 employees on the maximum shift
Single family detached dwellings, including those on farms
2 per dwelling unit
Roadside stands
6 for the first 200 square feet, plus 1 for each additional 100 square feet
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former § 340-50, Signs, was repealed 4-16-2014 by Ord. No. Z-72. See now § 340-159.
Establishment of new uses and expansion of existing uses are subject to the review requirements in Table 9:
Table 9: Review Requirements, A-O District
Review Process
When Required
Applicable Article
Zoning compliance permit
All new construction
Article XVII
Additions or construction over 100 square feet to principal or accessory buildings
Plot plan
Single family and two-family dwellings, farms
Article XIV
Preliminary site plan review
All permitted agricultural residential and nonresidential uses except farms and single-family residences
Article XIV
All special land uses (concurrent with SLU review)
Final site plan review
All permitted agricultural, residential and nonresidential uses, except farms and single-family residences, that have received preliminary site plan approval
Article XIV
All special land uses that have received preliminary site plan approval and special land use approval.
Special land uses
All special land uses in Table 5
Article XIII
Rezoning
To change the zoning district classification of property within the A-O District
Article XVI
Variance
To vary from the dimensional requirements of the A-O District
Article XVI