Agriculture is a significant part of Ellington's heritage,
and protecting farmland and farming activities is essential to quality
of life, community character, and a sustainable economy. The purpose
of this chapter is to protect agricultural land and to encourage agricultural
operations in Ellington and to limit the circumstances in which agricultural
operations can be considered a nuisance.
No present or future agriculture operation conducted or maintained
in a manner consistent with accepted customs or standards of the agricultural
industry, as such customs and standards may evolve over time, on a
farm shall become or be considered a nuisance. Agriculture operations
may occur on holidays, weekends, and weekdays by night and day, provided
that such activities do not violate applicable health, safety, fire,
life or building codes. It is hereby determined that whatever impact
may be caused through generally accepted agricultural practices, that
such is offset and ameliorated by the benefits of farming to the neighborhood,
community, and society.
[Reference C.G.S. § 1-1(q), Definition of Agriculture]
The terms "agriculture and farm" shall be defined as provided in C.G.S.
§ 1-1(q), as amended.
When a residential subdivision or residential development is
proposed adjacent to preserved farmland, actively farmed land, or
an agricultural-related use, the following statement shall be noted
on the plans and on each property deed contained in the subdivision
or development: "This property abuts or is in proximity to a permanently
protected farm and/or an active agricultural or farming operation.
Agricultural operations sometime emit noise, run-off, odor, dust or
chemical spray drift during either the day or night that are annoying
or irritants to some people. Ellington is a right to farm community."
This chapter shall be interpreted by the Planning and Zoning
Commission whose determinations shall be final and binding.
This chapter shall be effective 21 days after publication thereof
in a newspaper having substantial circulation in the Town of Ellington.