By the adoption of this article, the Town Board of Hoosick declares its intent to maintain the desirable rural character of the Town of Hoosick; to permit the continuation of the business of farming as it is now carried out throughout the Town of Hoosick, including, without limitation, the various agricultural districts within the Town; and to retain the existence of farms within the Town in view of the substantial contribution to the tax base now provided by said farms and farm properties. The Town Board of the Town of Hoosick further recognizes that there exist certain farming practices which must be permitted to be carried on in the furtherance of the business of farming and which can be carried on within the Town of Hoosick without interfering with the use and enjoyment of land not now devoted to the business of farming.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Hoosick as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 7-10-2000 by L.L. No. 5-2000]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any person, organization, entity, association, partnership or corporation engaged in the business of agriculture, whether for profit or otherwise, including the cultivation of land, the raising of crops, or the raising of livestock.
Any activity, now permitted by law, engaged in by a farmer as defined herein, in connection with and in furtherance of the business of farming, and shall include, without limitation, the collection, transportation, distribution, and storage of animal wastes; storage, transportation, and use of equipment for tillage, planting and harvesting; transportation, storage and use of legally permitted fertilizers and lime, insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides all in accordance with local, state, and federal law and regulation and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and warnings; construction of farm structures and facilities as permitted by local and state building code and regulation; and construction and maintenance of fences.
The Town Board of the Town of Hoosick hereby mandates that farmers, as defined herein, may lawfully engage in farming practices, as defined herein, within the Town of Hoosick at such times, including the nighttime hours, and at such locations as are necessary to conduct the business of farming, and that no person, entity, association, partnership or corporation shall engage in any act to prevent or deter such conduct as is approved herein.
If any provision, paragraph, or section of this article shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of this article as a whole or of any part thereof not so found to be invalid. This article shall be construed wherever possible to comply with any and all existing laws, constitutions, rules and regulations applicable to the subject matter hereof.
This article shall be effective upon filing with the Secretary of State.