Article 4 Agricultural Districts

The Farm and Forest District (FFD) allows limited development and encompasses existing agriculture and forested areas. It is predominantly located within Tier IV of the Growth Tier Map (adopted April 25, 2017). The Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012 describes Tier IV of the Growth Tier Map as areas not planned for sewerage service and with residential development limited to minor subdivisions. This district is intended to protect and preserve prime farming regions as well as unique or significant environmental features as identified by the presence of large contiguous forested areas, forest interior dwelling bird habitat, wildlife habitat, or environmentally sensitive areas. The clustering of subdivisions is mandatory on parcels 30 acres or greater in size, with an exception for new lots created that are at least 25 acres in size. When subdivisions are clustered a minimum of 80% of the subdivision is to be permanently preserved as open space. This district accommodates agritourism, ecotourism, and heritage tourism uses that promote the protection and preservation of agricultural, scenic, natural, and historic resources.

Article 18 and Table 18-1 of this Ordinance list allowed principal, accessory, and temporary uses in the Farm and Forest District.

Table 4-1: Farm and Forest District Minimum Standards establishes the permissible density, lot area, lot width, and setbacks for the Farm and Forest District. See Article 2 of this Ordinance for related definitions and measurement standards.

Agricultural Preservation Districts (APDs) are overlay districts created through the Agricultural Land Preservation Program. These areas of prime agricultural and forestry land are voluntarily placed in the Calvert County and/or Maryland State Agricultural Land Preservation Program, with the recommendation of the Calvert County Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board and the approval of the Board of County Commissioners. The purpose of this program is to offer an incentive for preservation of prime agricultural and forestry land, provide compensation to landowners who voluntarily agree to place agricultural and forestry use covenants on their land, offer a free market system for financing agricultural and forestry preservation, thus reducing direct cost to the taxpayers, guide development away from prime agricultural and forestry lands on which viable farming and forestry endeavors are practical, and act as a source of Transferable Development Rights (TDRs).

District boundaries for Agricultural Preservation Districts are established by the Board of County Commissioners upon recommendation of the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board following an application by the owner of the property.

Article 18 and Table 18-1 of this Ordinance list allowed principal, accessory, and temporary uses in the Agricultural Preservation Districts. Uses allowed in the underlying Zoning District, but not allowed in the Agricultural Preservation District are not permitted.

See "Calvert County Agricultural Preservation Rules and Regulations" available from the Department of Planning & Zoning. Except as expressly provided in Section VII of the "Calvert County Agricultural Preservation Rules and Regulations" pertaining to the withdrawal of a property or properties from the program, an Agricultural Preservation District shall be governed by the Laws and Regulations in effect at the time of its creation.