[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Ballston as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Site plan review — See Ch. 91.
Subdivision of land — See Ch. 104.
Zoning — See Ch. 138.
[Adopted 8-6-1996 by L.L. No. 1-1996]
A. 
The Town Board of the Town of Ballston finds that farming is an essential activity within the Town of Ballston.
B. 
Farming, as defined herein, reinforces the special quality of life enjoyed by citizens, provides the visual benefit of open space and generates economic benefits and social well-being within the community. Therefore, the Town of Ballston emphasizes to its residents and newcomers that this town encourages its agriculture and requests its residents and newcomers to be understanding of the necessary day-to-day operations of farming.
C. 
It is the general purpose and intent of this article to maintain and preserve the rural tradition and character of the Town of Ballston, to permit the continuation of agricultural practices, to protect the existence and operation of farms and to encourage the initiation and expansion of farms and agricultural businesses.
D. 
For the purpose of reducing future conflicts between farmers and nonfarmers, it is necessary for notice to be given to future neighbors about the nature of agricultural practices.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
All activities conducted on a farm, necessary to the operation of a farm.
FARM
Livestock, dairy, poultry, furbearing animal, aquaculture, apiculture, fruit, vegetable and field crop farms, plantations, orchards, nurseries, greenhouses or other similar operations used primarily for the raising of agricultural or horticultural commodities.
Farmers, as well as those employed, retained or otherwise authorized to act on behalf of farmers, may lawfully engage in farming practices within the Town of Ballston at any and all such times and all such locations as are reasonably necessary to conduct the business of farming. For any activity or operation, in determining the reasonableness of the time, place and methodology of such operation, due weight and consideration shall be given to both traditional customs and procedures in the farming industry as well as to advances resulting from increased knowledge and improved technologies.
The following notice shall be included in building permits and on plats of subdivisions submitted for approval pursuant to Town Law § 276 or Village Law § 7-728:
"This property may border a farm, as defined in Town Law. Residents should be aware that farmers have the right to undertake farm practices which may generate dust, odor, smoke, noise and vibration."