City limits could include farm land zoning

Life on the farm is usually rural living, and more than a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, a new agricultural zoning district could bring the farm into the city.

Considering recent city growth, the McMinnville Regional Planning Commission has recommended the addition of the new zone within the city limits to accommodate farmers who want to switch from county farms to city farms, but keep their land agricultural.

The A-1 zoning would allow farm-oriented land to be zoned as agricultural and preserve the agricultural designation of the property. Also, the city has a height restriction for buildings. Under agriculture zoning, there will be no height restrictions on barns and agricultural storage buildings.

This proposal was brought before the planning commission once before and was shelved. According to Mayor Royce Davenport, at one time it was discussed to allow farmers to use firearms to protect cattle from predators.

Legally, the use of firearms is prohibited within the city and that will remain even in A-1 zoning.

‘I think at that time, when we were talking about letting them use firearms to defend cattle, they decided that there would have to be a change in the general code book regarding that,’ said Planning and Zoning director Jim Brock. ‘It wasn’t a zoning issue. It was a legal issue.’

There are no areas in the city, at this time, that fall under the agricultural zoning requirements.

‘I can see some areas just outside the city that would,’ said city planner David Baird. ‘There may only be one or two people who do it, but I think it would be a vehicle to help them.’

There are no A-1 zones under consideration for annexation at this time. However, passing agricultural zoning now would make the city ready for it if it occurs.

‘The city is getting so big, we need to address chickens, goats and other animals,’ said Brock. ‘You would be surprised at what is out there. Really, things like that within the inner city need to be outlawed except for districts like this one.’

According to Baird, there is a smell ordinance for ‘horrendous smells’ in the city. If animals are kept, owners must make sure smells are not bothersome to neighbors. Residents can call Planning and Zoning at 473-1204 for more information or to report horrendous smells.

The planning commission gave its approval for adding A-1 zoning in the city. The extra zone will be presented to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for its consideration and final decision.