County amends farmland‑preservation ordinance to align with NC law; clarifies public‑hearing process

Nancy McCormack, speaking for the Agricultural Advisory Board, presented amendments to the Person County Farmland Preservation Ordinance intended to align local rules with recent changes in state law (North Carolina General Statute 106‑740). The board approved the recommended edits with minor corrections.

McCormack explained that the revisions add and clarify definitions (including the agricultural district and enhanced voluntary district distinctions), revise advisory‑board membership procedures so the board of commissioners may request recommendations from county agencies, and clarify a two‑mile designated distance for qualifying farms. She also noted a change required by statute: the public hearing for condemnation and rezoning involving qualified farmland is now mandatory, and that timeframe limits the total public‑hearing period to 45 days from request receipt. "The public hearing is no longer optional," McCormack said, citing the statutory change. Commissioners voted to approve the amendments and directed staff to correct typographical issues noted during discussion.