(WNY News Now) – Chautauqua County, in accordance with New York State Agriculture and Markets Law Section 303-b, has announced a 30-day window, from January 2 to January 31, for landowners to submit requests for the inclusion of predominantly viable agricultural lands into existing certified agricultural districts.

Chautauqua County – Chautauqua County Legislature, in adherence to the provisions laid out in New York State Agriculture and Markets Law Section 303-b, has initiated the annual 30-day period for landowners to propose the inclusion of predominantly viable agricultural land into certified agricultural districts. The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development will be accepting applications during this period, from January 2 to January 31, 2023.

Landowners interested in submitting inclusion requests are encouraged to forward their applications to the Department of Planning and Development at 201 West Third Street Suite 115, Jamestown, NY 14701, or via email to sharpl@chqgov.com by 4:30 PM on January 31, 2023. For any inquiries regarding the process, individuals are advised to contact the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development.

All necessary forms, including the Agricultural District Inclusion Worksheet and current Agricultural District Maps, along with additional information, are available on the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD) website at bit.ly/CHQaginclusion.

Following the conclusion of the 30-day period, proposed parcels seeking inclusion will be forwarded to the Chautauqua County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB). The AFPB will review and provide recommendations, leading to the preparation of a report for the Planning and Economic Development (PED) Legislative Committee’s scrutiny. Subsequently, the PED Legislative Committee’s recommendations will undergo a public hearing at the County Legislature.

Post-public hearing, the County Legislature will cast a vote via resolution to either accept or reject the AFPB’s recommendations. Upon approval, the resolution will be sent to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for certification of the inclusion of the proposed lands into the Agricultural District.

An agricultural district is defined as a geographic area primarily consisting of viable agricultural land, where agricultural operations take precedence. These areas receive special benefits and protections to facilitate the sustainability of farms and the preservation of agricultural land. It is crucial to differentiate this from the agricultural assessment program, which allows eligible farmland to be taxed at its agricultural assessment. For further details on the agricultural assessment program, landowners are encouraged to consult their local assessor.

For more information or assistance, please contact Lauren Sharp, Junior Planner at the Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development, 201 West Third Street Suite 115, Jamestown, New York 14701. Lauren can be reached by phone at (716) 661-8245 or via email at sharpl@chqgov.com.