Hometown zoning

[kubotaman68]

Thanks Mad,
I guess i have no choice but to bring in the law to get thru the bs . it seemed so simple when it started a map drawn out on a cocktail napkin and a plan was hatched.
time will tell i guess. thanks to everyone who gave me input
Kman68

 

[psuedofarmer]

i own a large farm in s/w NH (near keene). i would suggest getting a copy of the town's land use plan (if they have one). in addition, contact the local state representatives in the NH legislature (don't forget the selectman).

specifically, i would inform them that you're revitalizing an old farm operation - they LOVE THAT.

speaking from experience, we're restoring a large farming operation after it was abandoned 25 years ago. once the local town officials and members of our state legislature learned of our intentions, they all wanted to stop the farm for a visit.

it's an election year. don't hesitate to build your line of defence. you'll find that politicians love to 'save the family farm.'

in general, we've found that locals, neighbors, state/local officials, are very interesting in keeping NH rural. i'd suggest getting everyone on your side..

good luck.
pf

 

[psuedofarmer]

<font color="blue">Now, from your posts you want to do something similar only with horses. This would be classified as a non-conforming use for agriculture land and the town would have every right to make you get a variance, permits, studies, etc.

My suggestion is that you get a good local attorney who is familiar with town zoning issues and have at it. However, I wouldn't hold my breath if you are wanting to do what you want when you want. It's not always "Live Free or Die".
</font>

excellent advice.. if sounds like you're going to be in a similar situation that occurred in Lyndeborough, NH. i was so fixated on 'farming' and not the 'non-conforming' use you're looking for.

as Mad pointed out, a good, local attorney will likely be in order. start with the land use plan (if available) from your town. i don't think you'll run into the same issues as ATVs - theses machines strike a raw nerve amongst the folks who move to the country; horses may be different.

good luck, and keep the forum informed. some of us will be watching closely..

pf

 

[kubotaman68]

great angle i contacted a lawyer today he is going to research the problem for us and if its a worthy cause he will take it on, I was hoping to be up and running in 06 BUT its more likely 07 will be a more reasonable target.
kman

 

[daTeacha]

Have you considered that clearing your trails might be construed or at least disguised as a selective harvest of trees, either for market or improvement of the stand? We all need to cull trees and brush now and then to improve our woods or clear our fields.

There has to be a way to this. I understand that Disney World manages to get an agricultural exemption from taxes simply by keeping a few cows somewhere on the land they own. Maybe you just need a flock of sheep in among your trails. They will do a great job of keep the undergrowth down in your woods while making the place an agricultural undertaking. Ours make my tractor and related purchases exempt from sales tax. Besides, the tourist types would love to see sheep wandering around in the woods, especially if you get a horned variety. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[MadReferee]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( sounds like you're going to be in a similar situation that occurred in Lyndeborough, NH. )</font>

I know because I live there and the parcel of property in question is about a mile up the road from me.

 

[riptides]

Once again daTeacha has a good idea, -
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Have you considered that clearing your trails might be construed or at least disguised as a selective harvest of trees, )</font>

The words fire break, come to mind. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[kubotaman68]

yes i could "selctive harvest" but I need the whole kitncaboodle to get permitted so I can get all the cabins buildings access roads in place so just the trails would be worthless. Ya see? But I must say "dateacha " is dasneaky !
kman /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[mwechtal]

In a nearby town, one of the wealthiest people there wanted to build a Polo arena, stables, etc. The land was agricultural use. The board didn't like the idea, and refused his permit. He threatened to put in a pig farm, which he was absolutely allowed to do. They could have taken him to court, and lost all the way to the Supreme Court, and they knew it.

Let's just say that it looks very classy and the stables are about the cleanest you've ever seen.

I can't even begin to figure out why they didn't want a Polo Arena. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I wouldn't use this as an opening argument, but keep it in mind if all else fails. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Mike

 

[kubotaman68]

pigs ????????? Hmmmmmmmmmm thats a good one . i will keep ya posted just in case anyone know where some pigs are for sale? he he /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[scott_vt]

Hello Kubotaman,
No zoning regs in East Wells /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif We are supposed to inform the listers about any upcoming projects, when they are ready to happen. Supposedly the listers come by your property every 2 years to revalue your place. Im hoping things dont change until I have my barn up /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

scotty

 

[dubba]

Got a friend in surveying, or plan drawing?

Draw up a rough plan for the "liquid manure pit" that you will be constructing to service your new "summer only" (no permanent shelter required) 2000 hog finishing operation.

Introduce it to the planning board first.

Watch the **** fly.

 

[kubotaman68]

oh man thats great !!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[scott_vt]

dubba,
Well that would get some certain attention for sure /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Actually the next town south of here, in Pawlet, one of the local farmers did just that with a huge manure pit on the opposite of RT#30, had to go under the road. Something tells me that he had to have some permits /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I think they were talking about a electricity generating plant, dont know where that went /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Im talking just residential.

scotty

 

[SnowRidge]

<font color="blue"> The dilemma is also neighbors have tried to buy and are on the board. </font>

Then they have a conflict of interest and would not be allowed to vote in most jurisdictions. Moreover, if your state or local government has an open meeting sunshine law, they would not be allowed to politic other board members except in open session, where you can bring up their conflict.

Some states are starting enforce their open meeting laws rather vigorously. It's something you might check into.