AGRICULTURE USES - DEFINED
Agriculture, Residential
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
The personal and recreational practice of maintaining, raising, and/or breeding of bee colonies within apiaries, hives, or similar container and the keeping and raising of chickens, and the growing, harvesting, and production of plants, fruits and vegetables on land incidental to a principal dwelling.
Agriculture / Silviculture
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
Any operation devoted to the bona fide production of crops, animals, fish, or fowl; milk and dairy products; the growing, harvesting, and production of plants, fruits and vegetables of all kinds; the development and care of forests; and farm wineries, farm breweries, and farm distilleries as defined by the Code of Virginia.
Agriculture, Intensive
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
A lot or facility (other than an aquatic animal production facility) where the following conditions are met:
1) Animals (other than aquatic animals) have been, are, or will be stabled or confined and fed or maintained for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period;
2) Crops, vegetation forage growth, or post-harvest residues are not sustained in the normal growing season over any portion of the lot or facility; and
3) Such use shall be further defined by the type and number of animal, in accordance with the definition of “Medium Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation” found in Virginia Administrative Code 9VAC25-31-10. 4) This use does not include Equestrian Facilities, as defined by this Ordinance.
Agritourism
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
Any activity carried out at a farm winery, farm brewery, farm distillery, farm, ranch, or other agricultural operation, that allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy rural activities, including farming, wineries, ranching, historical, cultural, harvest-your-own activities, or natural activities and attractions, regardless of whether or not the participant paid to participate in the activity. These rural activities also include, but are not limited to, farm tours, tours of an individual agricultural operation, hayrides, heirloom plant/animal exhibits, crop mazes, and educational programs, workshops, or demonstrations related to agriculture or silviculture. This use does not include weddings and other non-agricultural events as provided by the use Event Venue, as defined by this Ordinance.
Conservation & Preservation
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
To prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect of natural, scenic, and historic resources.
The use may include, but not be limited to, game preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Equestrian Facility, Commercial
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
An establishment engaged in equine activities and events including but not limited to participating in equestrian competitions, exhibitions, or other displays of equestrian skill (such as polo, dressage, and show jumping). Accessory uses may include offices; storage areas; and caring for, breeding, boarding, riding, or training horses associated with the Commercial Equestrian Facility use. Recreation/Entertainment, Racetrack is not included in this use.
Equestrian Facility, Private
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
A lot, building, or group of buildings, where horses are kept for the private use of the owners, their guests, or boarders. The teaching of equitation is permitted.
Farm Brewery / Distillery / Winery
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
An establishment located on one or more lots licensed as a farm winery, limited distillery, or limited brewery under the Code of Virginia § 4.1-206.1.
Farm Stand
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
An establishment for the seasonal retail sale of agricultural or forestal goods and merchandise incidental to an agricultural operation. This use may be on-premises or off-premises of the farm where the products originated.
Livestock Market
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
A site where livestock is assembled and sold at public auction or on a commission basis during regularly scheduled or seasonal sales. The term “livestock market” shall not include private farms or ranches or sales made at livestock shows, fairs, exhibitions, or special breed association sales. This use may be in conjunction with feedlot, commercial, as defined by this Ordinance.
Slaughterhouse
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
A building used for the for-profit slaughtering of animals that are transported to the building in large quantities, slaughtered, and processed and resulting in the storage of animal products and waste.
Temporary Timber Processing
As defined in Article 10 – Definitions.
The temporary use of a portable sawmill, chipping mill, or planing mill located on private property for the processing of timber cut only from that property or from property immediately contiguous and adjacent thereto, or incidental processing of timber transported from other property.