Jan 28, 2021
Legislation to limit how much a local government can restrict new activities on old farmland has received little action in past legislative sessions.
It should receive little action this year, too.
Rep. Todd Polinchock, R-Bucks, has introduced House Bill 216 to keep local governments from prohibiting the use of farmland for agritourism activities, agricultural purposes, constructing buildings or structures related to the use of land for agricultural purposes, limited seasonal events, activities that require a limited license under the Liquor Code, retail food facilities, weddings and certain musical entertainment.
A similar bill was proposed in 2019 and was inspired by the Tabora Farm in Hilltown, the center of a zoning dispute between the farm’s owners and the township. Township officials said the zoning citations against the business after neighbors complained about traffic and noise.