For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Montgomery Council approves ZTA to allow
food trucks in Agricultural Reserve
Legislation sponsored by Councilmember Hans Riemer
provides more food choices in County’s protected rural area
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 12, 2016—The Montgomery County Council today unanimously approved Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 16-04 that amends the County’s Agricultural Reserve zone to allow food trucks to operate in the County’s designated areas for agricultural uses. Councilmember Hans Riemer was the lead sponsor of the ZTA.
Technically, ZTA 16-04 deletes “transitory uses” from the list of prohibited uses when transferable development rights (TDRs) are severed from a property. Transitory use is defined in the Zoning Ordinance as a use on private property or the public right-of-way conducted from a vehicle or from a movable structure that remains in the same location for less than 24 hours. Transitory use includes a food service truck.
The ZTA was approved 8-0. Councilmember Tom Hucker was absent from the session.
“Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve was not created just to be an isolated and protected area,” said Councilmember Riemer. “It is a large portion of our County that not only connects us to our past, it is an important part of our future. We want the farm businesses in these areas to thrive and we want all generations to visit the Agricultural Reserve to enjoy this unique treasure and learn from it.
“Allowing food trucks will not impair the rural character of the Agricultural Reserve, as more permanent restaurants might. Instead, the trucks will provide opportunities to help farmers earn money, and much of the food can be made with fresh produce fresh from the farm. For visitors, food trucks will provide dining options that allow more families to visit and to stay longer.”
In 1980, the County Council made one of the most significant land-use decisions in County history by creating the Agricultural Reserve. Heralded as one of the best examples of land conservation policies in the nation, the Agricultural Reserve encompasses 93,000 acres—almost a third of the County’s land resources—along the County’s northern, western and eastern borders.
The Agricultural Reserve and its accompanying master plan and zoning elements were designed to protect farmland and agriculture. Along with a sustained commitment to agriculture through the County's Agricultural Services Division, the combination helps retain more than 500 farms that contribute millions of dollars to Montgomery County's annual economy.
In June, the Agricultural Advisory Committee wrote to the Council in support of ZTA 16-04. In its opinion, ZTA 16-04 would make it possible for farmers to promote their farms more effectively by accommodating the food and refreshment needs of visitors.
“The Montgomery Countryside Alliance supports ZTA 16-04 which is aimed at allowing licensed food trucks/trailers to operate on farms within the AR Zone that have participated in the transfer of development rights program,” said Caroline Taylor, executive director of the Countryside Alliance. “We are very grateful to Councilmember Riemer for working with Ag Services, Council staff and stakeholders to craft this common sense ZTA.
“The ability of our farms to provide their patrons food during their visits is crucial to growing agri-tourism and our ag economy in Montgomery County. Clearly, this ZTA will help to bolster that economy thus fulfilling the goal of protecting our farmland.”
The Planning Board recommended approval of ZTA 16-04, stating that a transitory use could enhance agricultural activities without diminishing the County's land preservation goals. The Montgomery County Farm Bureau also expressed support of ZTA 16-04 as a means to help connect residents to farming.
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Release ID: 16-216