More permit exemptions on agriculture lands

Support SB2743

This bill would expand state permitting exemptions for agricultural structures.

TBD

Why do farmers need more permit exemptions?

Several years ago, state lawmakers passed a law exempting farmers and ranchers from needing permits for certain structures, such as barns, sheds, fences and greenhouses.

In practice, however, the exemption comes with too many strings attached, and this red tape often prevents farmers and ranchers from actually using the exemption.

Landowners with parcels that are smaller than 2 acres are excluded from the exemption entirely, and even those who are eligible for it face strict size limits on individual structures as well as a cap on the total square footage of exempt buildings allowed on a single parcel.

When a permit is required, the process can take months, creating costly delays.

How it would work

Property owners wouldn’t face size limits on greenhouses.
There would be expanded exemptions for walls, water tanks and barns.
Farms smaller than 2 acres could qualify to build exempted structures.
Farmers and ranchers would have fewer limits on the total square footage of exempted buildings they could build on the entire property.

FAQs

Would this bill legalize unpermitted structures?
No. If a structure needs a permit but doesn’t get one, this bill would not apply.

Would this change override local permitting?
Yes. State permitting exemptions for agricultural buildings have already been on the books since 2013, and county permitting agencies must follow state law.

Will these structures be safe if they are built without permits?
Farmers and ranchers have every reason to make sure that the structures they build to house their livestock, produce and equipment are safe. And contractors can face lawsuits if their work is found to be deficient.