We, the undersigned, are opposed to proposed bill 48-11 Zoning Regulations, Farmers Roadside Stand. This bill is misleading in its attempt to paint a picture of helping the farmers in Baltimore County through this zoning change. In fact, if passed, this legislation would have the opposite effect on the small farmers of Baltimore County.
We believe there was a reason why there was a term called Roadside Stand included in the code: it allows for farmers to sell their produce while still keeping the rural nature of the county intact. The way this bill is written provides for literally no limit to the size and scope of a farm stand, and instead obliterates the roadside stand concept altogether. It could very easily lead to large retail structures on farms. In essence, the bill says a farmer can build any size retail store he wants as long as 50% of the products are from his farm.
There is literally no way to enforce the 50% Rule. The proposed bill's passage would just exacerbate this problem, by opening up the possibility of larger, commercial operations to stake claims in our rural zones and call themselves farmers. As the commercial operations invade rural Baltimore County, the local family farmers will slowly be eradicated.
We urge you to vote AGAINST proposed bill 48-11.
