Columbia, MO Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Min lot area
- 2.5 acres
- Dwellings allowed
- 1 principal + 1 second
- Max building height
- 35 feet
- Governing section
- UDC § 29-2.2(c)(2)
Summary
Columbia, Missouri's Unified Development Code sets aside an 'A' Agricultural zoning district within city limits in Boone County for large-scale farming, requiring 2.5-acre minimum lots and capping dwellings at one principal plus one second unit per lot.
(2)A agricultural district.(i)Purpose. This district is intended to provide for large-scale agricultural uses contained within the city, certain public uses, and facilities or activities best located in a more isolated area. The principal land use is an agricultural area or public facility. Only one principal dwelling and one second principal dwelling are allowed on each lot.
Table 29-2-12 A District Dimensional Standard Summary Lot Standards Minimum lot area 2.5 acres
Minimum lot width at building line 60 ft. Building Standards Minimum depth front yard 25 ft. Minimum width of side yard 25 ft. Minimum depth rear yard 25 ft. Maximum height of primary building 35 ft. This table is a summary of selected standards; refer to chapter 29-4.1 dimension standards, for additional regulations.
(ii)Illustration. The following diagram is a graphical depiction of the A district to be used for illustration purposes only.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 138).
Full Breakdown
Under UDC Sec. 29-2.2(c)(2), the City of Columbia, Missouri's A Agricultural district 'is intended to provide for large-scale agricultural uses contained within the city, certain public uses, and facilities or activities best located in a more isolated area.' Only one principal dwelling and one second principal dwelling are allowed per lot. The district requires a 2.5-acre minimum lot, 60-foot minimum lot width, 25-foot yards on all sides, and a 35-foot maximum building height. Missouri's constitutional right-to-farm provisions operate separately at the state level; Columbia has not enacted a distinct municipal right-to-farm ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Developing outside A-district standards without approval violates UDC Chapter 29: a first offense is $10-$250 per day under Sec. 29-6.6(c)(1)(ii); repeat violations at the same site run $100-$500 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
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