Tennessee limits local zoning interference with bona fide farm operations under T.C.A. 13-7-114 and Right to Farm protections in T.C.A. 43-26-103, preserving rural land use rights.
Tennessee law restricts local zoning ordinances from prohibiting or unreasonably restricting agriculture on land used for farm purposes. T.C.A. 13-7-114 exempts bona fide farms from county zoning restrictions on agricultural activities, structures, and land uses. Combined with the Right to Farm Act under T.C.A. 43-26-103, the statutes preserve farmer flexibility to expand crops, build farm structures, and conduct agritourism. Zoning may still regulate non-agricultural commercial uses and ensure setbacks for confined animal feeding operations near residential areas.
Local zoning enforcement against protected farms is invalid, and farmers can seek declaratory and injunctive relief against improper restrictions.
See how Columbia's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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