Lower Paxton, PA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

The Township's own notice sits in the AR row of Table 2 in § 203-305. Persons moving into the AR District are placed on notice that they should expect to experience odors, dust, late-night operations, pesticide use and other impacts from agricultural activities, and that such impacts from normal farming operations are allowed under the State Right to Farm Act. That notice warns buyers and neighbors. The Right to Farm Act itself is state law, and Chapter 203 carries the Township's notice and its own standards. AR lots need 65,340 square feet (1.5 acres) and 140 feet of lot width, with a 40-foot front yard, a 50-foot rear yard, 20-foot side yards, maximum building coverage of 15% and maximum impervious coverage of 30%.

Larger agricultural operations face express standards in § 203-703(A), as a permitted use by special exception. The lot needs a setback of at least 150 feet around its entire perimeter (the code prints the word as permitter). A buffer strip 30 feet wide must be planted with evergreen, shrubs or other screening vegetation and designed under the Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance in Chapter 180. Before approval, a hydraulic study must show the use will not have an adverse impact on the region's water supply. Subsection (A)(4) requires groundwater monitoring wells, manure lagoon covers and operating plans, including a closure plan, a mortality disposal plan, a dust control plan and a contingency plan for breaches or leakage. Manure lagoons need an impermeable liner and a perimeter fence at least six feet high with gates, and the Township Engineer approves lagoon construction plans.

The Township Zoning Hearing Board hears and decides special exceptions under § 203-700, holding a public hearing within 60 days of a complete and properly filed application. Approval expires automatically if no grading permit, building permit or zoning certificate application is submitted within 12 months, unless the Board extends it by one to 12 months on written request before expiration. Chapter 203 defines agricultural operations as commercial production and preparation for market of crops, livestock and livestock products.