Southborough, MA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

Section 174-8.1(A) of the zoning bylaw lists the permitted uses in the C Conservation District. Item (2) is agriculture, horticulture, floriculture or viticulture, but excepting, to the extent permitted pursuant to applicable state law and regulation, piggeries and fur farms. The wording carries an amendment note dated 10-7-2013 (Special Town Meeting, Article 9). Item (3) adds a temporary nonresidential structure accessory to farming, fishing or similar permitted use of the land, and item (5) adds the roadside stand. Section 174-8.2(A)(1) makes all uses permitted in the Conservation District permitted in the RA Residence A District as well, so farming is a permitted use in Residence A.

The definitions in § 174-2 supply the limits. A farm is land or premises used to raise agricultural, silvicultural or horticultural products, livestock, poultry and dairy products, but excepting, to the extent permitted pursuant to applicable state law and regulation, piggeries, dog kennels, riding stables and the raising of carnivorous fur-bearing animals. A roadside stand is a structure erected and used exclusively for the sale of flowers or farm and garden products, the majority of which, by value, have been grown on the premises or within the Town of Southborough. It can sit within the minimum required front yard, but at least 12 feet from the nearest street line, if built of wood and other readily movable materials, without a foundation, integral heating or permanent utility connections, and not over 350 square feet gross floor area.

Section 174-11(14) allows one agricultural sign not to exceed 32 square feet, with wording that can be changed periodically to advertise products raised or grown principally on the premises. Southborough's Code contains no separate right-to-farm bylaw; the protection is the permitted-use listing described here.