Davidson County, NC Right to Farm: Farm Nuisance Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 153, Voluntary Agricultural District
- Adopted
- February 14, 2012
- Conservation agreement term
- 10 years, auto-renews
- Application review
- Advisory Board decides within 60 days
- Appeal window
- 30 days to Board of Commissioners
- Disclosure trigger
- farms within 1/2 mile on subdivision plans
Summary
Davidson County protects working farmland through its Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance (Ch. 153), which lets qualifying farmland enroll for legal protection from encroaching non-farm development. Enrollment requires a ten-year conservation agreement barring non-farm use, and developers must disclose nearby enrolled farms on subdivision plans.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote agricultural values and the general welfare of the county, and more specifically, increase identity and pride in the agricultural community and its way of life; encourage the economic and financial health of agriculture; and increase protection from non-farm development and other negative impacts on properly managed farms. ... (C) Is the subject of a conservation agreement, as defined in G.S. § 121-35, between the county and the owner of such land, that prohibits non-farm use or development of such land for a period of at least ten years, except for the creation of not more than three lots that meet applicable county and municipal zoning and subdivision regulations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2024 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance passed 4-22-2024; and State legislation through 2023 North Carolina Legislative Service, Pamphlet No. 6).
Full Breakdown
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Violations & Fines
The ordinance itself imposes no fines; its protection operates through the conservation agreement and the required subdivision-plan disclosure rather than criminal or civil penalties. Where this chapter conflicts with another county ordinance, that other county ordinance controls, and any more restrictive federal or state statute overrides the chapter's requirements (§ 153.150). The county and its officers, employees, Advisory Board members and agents are immune from liability for good-faith acts under this chapter, and no cause of action arises from a title researcher's failure to report a tract's proximity to a qualifying farm or district (§ 153.086, § 153.087).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does joining Davidson County's Voluntary Agricultural District protect my farm?
What does my farmland need to qualify for the district?
How long does county approval take once I apply?
Can the county revoke my district enrollment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davidson County
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