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North Carolina Statewide Rule

North Carolina Agricultural Zoning Protection Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across North Carolina (2026)

Key Facts

NCGS 160D-903 exempts
NCGS 160D-903 exempts bona fide farms from county zoning
Multiple ways to
Multiple ways to qualify as a bona fide farm
Cities retain zoning
Cities retain zoning power within municipal limits
Voluntary Agricultural Districts
Voluntary Agricultural Districts add extra protection
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: North Carolina General Assembly

Summary

North Carolina limits county zoning of bona fide farms under NCGS 160D-903, exempting most agricultural activities on qualifying farms from county zoning regulation.

(a) Bona Fide Farming Exempt From County Zoning. - County zoning regulations may not affect property used for bona fide farm purposes; provided, however, that this section does not limit zoning regulation with respect to the use of farm property for nonfarm purposes. Except as provided in G.S. 106-743.4 for farms that are subject to a conservation agreement under G.S. 106-743.2, bona fide farm purposes include the production and activities relating or incidental to the production of crops, grains, fruits, vegetables, ornamental and flowering plants, dairy, livestock, poultry, and all other forms of agriculture, as defined in G.S. 106-581.1. Activities incident to the farm include existing or new residences constructed to the applicable residential building code situated on the farm occupied by the owner, lessee, or operator of the farm and other buildings or structures sheltering or supporting the farm use and operation.

Source: North Carolina General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

NCGS 160D-903 (formerly 153A-340) exempts bona fide farm purposes from county zoning regulations on properties used for activities such as crop production, livestock, horticulture, aquaculture, and farm-related sales of products produced on the farm. A property qualifies as a bona fide farm if it has a farm sales tax exemption, present-use value classification, farmer identification number, agricultural assessment, or similar evidence. Cities retain authority to zone within municipal limits, but county zoning generally cannot prohibit qualifying farm activities. Voluntary Agricultural Districts under NCGS 106-735 add further notice and protection.

Violations & Penalties

County zoning enforcement against bona fide farm activities is unauthorized; affected farmers may seek injunctive relief and challenge enforcement actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a North Carolina county zone a working farm out of existence?
No. NCGS 160D-903 exempts bona fide farm activities from county zoning regulation, including most accessory farm uses.
Do farms inside city limits have the same protection?
No. The bona fide farm exemption applies to county zoning. Cities can apply zoning rules to farm properties within municipal limits.

Sources

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