North Carolina Agricultural Zoning Protection Rules

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.

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