The Montgomery County Council has introduced new legislation sponsored by Council President Natali Fani-González, Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, and Councilmember Dawn Luedtke aimed at reducing regulatory barriers for agricultural operators.
The bill seeks to clarify that agricultural purposes include business, administrative, and management activities, as well as processing farm products for market, in order to prevent farms from being subject to higher commercial permitting standards.
Supporters say the measure would align building code requirements with existing zoning rules, providing greater consistency and predictability for farmers while helping them remain economically viable. Councilmembers said the legislation is intended to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, support family farms, and strengthen the local agricultural economy. A public hearing on Bill 7-26 is scheduled for March 10 at 1:30 pm at the Council Office Building.
