Located within Stephens County are several areas which contain soils and conditions highly suitable for the cultivation of agricultural crops and livestock production.

The intent of the general agriculture district is to:

(1)

Encourage and protect a valuable natural resource, farmland, whose protection is in the public interest.

(2)

Encourage the general character of openness better suited to agricultural usage.

(3)

Discourage the residential subdivision of land which is inappropriate for this district.

(4)

To permit home occupations or home-based businesses which are related to, and/or compatible with, agricultural operations.

(5)

To encourage general farming areas where some development of low-density estate single-family residential land uses has occurred or is occurring.

(6)

To provide a compatible buffer between AG/AI agriculture districts and RS low-density residential development.

(7)

To encourage the use of farms, family estates, pastures and woodlands.

(8)

To provide the landowner an opportunity to engage in limited hobby-type agricultural activities for personal use, such as growing fresh fruits, flowers or vegetables, which may be sold to the public including allowing the landowner to sell a limited number of animals raised on the farm.

(9)

To encourage and support the maintenance of the rural character of the county, which requires extremely low-density restrictions.

(Ord. No. 2024-17, 7-23-2024)

A minimum of a one acre parcel is required for the maintenance of this district.

(Ord. No. 2024-17, 7-23-2024)

(a)

Agricultural uses, including field crops, fruits, vegetables, nuts, forestry products, commercial greenhouses not located in platted subdivisions, plant nurseries, and livestock and poultry grazing, provided they meet all district minimum requirements, all minimum requirements of these regulations.

(b)

Farm structures, including barns, grain storage facilities, implement sheds and other structures accessory to agricultural uses.

(c)

Residences, single family detached, including manufactured homes and modular homes, provided that one such residence is permitted per lot for any parcel under two acres, and provided further that such dwelling is farm-related subordinate to the principal use of agriculture. For any parcels greater than two acres in size, one additional principal structure is permitted by right, provided that setbacks are maintained.

(d)

Accessory uses and structures normally incidental and subordinate of one or more permitted principal uses.

(e)

Agricultural uses including gardens and the raising of farm animals for the property owner's use and limited selling.

(Ord. No. 2024-17, 7-23-2024)

(a)

Home occupations and home-based businesses which meet the requirements of the regulations.

(b)

Public structures and uses.

(c)

Secondary residences provided that such dwelling is farm-related and subordinate to the principal use of the property, and that the placement of such residence meets all criteria of these regulations and the Stephens County Subdivision Regulations.

(d)

Agriculture-related recreation developments, including but not limited to private or public fishing lakes and horse-back riding, provided a comprehensive plan for the area is submitted.

(e)

Churches, temples, synagogues, places of worship and cemeteries.

(f)

Golf courses.

(g)

Parks, playgrounds, community centers, tennis courts, swimming pools and other small-scale recreational facilities operated on a non-profit basis.

(h)

Public, parochial and private schools; and related non-profit educational institutions.

(i)

Reserved.

(j)

Reserved.

(Ord. No. 2024-17, 7-23-2024)

(Ord. No. 2024-17, 7-23-2024; Res. No. 2025-03, 1-28-2025)