The ARO zone permits agricultural, ranching, recreation and open space uses on land which is prone to flooding, which may be shown on the FIRM map (flood insurance rate map), and may include lands which are flooded during a 100-year flood, and which are therefore basically unsuitable for permanent general residential, commercial or industrial development due to poor drainage, excessive runoff, or other flooding problems. The ARO zone is depicted on the town zone map as generally following the natural boundaries of the land which is prone to poor drainage, excessive runoff, or other flooding problems.

Land in the ARO zone is not included within the FIRM map pertaining to chapter 15.20, “Flood Damage Prevention”, of this code. For specific floodplain requirements, see chapter 15.20 of this code.