Purpose. It is the purpose of these zones to recognize and preserve areas of active agricultural use, together with adjacent areas of prime or unique agricultural soils suitable for expansion of agricultural operations, together with contiguous lands whose development would impact upon areas of active agricultural use. It is recognized that areas of active agricultural use are essential to the agricultural industry, which is a major component of the economic base of the City. It is the intent that areas of active agricultural use be sustained and that an environment compatible with agricultural operations be ensured. It is important that zone requirements and design standards not be sacrificed to allow overdevelopment of properties, as this would negatively impact upon the character of these areas of active agricultural use. It is the intent that a farm be the preferred use of property, as none of the other permitted uses are to be considered unless all other requirements of this chapter can be met. For example, there is no automatic or implied right to develop a riding academy. A riding academy should only be considered if all requirements of this chapter, including design standards, can be met.