The Foundation shall consider the following criteria in determining whether to approve or disapprove any use or activity:
- A. Proportion of size of use or activity to total farm operation;
- B. Compatibility with farm or forest production;
- C. Potential damage to soil productivity;
- D. Extent of use of existing farm structures or buildings, and impact on the value of the existing structure for farm or forestry use;
- E. Whether any new structure or parking to support the use meets Foundation guidelines for location, scale, and impervious surfaces;
- F. Compatibility with the rural character of the farm and the surrounding area;
- G. County advisory board recommendation;
- H. Compatibility with the implementation or maintenance of a best management practice provided in a soil conservation and water quality plan for the farm and, if applicable, a Forest Stewardship Plan or a nutrient management plan; and
- I. Impact on sensitive natural resources on the farm, such as steep slopes, highly erodible soils, wetlands, or stream buffers.
Authority: Agriculture Article, §§2-504 and 2-513(b), Annotated Code of Maryland
Effective date: November 3, 2008 (35:22 Md. R. 1959)