Introduction
Draft Updates Under Consideration
The regulations that guide the County Agricultural and Woodland Preservation Program were adopted in 1999 and have become outdated. County staff have worked with the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board and other stakeholders to develop recommendations to:
- Make the program more attractive to more landowners
- Provide some more flexibility for properties under Agricultural Conservation Easements to evolve and change, while staying in farming.
The proposed changes focus on Agricultural Conservation Easements, where the County buys the development rights, and the land stays in private ownership. The easement restricts use of the land to agriculture, natural resources, or related uses. The easement also limits future residential subdivision of the property. The easement is perpetual and runs with the deed when the land is transferred.
Please provide your feedback on the following recommendations for updating and improving the County Code and Regulations for the Anne Arundel County Agricultural and Woodland Preservation Program. This questionnaire closes at 11:59 pm on November 17, 2025.