New Jersey Assembly Bill A258

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Allows commercial farms to hold 14 special occasion events per year.

Impact

The enactment of Bill A258 is expected to provide farmers with new revenue opportunities while preserving the agricultural purpose of the land. By instituting a cap on the number of events and the share of income these events can generate, the bill seeks to maintain the integrity of agricultural operations and ensure that income from farming activities remains primary. This approach is designed to balance the economic viability of farming with the need for sustainable agricultural practices.

Summary

Bill A258 aims to allow commercial farms in New Jersey to hold a maximum of 14 special occasion events per year on their properties, irrespective of whether the farms are preserved or unpreserved. These events can include weddings and other significant cultural or social gatherings. The bill ensures that all special occasion events must comply with existing municipal regulations about noise control, solid waste management, and traffic safety. Additionally, the proposed legislation emphasizes that the income generated from these events should not exceed 50% of the commercial farm's total income, especially for farms on preserved land.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding how this bill could affect local agricultural practices and zoning laws. Critics might argue that the limitations on the number of events and the income cap could hinder the business potential of commercial farms that wish to diversify their income sources. Furthermore, enforcement mechanisms are established, including civil penalties for non-compliance with event income regulations, which could lead to disputes between farmers and regulatory bodies over interpretations of compliance and business practices.