What is... Required to receive an Agricultural Building Code Exemption?

Before an Agricultural Building Code Exemption can be given, an application must be completed and submitted to our department along with a site plan showing where the building will be located in relation to any existing buildings. A copy of your land use permit and soil erosion permit (if required) must also be submitted. You can complete an application online by clicking here. The application and supporting documents can be e-mailed or faxed into our office.

There are two criteria that must be met to receive the Agricultural Building Code Exemption:

• Your property must be classified as agricultural or you must have a qualified agricultural exemption. This is done by your township assessor; please contact your township assessor for assistance in this matter. Click here for a list of township assessors and their contact information. If your property does not meet this first criterion, it will be necessary for you to provide documentation from your township assessor before proceeding with the Agricultural Building Code Exemption process. Otherwise a building permit is required.

• The use of your building must be incidental to the use for agricultural purposes of the land on which the building is located and is NOT being used in the business of retail trade or for residential storage or use. The definition of AGRICULTURAL is: “Agricultural or agricultural purpose” means of, or pertaining to, or connected with, or engaged in agriculture or tillage which is characterized by the act or business of cultivating or using land and soil for the production of crops for the use of animals or humans, and includes, but is not limited to, purposes related to agriculture, farming, dairying, pasturage, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry.

You must meet BOTH criterion to be eligible for the Agricultural Building Code Exemption. If you do not meet the criterion, you will be required to obtain a building permit. You can complete a building application online by clicking here.