Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker on Aug. 2 introduced Bill 31-16 that would allow owners of certain properties in the county ranging in size from one-half acre to less than five acres to be granted an “Urban Agricultural Tax Credit” if they had two or more urban agricultural uses on the property. The credit would equal the property tax otherwise due on the property.
A public hearing on Bill 31-16 is tentatively scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Eligible properties would have to be located in a “priority funding area,” as defined in the Maryland State Finance and Procurement Code.
Properties of five acres or more devoted to agricultural uses are already eligible for tax credits.
Bill 31-16 defines an urban agricultural purpose as crop production activities, including:
Crop production activities, including the use of mulch or cover crops to ensure maximum productivity and minimize runoff and weed production.
Environmental mitigation activities, including stormwater abatement and groundwater protection.
Community development activities, including recreational activities, food donations and food preparation and canning classes.
Economic development activities, including employment and training opportunities and direct sales to restaurants and institutions.
Temporary produce stands used for the sale of produce raised on the premises.
A property owner must conduct at least two urban agricultural purposes on the property. The term of the credit would be five years.