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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, First Regular Session
agricultural property; uses; rural activities
Purpose
Includes land and improvements devoted to activities that allow members of the public to participate in rural activities in the real property classification of agricultural real property.
Background
In order to be classified under the agricultural property classification, the primary use of the real property must be for agricultural land and the property must have been in active production for at least three of the last five years, with certain exceptions, have a reasonable expectation of operating profit from agricultural purposes and operate any noncontiguous farm parcels on a unitary basis (A.R.S. § 42-12152).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Includes land and improvements devoted to agritourism in the real property classification of agricultural real property.
2. Extends the prohibition from an ordinance preventing, restricting or regulating the use or occupation of land or improvements for general agricultural purposes to agritourism.
3. Includes agritourism in the definition of agricultural operations.
4. Defines agritourism as any activity that allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment or educational purposes, to view, enjoy or participate in rural activities, including farming, ranching, historical, cultural, u-pick, harvest-your-own activities or natural activities and attractions if the activity is conducted in connection with a business whose primary income is derived from the production for commercial purposes of livestock or agricultural commodities.
5. Makes technical and conforming changes.
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
WM 2/20/19 DPA 10-0-0-0
LAG 2/21/19 DP 6-0-0-1
3rd Read 2/28/19 56-4-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 12, 2019
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