The Ancram Zoning Board of Appeals ruled last week that local farm stands are exempt from site plan review, clearing a path for new vendors across the town.
The decision came during the board’s July 28 meeting, in response to a request for interpretation from Building Inspector Ed Ferratto. Board members agreed unanimously that the town’s zoning laws do not require farm stands to file site plans or abbreviated site plans for town approval.
“There are some inconsistencies in the regulations,” said board chair Steve Olyha. “But when there is confusion, it makes sense that we look at the intent of the law. We are an agricultural community, so let’s make it easy to put up farm stands.”
Ferratto brought the issue to the board after receiving an inquiry about setting up a farm stand next year in the parking lot across from Town Hall, outside the Fulton & Forbes Wine and Spirits store.
While the prospective stand would not be operated by the store, its offerings would complement the business, said store owner Rachel Merriam. “They could carry things like citrus, olives, and juices that could accompany purchases for cocktails — as well as local produce, cheese, meats, cut flowers, and baked goods,” she said.
Merriam envisions a modest 10-by-10-foot stand, run on the honor system and open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with the possibility of pop-up sales around the holidays. She said she hopes to collaborate with local farms such as Chaseholm, Millerhurst, Steelbow, and organic grain farmer Stuart Farr.
The zoning board’s interpretation will apply to all future farm stand applications submitted to the building department.