A proposed farm market halted the review of a development application before the Pine Plains Planning Board on Wednesday, Feb. 11, after board members said the town’s zoning code does not clearly define whether the use is permitted on the site.
The application, submitted by Steve Hobson of HTWO Properties, combines an expansion of existing self-storage facilities known as Stissing Storage, with a small roadside retail building at 2818 West Church Street. The retail component is intended to sell agricultural products sourced from regional farms.
While board members said they supported the idea of farm-based retail in principle, they agreed that deciding whether the proposal qualifies as a farm stand, a farm market, or a general retail use is not within the Planning Board’s authority.
Under Pine Plains’ zoning code, a farm stand is typically limited to the seasonal sale of agricultural products grown on the same property. Board members questioned whether Hobson’s proposal instead fit the definition of a farm market — or another retail category — each of which carries different approval requirements.
“This issue has to be decided by our zoning enforcement officer. It should have been decided before it came to the Planning Board,” said Town Attorney Warren Replansky.
The board concluded that Hobson must consult with Ed Casazza, the town’s zoning enforcement officer, to classify the use and revise the application accordingly. Until that determination is made, the Planning Board said it could not proceed with site plan review.