Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve

[1] County residents and government planners began to notice the loss of agricultural land and open space as early as the 1950s, associated with the increase in suburbanization following World War II.

[2]: 14 Following studies by a County task force and public discussion, the Council established the Agricultural and Rural Open Space Master Plan in 1980.

It seeks to preserve farmland through: The county government identified two contiguous areas in its northern region that would define the outer boundaries of the agricultural zone.

Similar in concept to a TDR, the easement creates a marketable credit for a landowner, and removes the right to build a dwelling unit on a lot.

[9] According to an advocacy group, the reserve provides the following benefits: Among the challenges to maintaining the character of the Agricultural Reserve, are several listed by a local advocacy group: The high costs of operating a farm in Montgomery County; increased development of private facilities (e.g. private schools); and development of new highways.