Help Anne Arundel County promote preservation of agriculture and woodland resources by establishing a County Agricultural District Agreement on your land today.
What is it?
Property Tax credits are available to eligible landowners who agree to establish a 10-year District Agreement on their land, in recognition of agreeing to protective covenants similar to those provisions found in a permanent or perpetual easement. This program offers a credit against one's annual County Property Tax bill. While a permanent easement pays out cash to the property owner based on a percentage of a current land assessment, this program allows for a shorter term agreement that provides financial incentive for preservation through a property tax credit for the term of the agreement. District Agreements must be renewed every ten years to maintain the tax credit benefit, even if the property transitions into a permanent easement. However, the property owner is not obligated to renew at the end of each ten-year term.
Do I Qualify?
To qualify for a County Agricultural District, the land (either in whole or in part) must consist of 50 contiguous acres devoted to agriculture. There is a provision for accepting multiple contiguous properties under different ownership, as long as each individual property is no less than 10 acres in size and the total of all properties together meets or exceeds 50-acres in size. The property(ies) must also:
- Meet certain USDA Soil Capability Classes criteria,
- Have an active Soil and Water Conservation Plan in place,
- Be within Rural Agricultural (RA) or Residential Low Density (RLD) zoning districts, and
- Be outside an existing or planned Water and Sewer categories 1, 2, and 3.
The Agricultural and Woodland Preservation Staff can assist with these evaluation requirements.
To qualify for a County Woodland District, the area must consist of at least 10 contiguous acres of woodlands. When adding woodland to an existing woodland district, there is a 10-acre minimum size requirement of woodland per landowner. Additional eligibility requirements include a Forest Management Plan, Zoning criteria, and Water and Sewer Categories. The Agricultural and Woodland Preservation Staff can assist with these evaluation requirements
How Much Can I Save?
With a County District Agreement, landowners receive an Agricultural Tax Credit on the County Real Estate Tax portion of their Real Property Tax Bill. Landowners are only invoiced for State property taxes, County fees and charges.
Are There Other Benefits?
The County District Agreement and Tax Credit programs encourage the preservation of natural resources which are necessary and desirable for human and wildlife welfare. They promote good land stewardship principles by providing specific best management practices for a property.
How Do I Apply?
Applications may be submitted anytime by landowners but the County encourages applications be made by March 31 if a tax credit is sought for the following fiscal year tax bill. The Agricultural Preservation staff is available to help you determine if your property may qualify and meet all of the eligibility requirements. Staff can also assist in preparing the District and Tax Credit applications. Upon approval of the application, the landowner(s) would enter into a District Agreement which is recorded in the County Land Records.
Need More Information?
Contact the Agricultural and Woodland Preservation staff today at 410-222-2869 or at agpres@aacounty.org.