This bill amends existing legislation regarding the holding of special occasion events on preserved farmland in New Jersey. It allows owners or operators of commercial farms that produce agricultural or horticultural products worth $10,000 or more annually to hold such events, provided they comply with specific requirements. Notably, the bill introduces a limited exception to the prohibition against using recently constructed permanent structures for these events. Specifically, it permits the use of structures built within the last five years, as long as the total revenue from all special occasion events held on the farm does not exceed 10 percent of the farm's total annual revenues.

Additionally, the bill outlines the application process for obtaining approval from the grantee, which includes providing documentation to demonstrate compliance with the revenue limits. The grantee must confirm in writing whether the applicant meets the necessary criteria for using the recently constructed structures. Other stipulations include limitations on the number of events, attendance caps, and adherence to local laws regarding health and safety. The bill aims to clarify the conditions under which special occasion events can be held on preserved farmland while ensuring that agricultural production remains a priority.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4:1C-32.17