The bill amends sections 303.21 and 519.21 of the Revised Code to restrict the authority of townships and counties in Ohio from adopting zoning resolutions that affect agricultural land under specific circumstances. The amendments clarify that no county rural zoning commission, board of county commissioners, or board of zoning appeals can prohibit the use of land for agricultural purposes or the construction of buildings related to agriculture, including those used for vinting and selling wine on land used for viticulture. Additionally, the bill removes provisions that previously allowed zoning regulations for agricultural activities on smaller lots, specifically those greater than one acre but not exceeding five acres.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "biodiesel," "biomass energy," and "agritourism," aligning them with existing definitions in the Revised Code. It also emphasizes that zoning authorities cannot regulate certain agricultural activities, including farm markets and energy production, as long as the land is classified as agricultural for tax purposes. The existing sections 303.21 and 519.21 are repealed, and the new language is intended to harmonize previous amendments to ensure clarity and consistency in the regulation of agricultural land use.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 303.21, 519.21