York County Agricultural Land Preservation Board meetings are held 7 PM in Board Meeting Room 151, located at 2401 Pleasant Valley Road York PA 17402.
>>> Tuesday May 17, 2022 meeting agenda<<<
Meetings require a board quorum – call ahead to confirm meeting will be held (717) 840-7400.
Health reminders are posted on the entry doors.
Please call 717-840-7400 if you would like to communicate with us.
2401 Pleasant Valley Road, Suite 101
York, PA 17402
717-840-7400
Agricultural Land Viewer
Mission Statement: “It shall be the mission of the York County Agricultural Land Preservation Board to protect York County’s agricultural resources through the preservation of economically viable farms with the creation and maintenance of stable agricultural communities.”
Welcome to the online home of the York County Agricultural Land Preservation Board. It is our goal to protect York County’s agricultural resources through the strategic preservation of economically viable farms.
The first York County Agricultural Land Preservation Board was appointed by the York County Commissioners in 1990. Since then, the program has preserved more than 44,080 acres and 298 farms (five donations), ranking it among the most proficient in the nation. The participation of local farmers in programs like ours helps ensure the continuation of York County’s vibrant and viable agricultural community.
The goal of this website is to provide you the details needed to decide if agricultural land preservation is right for you and your family. Should you decide to participate with the York County Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, please consult with your legal and tax counselors to understand the restrictions that would be placed on your farm deed as well as the tax implications of easement income.
During 2018, the York County Agricultural Land Preservation Board made changes to the Conservation Easement Program as part of the required seven-year review and recertification process. Revisions were made to the eligibility criteria for application to the program, as well as, the ranking system. In 2019, additional changes were made by the Board regarding the application process and setting a $3000 cap per acre for easement purchases.
The next deadline for application is February 15, 2022. The past continuous application cycle is no longer allowed. Applications are qualified and ranked every 24 months. Easement boundaries are determined by the landowner, however changes to the application are limited to 2 edits prior to the Application Deadline. These changes must be finalized no later than the February 15 deadline. Exclusions are permitted but will be reviewed by the County Board.
Farmland ranking scores can be found posted in the Ag Land Preservation Board Program Office. Farms will be selected for appraisal for easement purchase based upon score and availability of easement funds throughout the 24 month application cycle. Please note a current cap of $3,000 per acre applies to all easement offers. It is a landowner’s responsibility to provide clear title prior to preservation. Please discuss your desire to preserve your farm with your lenders before applying. Your lender must agree with your desire to preserve your farm.
If you have any questions about this information, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Landowners are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to discuss the easement program, prior to submitting an easement application. Thank you again for visiting our website about this vital program to protect one of York County’s most valuable resources, our productive farmlands and agricultural heritage.