How do exceptions work?
An exception can be severable or non-severable. A severable exception will generally need to meet the minimum lot size for the local municipality’s zoning and the landowner should pursue subdivision approvals concurrently with the farmland application. A severable exception can be sold separately from the preserved farm. Points are subtracted from the application to reflect the fact that lands are being removed from the farm. Such areas can be subdivided in advance of a preservation application to avoid point deductions. A non-severable exception is preferred by the CADB and is usually utilized to provide a site for a future farmhouse (especially when no house presently exists on the farm). Usually, a non-severable exception will be tied permanently to the farm (cannot be subdivided from the farm and sold separately). The non-severable exception cannot usually be further subdivided and is commonly restricted to a single-family residence and ancillary uses. Often, a non-severable except
