Local farmer and New Canaan Patch contributor Randy Brown (aka "Uncle Buck") is reportedly going to need a special permit in order to continue operating his , the Commission decided last week.
According to a report in the New Canaan Advertiser, the P&Z Commission voted 5-1, with one abstention, to classify Brown's farm as "commercial," which in turn requires him to apply for a special permit — a decision which Brown said .
As reported on , Brown's farm was shut down in November when neighbors complained that he was engaging in commercial farming without a permit. Opponents and supporters of Brown's farming operation — which supplies local farmer's markets during the season — argued their positions before the commission in February.
According to the New Canaan Advertiser report, several commissioners had a tough time interpreting the town's "vague" regulations with regard to "commercial" and "non-commercial" farming operations and were therefore hesitant to render a decision. However, the commission ultimately decided to classify Brown's farm as "commercial" because the produce is sold "off site," according to the report. Town regulations require that all commercial farming operations be done under special permit.
