The Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program is requesting public comments on the following guidelines:
Agricultural structures on land that is protected by an APR held by the Commonwealth require MDAR's prior written approval which is granted through a Certificate of Approval (COA) process. The construction of Housing for Farm Labor on an APR Parcel requires Department Approval in the form of a COA. The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide Applicants of a COA for Housing for Farm Labor with guidance regarding the criteria that need to be satisfied for the Department to issue a COA. Denials of all COAs are appealable to the Agricultural Lands Preservation Committee (ALPC).
MDAR is sharing these guidelines with the public to provide opportunities for comment. MDAR may then revise the policy, as needed, based upon the public’s feedback.
Housing for Farm Labor Guidelines
Comments are due by August 3, 2026 by 5 PM. Please submit your comments below.