Rural Strategy

The Rural Strategy included in Balance is designed to maintain the resources and traditional ties to the land that define Lancaster County's rural character for future generations.

Key Objectives

  • Establish designated rural areas within which rural resources, rural character, and a rural way of life are sustained and incompatible development is precluded. Four types of rural area designations are proposed:
    • Designated Agricultural Areas - the greatest intensity of agricultural uses
    • Designated Agricultural with Natural Areas - agriculture mixed with a significant proportion of environmentally sensitive resources
    • Designated Natural Areas - scenic, recreational, and natural resource areas
    • Rural Centers - existing developed areas where rural growth will be guided. Rural Centers include:
      • Village Growth Areas (existing communities of 50 or more dwelling units)
      • Crossroads Communities (existing communities of 20 to 50 dwelling units)
      • Rural Business Areas (developed areas with potential for limited growth)
      • Rural Neighborhoods (areas of existing residential development)
  • Reduce non-rural development outside of urban growth areas and direct it to rural centers to maintain the form and character of rural areas
  • Maintain the viability of the rural economy, including agriculture and other economic activities that depend on rural resources or a rural location