Signs alert Rochester residents of town’s farm bylaw

The town of Rochester is a proud farming community and wants residents and perspective homebuyers to know it.

Street signs featuring a person on a tractor with the words “Rochester A Right To Farm Community” have been placed around the town lines, reminding neighbors and potential residents of the community’s farm friendly status.

According to an article in the Sippican Village Soup, the Agriculture Commission designed the signs, 14 of which have been posted at the entrances of the town.

The signs help reinforce the “right to farm” bylaw that town meeting passed in 2012.

The bylaw requires prospective residents to sign a Right to Farm Disclosure Notification before purchasing or leasing property, acknowledging the town’s support of farming activities. According to the bylaw, farming activities may include loud noises, dust, odors and the potential for property within the town to be affected by commercial agricultural operations.

Agricultural commissions often field complaints and serve as mediators when residents have issues with farming activities.

The Agricultural Commission’s Right to Farm brochure is available on the town’s website (www.townofrochestermass.com/commagri.htm).