OAKLAND TWP — The township is updating its Agricultural Security Area.

Any residents wanting to be added to the ag security area should get a form from the township website: oaklandtownshiponline.com.

Forms already were mailed to residents in the security area. If they don’t return the signed forms by the Nov. 6 deadline, they will be deleted from the area.

The township address is: 565 Chicora Road, Butler, PA 16001.

Being designated as part of the security area protects owners using their property for agricultural use from such municipal regulations as nuisance ordinances, which include noise from operating machinery past a certain time, and eminent domain.

There is no fee to request the designation, which does not prevent an owner from subdividing, building or selling property.

All owners of a property must sign the application form.

Following the deadline, the township Ag-Security Board will meet to review the submissions.

If no further modifications are received during a 15-day period, the township supervisors will approve the ag security area at their Dec. 4 meeting.

The township has more than 2,220 acres in its ag security area.

A 2013 state law amends the original 1981 law, requiring the Butler County Ag-Land Preservation Board to inspect preserved farms at least once every two years to ensure the provisions are met.

Oakland is gathering its ag security information now to be ready when the county checks on preserved farms.