Prime land identified by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as "P - prime" or "S - significant" and as described in the Farmland Classification System for Vermont Soils, published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - NRCS and available at www.nrb.state.vt.us/lup/publications/importantfarmlands.pdf, is land to be preserved.

These lands are shown on the map, "Important Farmland Soils, Weathersfield, Vermont" printed by Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission (SWCRPC) based on data provided by the USDA. Additional information can be obtained from the USDA WebSoil Survey at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ .

Land uses on P- or S- designated soils other than agricultural or forestry shall require a conditional use permit from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Zoning Board shall condition the proposed land use so as to maximize preservation of the protected soils. In no event shall the total area of impermeable surfaces on the P- or S-designated soils - existing and proposed combined - exceed 10% of the total area of the mapped protected soils on the parcel.

A conditional use permit shall not be required when an attached addition to an existing building is proposed that will not result in greater than 10% impermeable surface on the protected soil or on lots which contain three (3) or less acres of contiguous P- or S-designated soils.

Impermeable surface is defined for the purpose of this bylaw as any manmade surface including, but not limited to, paved and unpaved roads, parking areas, roofs, driveways, walkways, decks and pools that disturb the soil such that it is no longer useable for agricultural purposes.