BILL NUMBER:S3542

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
requiring the state fire prevention and building code council to
implement rules and regulations regarding the maple industry

PURPOSE:
To include maple production facilities and "sugar shacks" within the
definition of agricultural buildings and to make them accessible to
the public.

SUMMARY:
Section 1 requires the state fire prevention and building code council
to implement rules and regulations that include maple production
facilities and sugarhouses within the definition of agricultural
buildings so that such facilities will be qualified for exemptions
for agricultural buildings and to allow for public access and
assembly in sugarhouses as an agri-tourism activity.

JUSTIFICATION:
New York State provides unique climate, soil and forests that serve as
a premier resource for the maple products industry. 1.15 million taps
in New York produce 15.6% of the syrup made in the United States.
Ranking second in the nation, New York's maple products industry is a
significant part of the State's agricultural industry and plays an
              

important role in seasonal tourism.

In recognition of the importance and needs of the maple industry,
Chapter 87 of the laws of 2010 added the production of maple syrup
and pure maple products to the definition of Agricultural Tourism.
Current law however, does not recognize the structures associated
with the maple industry as agricultural.

This bill requires the state fire prevention and building code council
to implement rules and regulations that include maple production
facilities and sugarhouses within the definition of agriculture
buildings so that such facilities will be qualified for exemptions
for agricultural buildings and to allow for public access and
assembly in sugarhouses as an agricultural tourism activity.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S.6318 of 2009 - Referred to Rules
S.6318 of 2010 - Passed Senate

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the state.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.