Agritourism | Food Systems

The county’s unified development ordinance addresses agritourism. The ordinance defines “agritourism activity” (§1-2). Agritourism activities are permitted subject to standards in all districts (Table 8-4).

The code provides development standards for agritourism activities (§8-6.f). It allows for agricultural tourism activities in all districts on 5 acre or larger parcels. Examples of agritourism activities include, but are not limited to, outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, horseback riding, archery, hiking), wineries, guided farm tours, educational tours, corn mazes, harvest festivals or barn dances, agriculture food and craft shows, or on-farm direct sales (U-pick operations or road side stands).  A certain number of special events of certain duration are permitted without a special event permit, but those that exceed limitations require a special event permit; additional standards are provided. The code also allows for two off-premise directional signs if the activity is not located on a numbered highway.