Skagit planning commission hears wide-ranging public comment on proposed agritourism code amendments

The Skagit Valley Planning Commission held a public hearing Oct. 14 on draft agritourism code amendments that would set a definition, tiered activity levels, and new limits on events on lands zoned for agricultural and natural resource uses. Jack Moore, planning and development services director, introduced the draft and described key elements, saying the proposal "includes 3 levels of agritourism based on number of attendees and frequency of events" and would prohibit limited event venues, restaurants and regularly occurring celebratory gatherings in some agricultural natural resource lands (ANRL).

Why it matters: The proposed rules would affect family farms, tourism businesses and private landowners across Skagit County by restricting which kinds of public gatherings are allowed on agriculturally designated land, changing enforcement expectations, and creating a path that could influence whether small operators can supplement farm income with events such as weddings, dinners or festivals.

The proposal and schedule: Moore told the commission the draft sets a purpose and intent, tiers activities by attendance and frequency, and applies in zones that currently allow…