Provo council approves agritourism overlay for Finch farm after months of review and neighborhood questions

The Provo City Council voted 7-0 Tuesday to amend the city zone map to place 2601 West 280 South in an Agriculture with Agritourism Overlay, clearing the way for the Finch family to develop an event center and agritourism activities on their farm.

The zoning change, presented by Planning Supervisor Aaron Ardmore, was adopted after several members of the Finch family described a multi-year effort to bring the proposal into compliance with city standards and after council members pressed the applicants on structures, site layout and required infrastructure improvements. Aaron Ardmore told the council that “staff has recommended approval on this as has the planning commission.”

The ordinance matters because it aims to preserve agricultural operations while permitting farm-based events and attractions that the applicants say are necessary to keep the property viable. The Finch family said the overlay would enable an event center, pony rides, a petting area and other agritourism uses while keeping the farm intact for future generations.

Barry Finch, who identified himself as the applicant, told the council the family has worked with city staff and the planning commission for about two and a half years and has accepted multiple conditions the city required. “We have agreed to all of those things,” he said, listing security requirements, stricter hours and extra noise controls the city asked them to accept. He also said engineers required site improvements the family must pay, including what he described as “a hundred thousand dollar street improvement assessment.”

Judy Finch, speaking for the family, invoked city planning policy while appealing to the council for support. She cited the Southwest Neighborhood Plan, saying it directs the city to “preserve agricultural heritage and support agriculture” and to “encourage agritourism.” She told the council she felt personally attacked by prior comments at a work meeting and asked for the council’s help to keep the farm in the family.

Son Andrew Finch described agritourism as a revenue stream that would allow the family to retain the farm: “Agritourism is a proven way for small farms like ours to create new income streams and remain viable.”

Council members questioned the applicants about existing and removed structures, asking whether the site plan before the council accurately reflected which buildings would remain. The family said substantial cleanup and demolition already have been done in the area of the proposed access road and that some older barns would remain while the family plans targeted façade and landscape improvements as funding allows.

The application includes site constraints the family accepted during review: a requirement for security presence for some events, an engineered grease trap the family said cost roughly $50,000 though they described the venue’s kitchen as a prep-only area, and more restrictive hours and noise standards than other city venues. Barry Finch said those conditions were agreed to during negotiations with staff and the planning commission.

Councilor Rachel Whipple asked for clarification about building outlines shown on the submitted site plan and whether the image represented all existing structures; the Finches said the plan focused on the new event footprint and access, not every existing farm building. Planning staff confirmed the project plan and the overlay-zone requirements were found to be met by staff and the planning commission.

After public comment and discussion, the council adopted the ordinance by unanimous vote. During the meeting the council did not attach a separate timeline for building permits; the family said they need the zone change to secure financing and begin construction. Council members who voted in favor were: Councilor Bogdan, Councilor Christiansen, Councilor Garrett (chair), Councilor Hanley, Councilor Hoban, Councilor Katrice McKay and Councilor Rachel Whipple.

The Finches said the barn and adjacent grounds will host weddings and family events, with a 900-foot tree-lined drive, a parking area, pony and petting-zoo attractions and landscape staging around the event building. They asked the council to allow the overlay so they could proceed with final engineering, financing and construction.

The council’s approval allows the applicants to pursue required building permits, site work and any additional engineering approvals; staff and the applicants indicated additional construction permits and infrastructure work remain before events may begin.

City staff and the Finch family echoed the council’s comments that the property is intended to remain agricultural while the overlay permits agritourism operations to support the family farm.