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Board okays agritourism as by‑right use in A‑1 zone; county mirrors state definition
Summary
Fluvanna supervisors on April 16 adopted an amendment to the county code to define agritourism and allow agritourism activities by right in the A‑1 agricultural district using the state definition.
The Board of Supervisors voted on April 16 to adopt ZTA‑25‑01, a zoning text amendment that adds a definition of agritourism and lists agritourism activities as a by‑right use in the A‑1 agricultural zoning district.
Staff said the county’s proposed definition is taken from the Code of Virginia (referenced in the presentation) and reads in summary: agritourism activity means an activity carried out on a farm or ranch that allows members of the public for recreational, entertainment or educational purposes to view or enjoy rural activities such as farming, wineries, ranching, horseback riding, harvest‑your‑own operations or similar natural attraction activities; the definition applies whether or not participants pay to participate.
The county’s proposed code language also notes the state statute that limits local regulation of agritourism: localities may not regulate agritourism activities except where there is a substantial impact on public health, safety or general welfare. Tom Reiner, a resident who spoke during public comment, asked how the county would differentiate a farm event from a large music festival; staff responded that large events that generate significant traffic, alcohol‑service concerns or other off‑site impacts could be addressed through existing event or special‑use permit processes.
Board action: Motion to adopt ZTA‑25‑01 was made by Mr. Hodge and seconded by Mr. Brian. The motion passed on a recorded voice vote.
Why it matters: Classifying agritourism as a by‑right use clarifies that ordinary farm‑related public activities (farm tours, pick‑your‑own, tastings tied to agricultural production) may proceed without a special‑use permit, while large commercial or disruptive events could still require additional approvals if they present substantial public‑health or safety impacts.
