Delegation moves to add Washington County to agritourism building‑code exemption; county officials support inclusion

The Washington County Delegation discussed a draft agritourism bill and voted to move the measure forward to the legislative drop list for next week, adding Washington County to the list of jurisdictions that receive a building‑code exemption for specified agritourism activities.

County Administrator Michelle Gordon told the delegation the Board of County Commissioners supports adding Washington County to the existing agritourism statute as written and is not proposing amendments. “They are not proposing any changes or amendments to the bill as it exists,” Gordon said.

Paul Stoner and Aaron Mosier (agritourism supporters and local operators) explained the bill’s scope. Stoner said the proposal clarifies that buildings used “purely for ag tourism” — such as educational events, hay rides or corn mazes, flower‑assembly areas, and classes related to farming — should not trigger the same commercial building inspections intended for conventional commercial venues. Stoner emphasized the bill does not address overnight stays or larger commercial event venues.

Senator Paul Quarterman said the change is straightforward and likely to receive support; he and others urged the delegation to limit action this session to simply adding Washington County to the existing list and to defer more detailed zoning clarifications to county code updates. Delegate Baker and others asked clarifying questions about whether the bill would permit weddings in barns; Stoner and other speakers said weddings are not covered — those are treated as commercial events and would remain subject to local zoning and inspection rules.

Senator Quarterman moved to advance the agritourism bill; Delegate Valentine seconded. The delegation voted in favor and will “drop” the bill for the legislative session next week.