County staff seek to add Washington County to agritourism exemptions

Washington County officials discussed proposed legislation to add the county to a list of jurisdictions with special agritourism provisions, allowing certain farm buildings to be used for agritourism without meeting some Maryland building performance standards.

The draft discussed would define agricultural buildings and provide exemptions from certain requirements — for example, provisions related to restrooms, sprinkler systems and elevators — for qualified agritourism uses. A sponsor said roughly 18 other jurisdictions already have similar language and that the measure would give farmers an auxiliary use for some farm buildings.

Committee members noted they had not yet received the formal draft (“blueback”) and expected to review specifics — including whether the proposal would simply add Washington County to an existing list or include additional criteria. A staff member said the current understanding is that the bill only adds Washington County to the enumerated list; members asked to see the blueback to confirm.

No formal action was taken during the meeting; staff said they will circulate the draft when available.

Ending: Committee members will review the blueback once received to confirm scope and any building-code exceptions.