Skagit County extends moratorium on event venues on agricultural land for six months

The Skagit County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 14 to extend an interim ordinance that temporarily prohibits new wedding, concert and other gathering venues on agricultural-NRL designated land while the planning commission completes work on a permanent ordinance.

Prosecuting attorney staff summarized the proposal and the board voted to extend the moratorium for another six months. The extension continues a voluntary compliance pathway for existing businesses; the county set a May 30, 2025 deadline for operators who want to submit a complete voluntary-compliance application to the planning department.

Will Hony of the prosecuting attorney’s office told commissioners the board first adopted the moratorium on Jan. 29 of last year and that the extension is intended to allow time for the planning commission to craft a permanent ordinance. Hony also summarized the county’s outreach and said most written comments he reviewed supported the extension.

Hony discussed recent legal guidance from the Washington State Supreme Court and its effect on local planning. “What the decision was from the Washington Supreme Court, in summary, it was very protective of ag land. It held that, once land is designated as agricultural land, it can only be used for agriculture even if it's sitting fallow,” he said, and added that the ruling provides direction on when accessory tourism uses can be allowed in an agricultural zone.

Commissioner Browning moved to adopt the interim ordinance; the motion was seconded and the board approved it unanimously. The recorded action carries a requirement that voluntary compliance applications be complete on submission; Hony said an application submitted on the final day that is incomplete would not satisfy the deadline. “The interim ordinance specifies a complete application,” he told the board.

The board and staff discussed outreach to existing operators. Commissioners said the extension is intended to protect agricultural land while giving operators a clear, time‑limited path to come into compliance if they choose. Prosecuting attorney staff said the county will notify known venues and conduct outreach to ensure affected businesses are aware of the voluntary compliance deadline and required materials.

Legal and implementation notes: the county’s action responds in part to the state Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Growth Management Act as it applies to accessory uses on agricultural land; the planning commission is drafting a permanent ordinance on ag tourism that will come back to the commissioners for consideration.