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Skagit County extends six‑month moratorium on event-venue permits on agricultural land
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Summary
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 approved a six‑month extension of an interim ordinance that temporarily bars new permits for event venues (weddings, concerts) on agricultural (AG NRL) land while staff finish a permanent agritourism code.
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 6 to extend an interim moratorium that temporarily bars the county from accepting new permit applications for event venues on agricultural (AG NRL) land. Commissioner Browning moved to approve the six‑month extension; the chair seconded and the measure passed by voice vote.
Long Range Planner Robbie Eckroff told commissioners the interim ordinance (Ordinance 0202501) ‘‘temporarily prohibitisng the acceptance of new permits for event venues on Skagit County agricultural land, which includes permanent businesses hosting large events such as weddings and concerts.’’ Eckroff said the ordinance was last extended July 7, 2025, and state law allows the county to renew interim zoning controls in six‑month increments provided a public hearing is held and findings of fact are made for each renewal.
Director Jack Moore framed the extension as a pause ‘‘to provide time for development of a comprehensive code to regulate uses adequately in the ag … zone as it relates to agritourism.’’ Commissioners said the extension is intended to give the planning commission and staff time to draft a permanent ordinance; Eckroff noted the planning commission will continue agritourism deliberations on Jan. 27.
Commissioner Browning urged the board to finish the agritourism regulations within the next six months, saying stakeholders have worked through contentious issues and the county needs a clear, enforceable code. The board received two written comments during the recent comment period: one supported the extension and offered suggestions for the permanent ordinance; the other suggested considering county road speed‑limit changes if agritourism activity increases.
The motion was made verbally and approved by voice vote; the transcript records an affirmative ‘‘aye’’ and ‘‘Motion passes’’ but does not record a roll‑call tally. The county will continue drafting the permanent agritourism development regulations and seek the planning commission’s recommendation before returning to the board.