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County adopts agritourism rules to formalize events and agri‑centers
Summary
Douglas County approved zoning amendments to establish agritourism definitions, a tiered review and certification process for accessory, minor and major activities, and an agri‑center use to allow larger, ongoing agritourism operations, after staff and the planning commission recommended approval.
Douglas County commissioners voted unanimously May 12 to amend the county zoning resolution to establish agritourism regulations intended to consolidate existing practices and match review to activity scale.
Brett Thomas of Community Development explained the proposal creates new definitions for agritourism, introduces a three‑tiered review (accessory with up to 100 participants per day, minor up to 500 participants or up to seven days at 300 per day, and major beyond those thresholds), and creates an ‘‘agritourism center’’ use that may be permitted through site improvement or special review depending on the zone. The amendment would allow agritourism activities in A‑1 and LRR zoning districts and seeks to provide a predictable pathway for property owners who want to host farm‑based events.
Thomas said the planning commission recommended approval 6–0 after a referral period and that a January public workshop had produced questions and clarifications from rural community representatives. No members of the public spoke at the board hearing. Commissioners emphasized that the adopted rules are a starting point that can be amended over time and praised the effort as a way to expand rural economic activity and preserve agricultural land.
A motion to approve Project DR2025‑00006 passed unanimously by voice vote. The ordinance establishes the new definitions and procedural categories, and staff will implement the certification and review processes described in the amendment.
