Skagit County repeals agritourism moratorium, adopts new agritourism rules

Skagit County commissioners voted April 28 to repeal an interim moratorium on agritourism and to adopt a new agritourism code package that defines allowable activities, performance standards and a tiered framework based on attendance and frequency.

Planning Director Jack Moore said the current draft creates three agritourism levels tied to event size and frequency, establishes general performance standards, and prohibits regular concert‑style venues, full‑service restaurants and similar recurring gathering venues in natural‑resource zones. Moore emphasized that existing operations with voluntary compliance agreements (VCAs) or previously approved special‑use permits may continue under their conditions but would need to comply if they materially expand.

Commissioners and staff discussed public‑safety, health inspection and monitoring provisions, and the potential for posting publicly available records showing which operations are operating under VCAs. "We intend to capture singular events and ensure protections for farmland while allowing farmers opportunities to diversify," staff said, and planners said they will publish VCA records on the county website so the public can verify whether an operation is under a voluntary compliance agreement.

Commissioner Burns, who supported moving forward, said after extensive review and stakeholder engagement he was comfortable implementing the ordinance and adjusting it after observing outcomes. A motion to approve the agritourism amendments and repeal the interim moratorium was moved and seconded; the board voted in favor.

What the ordinance does not change: staff reiterated that conventional farm activities already allowed under county code—U‑pick operations, farmstands and similar direct‑producer sales—remain permitted and are distinct from the agritourism activities now regulated under the new code.

Staff said the agritourism package had been through an extended public process, including a public comment period and a planning commission hearing; the board will monitor implementation and return with refinements if needed.

The action repealed the interim moratorium and authorizes staff to proceed with the adopted code language as the county's regulatory approach for agritourism.