Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning And Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planners urge ZDO updates to implement state mandates and new "farm store" rules; board directs staff to draft package
Summary
Planning staff asked the board to approve drafting the FY2027 minor and time‑sensitive zoning amendments that implement state mandates (including middle‑housing changes and HB 4153 farm‑store allowances); the board directed staff to draft the package and requested a policy session on shed setbacks and farm‑store standards before Planning Commission review.
Planning staff told commissioners on Aug. 4 that a FY2027 package of minor and time‑sensitive zoning and comprehensive plan amendments must be adopted to comply with state deadlines (effective 01/01/2027). The items include new middle‑housing allowances, an accessible density bonus, additional notification for tribes under a cultural areas rulemaking and new "farm store" provisions required by HB 4153.
Staff described the farm‑store changes as a statutorily required allowance in EFU and ag‑forest zones, with a 10,000‑square‑foot cap for permanent enclosed structures and a 25% cap on nonfarm retail within that footprint. Staff said the statute broadly allows agri‑tourism activities and limits local regulation to certain sideboards — such as access, traffic, parking, noise, hours and sanitation — and recommended considering standards for traffic management and event limits.
The board moved to direct staff to draft amendments consistent with Attachment A and initiate the amendment process. Commissioner West successfully added a friendly amendment requesting a policy session on shed setbacks and farm‑store standards before the package goes to the Planning Commission. The motion passed with three ayes and one abstention.
