Planning commission recommends agritourism code changes to legalize and simplify farm-based businesses

The Washoe County Planning Commission on Sept. 1 recommended approval of code amendments (WDCA260004) to establish an agritourism use type and to rename and revise the former 'produce sales' use to 'farm stands.'

Planner Jolene Bertetto outlined the amendments, saying the changes were prioritized by the Board of County Commissioners after outreach beginning in October 2025. "Agritourism businesses can take many different forms," she said, listing workshops, tours and U‑Pick operations. The draft adds a definition that agritourism be secondary and supplemental to a primary agricultural use and reduces the minimum lot size for farm stands from 40 acres to 35,000 square feet.

Bertetto said the draft sets operational limits — including hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., allowances for portable toilets in rural areas, parking standards (one space per employee at peak shift, minimum two spaces), and exemptions from landscaping requirements. She told commissioners staff plans to produce an agritourism implementation guide if the amendments are initiated.

A member of the public, Katherine/Catherine Yarte, praised the effort as a way to support home-based agricultural enterprises and local food producers. Following discussion, the planning commission moved to recommend approval and to authorize the chair to sign the resolution; the motion carried by voice vote.