Skagit County commissioners hear public comments on proposed agritourism code

Nine people made public comments about proposed agritourism code Monday during a meeting of the Skagit County Board of Commissioners.

Several others sent comments to the commissioners by mail and email.

The meeting was part of the ongoing effort to develop agritourism code for land zoned Ag-NRL. The process of developing code began in 2022.

The proposed code would define agritourism as follows: "Agritourism provides opportunities for working farms and ranches to preserve and promote Skagit County's agricultural lands. Agritourism allows for educational and experiential activities that are related to, and supportive of, agricultural production. Agritourism activities must have a direct connection to an actively managed, ongoing agricultural operation. Agritourism helps agricultural producers keep working lands in production by diversifying and enhancing their income. Agritourism activities must be incidental and subordinate to existing agricultural operations."

The proposed code would divide agritourism activies into three levels based on the number of events and number of attendees.

Level 1, which does not require a permit, allows 10 days of activities per year with up to 50 guests per day.

Level 2 is for those seeking more days or people than allowed under Level 1. Administrative special-use permits would be required. Such properties must show at least $500 per acre per year in agricultural income during the past three years.

Level 3 includes more than 35 event days a year or more than 100 guests per day, and requires a special permit from the county hearing examiner.

Planning and Services has also made the following amendments:

* Limited-event venues, restaurants and other regularly occurring celebratory gatherings, such as weddings, are prohibited on Ag-NRL land.

* Agricultural land cannot be used for parking.

* Adequate on-site parking is required.

During Monday's public hearing, the public comments varied, though most offered constructive feedback.

A+K Alder Farm co-owner Jessica Benson said the phrase "regularly occurring celebratory gatherings" is too ambiguous to understand.

Benson's farm is often used as a wedding venue. She is unsure whether she can host weddings, regardless of size, given the wording.

"A small, low-impact elopement may have far less effect on traffic, noise and surrounding agricultural activity than many other types of gatherings," she said. "Regulation should be based on measurable impacts, such as the mentioned frequency attendance, traffic and noise, not simply the event name."

Skagit Valley Lodging Association President Matthew Rosenthal also addressed the impacts on event venues.

"These venues define our region as a destination," Rosenthal said. "They showcase the beauty of our agricultural land, our local food system and the character of our community. That kind of identity is invaluable. It attracts repeat visitors, strengthens local pride and supports long-term economic resilience."

On a related note, Willowbrook Manor English Teahouse and Farm Stay owner Terry Gifford said she is grateful to have found a way to comply, though the process has been costly.

"It makes a hardship," Gifford said. "People need to get into nature. When they can breathe, when they can smell, when they can taste, that is what we can give to our neighbors. I invite more discussion on how to do that in a way where farms can survive."

However, some commenters expressed support for aspects of the proposed code rather than concerns.

County Agricultural Advisory Board representative Terry Sapp and farmer Owen Peth, representing the Western Washington Agricultural Association, supported the board passing the proposed code as is.

Sapp supported the code for following the advice of the advisory board, and for being a living document open to future changes.

Peth said the Western Washington Agricultural Association supported the code for helping preserve farmland.

"Protecting our natural resources has in the past and will in the future require bold leadership and action," Peth said. "Skagit County's farmland is finite and irreplaceable."

Public comments can be submitted to the county via email at pdscomments@co.skagit.wa.us or mailed to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, 98273 until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The county commissioners are scheduled to deliberate on the proposed code at 2:15 p.m. April 28.

For more information about the upcoming meeting, and for all previous agritourism meetings and proposed code changes, visit skagitcounty.net/departments/planningandpermit/agtourismmain.htm.

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