Regulation of Agritourism Among Zoning Text Amendments Considered by County Planning Commission

Concerns over how much government oversight is too much took center stage at the Warren County Planning Commission’s June 11 meeting, as members voted to forward a series of zoning text amendments to the Board of Supervisors — including one that would add regulatory language to agritourism operations.

Edwin Wright shares his concerns about proposed agritourism regulations during the Warren County Planning Commission meeting on June 11.

“Don’t make it harder,” local resident Edwin Wright told the commission, cautioning against changes he believes could place additional burdens on farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs trying to welcome visitors to their properties.

Agritourism — broadly defined as commercial activities that invite the public onto working farms, such as pumpkin patches, hayrides, farm stays, or wine tastings — has been a growing part of Warren County’s rural economy. While support for agritourism was clear from all sides during the meeting, opinions diverged on how much regulation was appropriate.

The proposed amendments aim to clarify how and when a conditional use permit would be required for agritourism operations. Specifically, if the Zoning Administrator determines that a proposed activity poses a “substantial impact to the health, safety, and general welfare” of the public, the applicant would need to seek a permit.

Zoning Administrator Chase Lenz discusses how proposed agritourism regulations would be evaluated during the June 11 Planning Commission meeting.

Warren County Planning Director Matt Wendling and County Attorney Jordan Bowman

Zoning Administrator Chase Lenz emphasized that such determinations won’t be made lightly or in isolation. “I will be relying heavily on the county attorney,” Lenz said, noting the legal nuances in defining what qualifies as a substantial impact. County Attorney Jordan Bowman added that applicants unhappy with zoning decisions would have the option to appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Though some residents worry that the added language might discourage small farms from expanding into tourism, commissioners framed the changes as safeguards — not barriers. Projects not flagged for health and safety concerns would still proceed by right without added oversight.

The agritourism amendment was one of four sets of zoning text changes reviewed and recommended for approval during the meeting. Another key amendment would require conditional use permits for new agricultural operations in areas that were once zoned agricultural but have since been rezoned as commercial or industrial. Existing operations in these zones would be allowed to continue without additional permits.

A third amendment aligns local policy with recent updates to state code by clarifying the zoning administrator’s role in approving plats. The fourth amendment aimed to streamline ordinance language, making regulations clearer and more consistent in one of the code’s more technical sections.

After voting unanimously to forward the amendments to the Board of Supervisors, the commission also voted to advertise items in the consent agenda, including updates related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion between commissioners and staff regarding future business items before adjourning for the evening.

Click here to watch the Warren County Planning Commission Meeting of June 11, 2025.