How Does This Tool Work?
The Guidelines include model zoning ordinance language for agritourism uses. This model language is designed to be tailored to meet the needs and concerns of individual local governments. Some municipalities may wish to permit agritourism uses by special exception or conditional use so as to provide additional scrutiny by the governing body or Zoning Hearing Board. The Guidelines recommend that municipalities permit agritourism enterprises as accessory to the primary agricultural use of a working farm. perhaps through a checklist reviewed and approved by the zoning officer This process will minimize the administrative costs and application time for these types of businesses.
The proposed zoning language generally references performance standards that already exist in local zoning ordinances for similar types of businesses in the Agricultural zoning district. Examples include parking, signage, and operating hours. Due to the unique nature of agritourism businesses, which are intended to attract visitors to a working farm, additional requirements may be required to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Often these requirements are imposed by state agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection or the Department of Agriculture.
The Guidelines also include a Sample Agri-Business Application which municipalities may require as part of the application process. This Application required that the applicant provide a general description of the proposed enterprise; general standards of the business; and a sketch plan which identifies the layout of the enterprise, the areas where visitors will be permitted and restricted, and location of parking areas and road access, etc.
Please refer to the discussion of Pennsylvania’s Right to Farm Law regarding limitations on regulating farm businesses.
Agritourism as a Supporting Land Use
The Guidelines recommends that any tourism venture or experience that would be permitted in the agricultural and rural areas of the county must be directly related supporting the agricultural use of the farm by interpreting the agricultural heritage of the county and providing a distinctly Lancaster County experience. It is recommended that municipalities generally not permit other tourism activities and businesses that aren’t in support of a farming operation or that don’t bear some relationship to the agricultural heritage of the County.
What Enterprises or Activities Should be Permitted?
Activities conducted on and accessory to a working farm and offered to the public or to invited groups for the purpose of recreation, education, or active involvement in the farm operation. These activities must be directly related to agricultural or natural resources and incidental to the primary operation of the farm.
• Farm Markets / Roadside Stands
• U-pick operations
• Ice cream/bakery facilities
• Christmas tree farm/cut your own
• Wineries and winery tours and tastings
• Local products retail operations (local crafts, food
products)
• Corn mazes (with educational/interpretation)
• Farm-related interpretive facilities and exhibits
• Agricultural educational experiences
• Agriculturally related events / fairs / festivals
• On site farm, garden, nursery tours
• Walking and bicycling tours and trails
• Farms stays
• Bed and breakfast establishments
• Recreation (outfitters / cross country skiing /
fishing and hunting / bird watching)
• Horseback riding
What are the Benefits?
Several benefits have been identified that could be directly attributed to the development of a successfully managed and regulated agritourism program in Lancaster County. These opportunities would also further the goals of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan and the Blue Ribbon Commission on Agriculture
Report issued in 2006. These benefits include:
• Enhancing the economic viability of the farm and providing on-site employment opportunities
• Generating additional income or off season income for the farmer
• Interacting and educating locals and visitors about the importance of farming
in Lancaster County.
• Increasing awareness of local agricultural products
• Developing a new consumer market niche
Special Events
Included within the Guidelines is a sample ordinance regulating special events such as carnivals, music or art festivals, fire department charity events, and others. While these events may only occur once or twice a year, the impacts they may have due to their location within a rural setting may be significant. The sample ordinance includes provisions for trash collection and disposal, vehicle parking, traffic control and provision of sanitary facilities.
