Agribusiness, Agritourism Receives Boost From Zoning Amendment Proposal

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Planning Board voted unanimously 5-0 to endorse key zoning code amendments designed to advance local agribusiness and agritourism opportunities.

In their recommendations to the County Council, the planning board encouraged the elimination of proposed restrictions on shared use driveways and reduction of requirements that owners live on agritourism properties. The board also suggested allowing festival events from two to three days on holiday weekends. Ultimately, the recommended revisions would offer even greater flexibility to the county’s farming community under this proposal, the county stated.

"These updates modernize the zoning code to reflect the realities of today’s farming industry while ensuring that agriculture remains central to Howard County’s character and economy.
Aligning our zoning code with the policy direction provided by HoCo By Design is an important step toward ensuring the long-term vitality of agriculture in Howard County. By updating our zoning framework, we’re giving farmers the flexibility they need to grow, diversify and adapt in an industry facing both fiscal and environmental challenges," stated Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

ZRA-217 will be submitted to the County Council for legislative adoption in the coming months, leaders said.

"The approved amendment introduces greater flexibility in land-use rules, helping farmers stay competitive and resilient. They create new opportunities for small-scale agritourism, incidental outdoor stays and farm-based bed-and-breakfasts, providing additional revenue streams beyond traditional farm production. These updates also enable Howard County to remain competitive with other Maryland counties that already provide similar agritourism opportunities. It will allow farms throughout the county to expand beyond traditional uses and explore new ventures that keep them competitive," said Leslie Bauer, president of the Howard County Farm Bureau.