Agritourism Opportunities On The Horizon With Passage Of Zoning Amendment

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A zoning regulation amendment signed into law by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Monday will help open up opportunities for agritourism.

The zoning amendment has been updated for clearer guidance and modernized standards that allow for expanded agritourism events, small-scale agritourism, additional uses for farm alcohol producers, rural venue space for events, incidental outdoor stays and farm-based bed-and-breakfasts directly tied to agricultural activity.

“The passage of these new regulations demonstrates what it looks like when we plan boldly and act with purpose,” Ball said. “We are furthering the goals of the county’s general plan, HoCo By Design, by empowering farmers, growing our economy and expanding opportunities for everyone to experience the best that our local agricultural community has to offer.”

The amendment was supported by District 5 Councilman David Yungmann.

“Agritourism is critical for the survival of our agriculture industry,” Yungmann said. “Bringing these new agriculture-based opportunities, which are already growing throughout the state, here to Howard County will allow the next generation to prosper. I appreciate the efforts of so many leaders from the agriculture community and within county government over the past five years to remove barriers and expand opportunities for our agriculture industry and farming families.”

In 2024, Howard County established a stand-alone agency responsible for promoting and assisting its farmers. The county’s Office of Agriculture is the third of its kind in the state of Maryland. There are an estimated 300 farms in Howard County, officials noted.

“Providing additional revenue is not the only, or most important benefit of the implementation of this ZRA,” said James Zoller, Office of Agriculture administrator. “New and expanded agribusiness uses such as incidental outdoor stays and agritourism bring people onto farms, helping the public better understand, appreciate and support agriculture in Howard County; and strengthening the bonds between farmers and residents.”