PRESS RELEASE

November 9, 2022

Contact

Danica Sessions

[email protected]

360-416-1300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public Input Requested for Skagit County Agritourism Study

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Skagit County is reviewing what agritourism means to the County?s agricultural community and rural residents. Planning & Development Services is currently analyzing agritourism activities in Skagit County to develop a report on the economics of agritourism, a current assessment of County policies, and relevant case studies.

The study is anticipated to address the current situation with farm stands and value-added activities, agricultural recreation, and options for other types of agritourism, such as potentially allowing food service on farms, wedding venues, temporary event spaces, etc.

Based on feedback from research and policy proposals from County staff, a legislative proposal will be developed for consideration by the Skagit County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners. This process will allow the County to propose amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, zoning map, and development regulations, with input from the public and stakeholders, to address agritourism.

The County is once again accepting public feedback via online survey and open public forum. To take the online survey, please visit: https://publicinput.com/n5582. Hard copies are available at the Planning & Development Services Office located at 1800 Continental Place in Mount Vernon.?

County residents are also welcomed to join an upcoming public meeting. Meeting dates include: ?

• Thursday, November 10th
  Sedro-Woolley Senior Center, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, November 16th
  La Conner Maple Hall, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 6th
  Agritourism Town Hall
  Skagit County Commissioner?s Hearing Room, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Agritourism study process is expected to continue into 2023. Once recommendations have been finalized by the Planning Commission, then the Board of County Commissioners will decide on final action for agritourism policies.

For more information about this process and to view related documents and reports, visit: www.skagitcounty.net/agritourism.

To stay up to date on the agritourism study, sign up for updates from the Skagit County Planning & Development Services Department by visiting: www.skagitcounty.net/agritourism. For all other questions, please contact Sarah Ruether at [email protected].

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