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SB 861

Environment - Stormwater Management for Agritourism

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Feldman and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland requires agritourism farms to implement stormwater management controls to reduce runoff pollution while protecting both water quality and agricultural tourism viability.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 13
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Bill Summary · SB 861

Legislative bill overview

SB 861 establishes stormwater management requirements specifically for agritourism operations in Maryland. The bill requires agritourism facilities—farms offering recreational, educational, or tourism activities—to implement stormwater control measures to prevent runoff pollution. This creates a regulatory framework tailored to agricultural businesses that operate visitor attractions.

Why is this important

Agritourism operations often involve increased impervious surfaces (parking lots, buildings) and concentrated foot traffic that can accelerate stormwater runoff and soil erosion, degrading water quality in local watersheds. By establishing clear requirements for these facilities, the bill aims to protect Maryland's water resources while allowing agricultural businesses to continue their tourism activities without disproportionate regulatory burdens compared to traditional farms or commercial developments.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Small family farms pivoting to agritourism may face significant expenses installing stormwater infrastructure, potentially discouraging agricultural diversification and rural economic development
  • Definitional scope: "Agritourism" may be defined broadly or narrowly, creating uncertainty about which operations must comply and whether seasonal or small-scale tourist activities trigger requirements
  • Implementation burden: Local governments may lack capacity or resources to monitor and enforce stormwater standards across distributed farm properties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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