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SB 6219

Promoting agritourism.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by John Braun and 18 co-sponsors

Promotes agritourism by allowing innovative zoning on farm land and on-site beer/wine sales, boosting farm income and visitor experiences.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs at 8:00 AM.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 6219

Summary of SB 6219 — Promoting Agritourism

SB 6219 is a Washington bill introduced in the 2024 Regular Session to promote agritourism by expanding how agricultural lands can be used, clarifying regulatory standards for agritourism-related activities, and creating a new license framework for alcohol sales at agritourism venues. The bill seeks to blend agricultural preservation with opportunities for on-farm experiences, value-added products, and visitor-based activities.

Key purpose and intent

  • Encourage agritourism as a complement to agricultural operations.
  • Allow innovative zoning and accessory uses on agricultural lands to support farming economies and on-site visitor activities.
  • Create a regulatory framework for alcohol sales at agritourism venues.

What changes the bill would make

1) Local land-use and zoning (Section 1; RCW 36.70A.177)

  • Counties and cities may employ innovative zoning techniques on lands designated as agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance to conserve farmland and support the agricultural economy.
  • Techniques include:
    • Agricultural zoning with limited development density and allowance for agritourism-related and other accessory uses that support agriculture.
    • Cluster zoning, large-lot zoning, quarter/quarter zoning, and sliding-scale zoning.
  • Accessory uses may include:
    • Agricultural uses (storage, distribution, marketing of regional products; value-added activities; agriculturally related experiences).
    • Nonagricultural accessory uses that are consistent with the existing agricultural use and site constraints, but not to exceed the scale of the property (e.g., restrictions on new buildings, parking, or converting more than one acre of land).
    • Commercial uses that generate supplemental income for farms and support agritourism (e.g., direct marketing, agritourism activities). These must be located within the general developed area and may not involve private events.
  • Counties and cities may limit or exclude accessory uses in areas designated as agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance.
  • Note: The section clarifies that the authority does not limit ongoing agricultural production on designated lands.

2) New provision on agricultural buildings used for agritourism (Section 2; new RCW in 19.27)

  • Agricultural buildings that are also used for agritourism purposes would not be required to meet additional commercial standards if the venue is open six months or less per year.

3) Alcohol sales at agritourism venues (Section 3; new RCW in 66.24)

  • A beer and wine license specific to agritourism venues would be established for on-premises consumption.
  • On-premises sales of beer and wine would be permitted, with off-premises sales allowed if the product is manufactured by a microbrewery or craft winery located within the state.
  • Venues must provide a plan to prevent minors from unlawfully accessing alcohol.

Who is affected

  • Local governments (counties and cities) that regulate land use on agricultural lands.
  • Farm operators and agritourism businesses seeking to host visitors, educational experiences, or value-added product activities on their property.
  • Agritourism venues contemplating on-site alcohol service or off-site sales.
  • Microbreweries and craft wineries within Washington that could supply alcohol for off-site agritourism purchases.
  • Visitors and customers engaged in agritourism activities.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Introduced: January 15, 2024.
  • Public hearing: January 23, 2024, at 8:00 AM in the Senate Committee on Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs.
  • Status: Under consideration in the Senate committee; pending further action, hearings, and potential floor debate.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Positive:
    • Expands opportunities for farmers to diversify income through agritourism and related experiences.
    • Provides regulatory clarity for accessory uses and ag-related tourism activities.
    • Creates a streamlined pathway for alcohol sales at agritourism venues, potentially boosting revenue.
  • Cautious:
    • Needs careful implementation to balance land conservation with increased development pressures.
    • Local jurisdictions may face implementation challenges in applying innovative zoning techniques consistently.
    • Alcohol licensing provisions require robust controls to prevent underage access.

This summary outlines the bill’s substantive provisions, their intended effects, and who would be affected if SB 6219 becomes law.

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

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