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HB 735

Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code; temporary tents used for agritourism purposes.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Leftwich

HB 735 modifies Virginia's fire code to adjust safety requirements for temporary tents used in farm-based tourism events, potentially reducing compliance burdens for agritourism operations.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB735)
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Bill Summary · HB 735

Legislative bill overview

HB 735 proposes modifications to Virginia's Statewide Fire Prevention Code specifically regarding temporary tents used for agritourism activities. The bill appears to create regulatory exceptions or alternative compliance pathways for these structures, which are commonly used for farm-based tourism events like weddings, festivals, and farm stays.

Why is this important

Agritourism is a growing economic sector in Virginia, and overly restrictive fire codes can increase operational costs and limit rural economic development. However, fire safety codes exist to protect public health and life safety, so carving out exceptions requires careful balance between business flexibility and genuine safety standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Fire safety vs. economic burden: Whether temporary tent exemptions or reduced standards adequately protect attendees or inappropriately lower safety thresholds for commercial activities
  • Regulatory clarity: Defining what qualifies as "agritourism" and which temporary structures are covered could create ambiguity or unequal enforcement across jurisdictions
  • Liability questions: Unclear responsibility for safety compliance between farmers/venue operators, event organizers, and local authorities if incidents occur under modified codes

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

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