Several zoning regulation changes aimed at increasing agritourism have been proposed by the St. Mary’s County Department of Land Use and Growth Management (LUGM).
Of the three proposals presented to the county commissioners on July 31, one was given an immediate go-ahead for a planning commission public hearing and recommendation to the county commissioners. The other two were delayed for more information.
The Maryland General Assembly during its 2012 regular session approved a bill allowing for farm breweries. According to LUGM Director Phillip Shire, their proposal mimics that new state law. Under the proposal breweries of up to 15,000 barrels per year would be allowed on land zoned Rural Preservation District (RPD).
The farm owner, under the state law and under the LUGM proposal, would be allowed to bypass the wholesaler and sell directly to retail outlets. Also allowed to accompany the brewery, according to Zoning Administrator Yvonne Chaillet, would be on-site selling of the beer as well as “incidental items” and up to 12 promotional events a year. Parking would be required.
The commissioners voted to bypass the need for a 30-day wait and a second reading and sent that proposal on to the planning commission.
Another proposal, to allow distilleries to have tours, product sampling, retail sales and events, was delayed for more information. The commissioners earlier this year voted to allow distilleries and one farmer is now going through the regulatory process to create one.
The decision to delay was prompted because distilleries are allowed in districts other than RPD and the commissioners wanted to review the potential impact on those districts.
A third proposal, to allow wineries in another zoning district, “Residential, Low-Density – Transitional (RL-T), was tabled without any discussion by the LUGM staff on the request of Commissioner Cynthia Jones (R: 1st). She said a recent community meeting on the idea raised some issues that she would like addressed by LUGM staff, although she did not elaborate.
Wineries can already have tastings, direct sales and events (similar to what is now proposed for breweries and distilleries) under existing regulations.
