A zoning amendment was discussed at the Aug. 5 planning commission meeting that would require agritourism projects to follow new guidelines pertaining to the widths of aisles, driveways and parking area surfaces.
The bill’s text says that excluding curb offset, driveways shall be not less than 10 feet nor exceed 12 feet in width for one-way traffic and not less than 18 feet nor exceed 24 feet in width for two-way traffic.
10-foot wide driveways are permissible for two-way traffic when the driveway is not longer than 50 feet, it provides access to not more than six spaces, and sufficient turning space is provided so that vehicles need not back into a public street.
The new amendment would add language that would allow exemptions to the rules if the agritourism project provides 50 or fewer parking spaces.
It would also consider the scenario of when the agritourism project abuts a public road. A minimum 15-foot driveway apron must be made where the driveway connects to the public road, the road/driveway to the operation must be smooth and free of holes and dips and the parking areas must be clearly marked with adequate space for the number of expected vehicles.
All parking areas must be free of brush, long grass, litter and other trip hazards. Handicap parking spots must be clearly marked.
Brianna Bowling, of Newburg, shared her thoughts on the bill at the public hearing, saying, “Essentially this is a good draft, but it needs some more refinement.”
Bowling raised concerns about the driveway apron requirement, inconsistent language in the bill and if the cost and burden of constructing said driveways and accessible roadways would be so high that it could prevent agritourism.
She also called the rules that mandate parking areas must be free of brush, long grass, litter and trip hazards “common sense” if an agritourism project wanted higher attendance.
“There is no need to legislate common sense,” Bowling said.
Raymond Curtis of La Plata wrote in a comment, saying, “I sell commercial real estate and have dealt the hurdles of the county for years and years, so opening up something like this where commercial/recreational vehicles will be entering/exiting on a very busy state highway with a ‘residential driveway’ is irresponsible to say the least. This could open the doors to being a ‘free for all’ in the county.”
The planning commission kept the record open for 30 days on the issue and made a motion for staff to address public comments made.
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