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<br /> 1 Representative Graig Meyer said this year's farm bill, Senate Bill 615, called for this
<br /> 2 issue to be taken up, and he has asked to be informed when this commission will be meeting,
<br /> 3 etc.
<br /> 4 Representative Graig Meyer said commissions typically come back with
<br /> 5 recommendations, and if the study committee votes to approve those recommendations, they
<br /> 6 will become part of some bill for the next year's legislative process. He said if this can happen,
<br /> 7 there is a good chance of finding a fix.
<br /> 8 Representative Graig Meyer said the challenge will be to write the appropriate statutory
<br /> 9 language to enable the narrowing of the definition of who is eligible for agritourism businesses,
<br /> 10 without infringing on those who have valid eligibility to use their property and livelihood in this
<br /> 11 way.
<br /> 12 Representative Graig Meyer said one other issue is the significant concerns expressed
<br /> 13 by the State's Fire Marshals with these agritourism places being accountable to the fire code.
<br /> 14 He said Fire Marshals want locations to be subject to the assembly occupancy code, which
<br /> 15 requires emergency exits, sprinklers, etc.
<br /> 16 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the study commission is made up of only legislators.
<br /> 17 Graig Meyer said no, it would be made up, in equal parts, of legislators and those
<br /> 18 nominated by the legislature, mostly working in farming and forestry.
<br /> 19 John Roberts made the following PowerPoint presentation:
<br /> 20
<br /> 21 Orange County Government
<br /> 22 Agritourism
<br /> 23 Board of County Commissioners
<br /> 24 September 11, 2017
<br /> 25
<br /> 26 Introduction
<br /> 27 • Although not a traditional public hearing this meeting is presented as a forum for
<br /> 28 soliciting public input, improving communications, and developing some shared
<br /> 29 understanding about County policies and their limitations
<br /> 30 • There will be no presentation on any specific situation
<br /> 31
<br /> 32 Agritourism Defined
<br /> 33 • Agritourism is defined as "any activity carried out on a farm or ranch that allows
<br /> 34 members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes,
<br /> 35 to view or enjoy rural activities, including farming, ranching, historic, cultural, harvest-
<br /> 36 your-own activities, or natural activities and attractions."
<br /> 37
<br /> 38 Department of Agriculture
<br /> 39 • Barnyard Animals, Fiber Animals, Farm Riding Trails, Walking Trails
<br /> 40 • Camping, Bird Watching, Fishing, Hunting
<br /> 41 • Farm Bed & Breakfasts, Country Cabins, Retreats, Parties, Weddings, Honeymoons
<br /> 42 • Hay Rides, Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, Quilt Barns, Farm Craft Events
<br /> 43 • Historic Farms, Reunions, Museums, Holiday Farms, Christmas Trees
<br /> 44 • Pick Your Own Farms, Farm Roadside Stands, Nurseries, Flowers, Picnics
<br /> 45 • School Field Trips, Summer Camps, Farm Vacations
<br /> 46 • Slow Food, Dining, Vineyards, Wineries
<br /> 47
<br /> 48 Legal Issues
<br /> 49 • NC General Statute 153A-340 prohibits local governments from applying zoning
<br /> 50 regulations to bona fide farms and bona fide farm purposes including agriculture
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