2026-09-21 Agritourism Task Force

Jefferson County, West Virginia Agritourism Task Force meeting, September 22, 2026 (the meeting title lists September 21). The task force discussed amendments to the county zoning ordinance for farm markets. It approved a motion requesting a text amendment to Section 8.6 for farm markets, with language addressing location on farm land, retail floor-area compliance with state fire-code requirements, a 25-foot setback, off-street parking, and eligibility tied to the assessor’s farm-use qualification rather than a minimum acreage. Staff will work on a draft for consideration through the planning commission and county commission; the motion did not itself enact an ordinance. No contract awards, purchases, or budget allocations were identified.

The task force also began discussing rules for multi-stall farmers markets, including whether to allow them as principal permitted uses in more zoning districts instead of requiring conditional use permits in some areas. Members raised concerns about permitting burdens as well as traffic, noise, and effects on neighbors. No action was taken on the farmers-market provisions; participants emphasized getting input from farmers and market operators before advancing changes. The meeting also approved amended minutes and heard public comment recommending that local farmers be included in the process.