Bill > HB0559

This bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for municipal and county regulation of agritourism activities, providing detailed definitions and requirements for local governments in Utah. The bill defines numerous types of agritourism activities, including agricultural arts centers, dude ranches, event venue rentals, farmers' markets, glamorous camping, health farms, hunting preserves, and more. Each municipality and county is required to create or amend their agritourism ordinances to include a clear definition of agritourism, a statement of purpose, a comprehensive list of permitted, prohibited, and conditional agritourism activities, and specific regulations for each activity. The bill mandates that certain activities, such as agricultural enterprise tours, educational classes, markets, petting zoos, and seasonal amusements, be designated as permitted uses on agricultural enterprises of at least one acre. Local governments are also given flexibility to establish additional requirements like setbacks, operating parameters, and permit processes, while being prohibited from imposing overly restrictive regulations that would hinder existing agricultural enterprises. The bill aims to support and standardize agritourism development across Utah, providing a clear framework for agricultural businesses to diversify their operations and engage in tourism-related activities. The new regulations will take effect on May 7, 2025, giving local governments time to prepare and implement the required ordinance changes.

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0559.html